Clementine

I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow, so today was my seventh (and final) day of liquids pre-op. I really felt that the second day was the hardest. If you can get past that I think you'll find it isn't impossible. Remember, you will be on all liquids after surgery anyway, so either way you can't avoid a liquid diet at least for a few weeks. Warm broth was helpful, as were Slim Fast shakes. (I had one per day.) I also stayed away from regular jell-o and popsicles because the sugar in them gave me major cravings. I stuck with the sugar free ones (despite the icky aftertaste!) You are so worth this!!!! It isn't impossible!!! We are all rooting for you!!! Just get eight hours under your belt, then stretch that to one day, then stretch that the two days, and before you know it you're half way there. At that point, if you are like me, it isn't worth cheating because you KNOW you can make it. Get extra rest. I'm a major night owl, but I was my most hungry at night this past week, so I just went to bed early. It was kind of nice. I never have that luxury! Be good to yourself this week. Liquids are hard. If you need to watch TV to occupy your mind or do something else that you normally wouldn't do, give yourself permission. If you think you are going to cheat, physically LEAVE THE KITCHEN. Go fold laundry, take a walk, play with the dog, whatever. If you can resist the temptation for thirty minutes, then maybe it will pass. My last trick............I can't believe I'm confessing this one because I admit it is quite lame. I brushed my teeth constantly. When my mouth feels nice and clean I feel less like eating. Okay, I'm wierd. Good Luck!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!! If I can make it through seven days ANYONE can. I love food!!!

I really appreciate everyone taking time to post! I spent some time on other sites that downplayed the success of the band and it had me feeling discouraged. After further reading and being inspired on this site I now know that losing ANY amount is just as possible with the band as any other WLS. I'm glad that those of you who have had big losses still take the time to visit and post here. It is so encouraging to those of us just starting out. I think it proves that long term motivation is the key to ANY weight loss strategy. If you are still interested and involved enough one or two (or more!) years out to visit here and post, then of course you're doing GREAT! Looking forward to jumping on the BANDwagon this Friday during surgery!

November 4th for me, with Dr. Jayaceelan. Can't wait!

Becky, You are fantastic!!! I dream and dream and dream of what a one hundred pound loss will someday feel like! I am scheduled to be banded this Friday in Dallas by your same doctor. I came to these boards because the last few days I've really been second guessing my decision. I really want to have bypass, but my husband isn't supportive of that because of the risks. We've compromised on the band. I've been getting disappointed because so much of my reading shows slow loss and eventual regain with the band. I have 150 pounds to lose, so I'm in for a loooong haul. I'm so pleased that I read your post. You've inspired me greatly!! I don't know that I can accomplish what you did, but just knowing that YOU did it and that it CAN be done is so helpful to me. And we have the same doctor to boot! I'm so very, very happy for your success. Thanks for sharing! B.