hopeinapril

Howdy All & Welcome new folk! I'm almost 24 hours into this clear liquids thing and it is tough! I am glad that I work tomorrow as it will be easier to keep my mind off my grumbling stomach. I think most of what I am dealing with is "head hunger" but it doesn't really make it any easier. Ah well, only one and 1/2 more days to go!

OMG Renee, I'm really glad you said that!!! It has only been since 9 pm last night, but it is so difficult to do this clear liquids thing. I mean I am on my second serving of jello today and it tastes good! Oh well, I keep telling myself it is only 2 days!

Hi Fenton: Actually I like the Isopure drinks. I can't have them yet though. I asked the doctor and the dietician and no Protein today or tomorrow. I will be sure to use your suggestions for when I get home from the hospital on Wednesday. (I can drink "full" liquids then) I am REALLY glad I will be at work tomorrow. Since it is my last day prior to being out for over a week, I expect to be busy. I'm sure the time will fly then! Today I will attempt to keep myself busy. Heck, I may take a few walks!

Happy Easter! Day 1 of clear fluids........OK, I bought some vegtable broth yesterday. I opened up the carton this morning and put some in a cup....oops, not clear, poured the broth back into the carton and put in the fridge. Got out the chicken broth and started again..... I am dealing with head hunger I know. There is no way that I am really hungry this early in the morning. I have had a ice pop and some Water and broth, no way is my stomach empty. OK, I am trying to keep busy and occupy my mind with other things. I'm off to catch up on some paper work. I'm sure that will keep me busy for a while. Happy Easter and here's to a healthier group of Shrinking Shamrocks!

OK, so March 25th is around the corner. Yesterday I couldn't seem to stop myself from eating!!!! Tonight at midnight I have to stop eating and then for the next 48 hours I am supposed to eat only broth, ice pops, clear soda and Water. YIKES! I know it is for my own good, but I am not looking forward to that! I think Monday will be easier because I will be at work during the day. It seems to be much easier to avoid food when I am busy. Actually, tomorrow I am doing some shopping first thing in the morning. I need to stock up on sugar free ice pops. I have heard that they are a blessing post surgery as well as they help with the sore throat thing. I am still excited, but cripes I am getting more nervous. I have avoided the post surgical boards and am staying out of the chat room. (The chat rooms seem to attract all the people who are having issues!) I am also going through the "What the heck am I am doing" phase. I mean to spend $17,500 for this is messing with my head today. I really do want to be healthy........but I guess too much thinking going on today. Well, I am ready and willing to listen to advice that anyone has.

Hi Moonshadow: Good luck! I'm toughing it out with the Clear liquids starting tomorrow.

Wow, I'm with you Karen! I am going to stay up as late as I can and sleep as long as I can on Sunday. Then I plan to have all kinds of Water bottles and such around. While I will see my son, he will be with his dad all day, so I don't have to cook. Since my surgery is on Tuesday, I am a little worried about Monday. But, since my surgery will be the next day, I am hoping to power through it. Anyone else?

Hi everyone! My surgery time on 3/25 is tentative at 9:30. They will call me on Monday and tell me for sure. I have to say that I am fighting this last supper syndrome business. I don't really want to gain any weight that I've lost! (I mean really, my jeans are beginning to fit, not look like they are strained and ready to pop!) Good luck everyone! I'll be thinking of you as I eat my Jello, Water and broth on Monday!

Good luck everyone who will be banded next week. I know the next few days will be tough. (I cannot seem to get away from the last supper syndrome! I even bought a single size serving of a treat I like to keep me from buying much more! sheesh!)

Hi Christine: I just completed my pre-op testing yesterday and I was told no eating after midnight. (My tests started at 8:45 a.m.) They did tell me that I could drink Water, but nothing else to drink. I hope that helps! Otherwise, I just LOVE how active these threads are! It is always a treat to come to the board and realize I have several pages of stuff to read! Positive thoughts to everyone getting banded today. I think we have one tomorrow and then it starts again next week. I can't wait. I am excited! My tentative surgery time is 9:30, so I am suppose to be at the hospital at 7:30. It works for me! I'd rather be one of the first patients than the last. I truly don't expect to sleep much that night. Look for me on the board in the middle of the night! Especially you night owls. (I see the times on the postings!) Well, see ya all later! :thumbup::biggrin:

I KNOW Easter will be tough! But, it will be worth it. I guess the good news is that I won't be gaining any weight by eating candy that I should not be eating! Still, it will be tough to be eating Jello while everyone else is feasting. I guess it is a preview to the rest of my life?

Hi Karen: Welcome to the group. It is soooo tough on the liquid pre-op diet. Don't be hard on yourself about the Cookies. I'd be grateful that you stopped at 2! Welcome to the group Lynn! Hi Lisa! Welcome to our little group! I know that cottage cheese sucks after a while. I have used flavors like adding dry tomato Soup. It wasn't too bad. (I'd try a little first to see if you like it). I'm glad you are writing back. It does seem like we have a lot in common. Feel free to email me privately if you want! mmh498 - The diet sucks! But, just think you will be so far ahead in the weight loss! (I wish I had more words of wisdom!) vcompton - How wonderful you were banded in October. I think that is great. You are an inspiration on how much you have lost already. Are you at your "sweet spot". Hi Moonshadow: I just love your name. I will beam positive thoughts to everyone I know is having surgery the same day. I wish everyone the best of luck. I know that Sunday and Monday are going to be tough for me. (it is the clear fluids only days!) I am thrilled to be done with the testing. I am waiting for one last clearance. (It should be coming through - there are no problems, I just chose a busy cardio!) Otherwise, it is all systems go. I am still very excited! I am also occasionally nervous. How are you all doing?

Hi Everyone! Good luck to the recent banders from Monday, today and tomorrow. I went through my pre-op testing this morning. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had already done most of the work. I only had to give a little blood, go through volumes of paperwork and talk to the anestesiaologist. (Yes, I know I spelled that wrong!) OK, now I am trying to avoid "last supper syndrome". I am on no real diet (other than 1600 calories a day) until Saturday night. Sunday and Monday I have to do Clear Liquids only. I am trying to avoid anything that will persuade me to "cheat". YIKES! It is also becoming more real for me. Gosh I have less than a week and I will be banded. I am really having a hard time sleeping! I am looking forward to the time off. (I am taking a little over a week). Ok, that is enough for now.

Hi Tricia: I believe that some of the unjury products do not have artificial sweetners, especially the one with no flavor and quite possibly the chicken soup.

Hi Busy: The lady at the pre-op place told me that I could have a sip of water to take my vitamins. I guess if you are not around anything to drink it would be easier. I guess I should be thankful that my testing starts so early? Hi Bandme08: COOL! I am really excited that it will be a new beginning!

Hi Moonshadow! love the name! welcome to our group! Busy: Yep, I was told no food and nothing to drink after midnight, but then my appointment is at 8:45 am. I don't know if it makes a difference that your appointment is in the afternoon. I actually called them Friday to clarify because I thought they said no food only. I wanted to be sure that I couldn't drink water because I drink a lot of water. Welcome My Band and Lori! I love this board. It is so wonderful to be able to "talk" to all the folks who are getting banded around the same time! Good luck everyone! I hope next week goes quickly!

Dori50 - not drinking with meals is tough, but you can change that habit. I am being banded in about 10 days and that is one of the things I have been working on for a few weeks. I'd start by cutting down on the amount you drink at meals. Maybe use a smaller glass. Then allow yourself to drink as much as you want about 1/2 hour after you eat. It becomes much easier!!! Jen01 - come over to the thread under support groups, March 2008. It is a very active thread and many folks there have already been banded and are very supportive! You are doing something for you and your health!!

Hi Everyone! Hi Lynn: Yep, I hijacked the life class recipes.....Since I have tested quite a few and they were pretty good I wanted to share! Duke: To get the "shrinking shamrock" pictures, just right click on the one you like, then go to edit signature at the upper right hand portion of this page and paste into your signature. As far as the tickers, click on one of the various ones and it will open a new window on your computer. Follow the directions and you will want to paste the gobblegook at the end to your signature. Let me know if you need more detailed instructions. Pre-op testing - I was told by the hospital it would take 3 hours. I have already had the upper GI test and chest x-ray. I'm taking the x-ray with me. I may call the doctor's office and ask for a copy of the upper GI report. They did tell me no food or anything to drink after midnight. The upper GI wasn't pleasant so I hope I don't have to do that again. (****WARNING TMI!**** nobody warned me about the albino poop!) I guess I'll have to do the EKG again, which was no big deal and they will draw blood. I was just trying to find out if there was anything else. Thanks everyone for the information! Nadian: Sorry to hear that it is so tough on you. I am sure that some of the folks who are already banded will come up with some suggestions for you.

Hi Duke! Too funny! I have the same feeling about the scale now. I've never been weighed so much in 8 weeks. I used to dread getting on the scale, but now I am over that! I have my pre-op stuff on Tuesday as well. I'm with you on being excited to see a bunch of medical folks. Good luck Tuesday!

I think it depends on the doctors/group. Our group of doctors requires only that you do 2 days pre-op of clear liquids. They believe that this is enough time to get your liver smaller. I think they also believe that it is a short enough time that anyone should be able to do it.

Oh, I forgot one to be too thin to buy anything at Lane Bryant

Hi Chica: I'm not banded yet, but I have tried crystal light with unflavored unjury. It has a lot of Protein and would seem to take care of adressing both issues.

Fenton: You are too funny! I have 2 cats and they wouldn't read the sign even if they could read. They ignore the Water that I squirt on them at times! I am also slightly concerned about my one cat as sometimes she seems to live on my lap! I always enjoy reading your posts. I hope you can make the recipes work, I'd change the milk/protein to your shake and add the rest. I have to admit that some of them taste pretty good. OK, I am getting ready for 3 hours of pre-op testing and such on Tuesday. I have no idea what I am in for......anyone want to share?

Congrats! I am being banded on 3/25, which is a 7 day, what does that mean?

Hi Busywoman: I have pre-op Tuesday. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight monday. I am scheduled to be there for 3 hours. I have no idea what they will be doing for 3 hours???? I know that they take blood and you speak with the anestisologist. (ok, I am sure I spelled that incorrectly!) I figured it was one of those hurry up and wait things. Do you know what pre-op testing entails? Hi Duke! Welcome. You should come over to the Support group section and look for March, 2008 bandsters. We have a bunch of threads and I think there are a few of us who are being banded that date. There are a few who have already gone through it. it is a pretty diverse group!