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Thanks Guys, you're awesome! I have not cheated... I can't focus on anything else, so time is going by REALLY slowly, but I've read through this entire site, scared myself straight and am drinking only Endura and Water. I start full liquids on Wednesday, so only one and a half days left to go!!!!! :rolleyes2: Thanks for alll of the help and support. I can't WAIT to start the real work and finish the recovery stage!

I am a 27 year old, professional, smart, funny and newly engaged, overweight woman. I think you're approaching this ALL wrong. First off, you are a commodity! You aren't just sitting around waiting to be picked, hoping not to be last, this isn't dodgeball in elementary school! You are exactly what men are looking for! Do you know how hard it is to find a funny, lighthearted, successful, beautiful woman that's open to love in this world? Take a look around and rate a few of the woman you know... I bet you'll find that you have a lot more to offer than most of them. WORK IT! Be proud of it! Flaunt it!!! I personally attribute a large part of my personality to being overweight and I feel it's helped me throughout my life. It's built my career, my social circle, and my personal relationships. I'm so happy and proud to have gone through what I have with my weight and developed into the person I am today. I used to go out for a night on the town with friends and claim that I could "steal" away men that would come talk to us. Yes, the skinny girls would reel them in, but time and time again, my personality proved more enticing to these men than anyone else I was with.... why? Because men don't want a run of the mill woman. My dad always used to say to me, "why do you want to be skinny? Skinny girls are a dime a dozen?" haha... I don't know why, but it stuck with me... Anywho, a million people can tell you to be proud of yourself, and be confident, but it's going to come from you. Nothing we say will change that. Consider though, people like Star Jones, Delta Burke, Ricki Lake, Anna Nicole Smith, Liv Tyler, Tyra Banks (now, not before), Oprah, and all of the other women who have battled weight for so long yet managed to remain successful and in healthy relationships. LET IT GO... fat isn't your only attribute - never has been, never will be. The next time yo go out, pretend you're someone else for the evening and play the character... pretend you're Marilyn Monroe for the whole night and act like her. You might be suprised at the response you receive... sometimes we have to pretend to be someone else, to understand who we are on the inside....

The only person I didn't tell beforehand is my Mom, because I didn't want her to worry about me. But, I find that the more people I tell, the more accountable I become. I think in my mind I know people are looking at me, watching to see me gain or lose weight and therefore, I can't "pig out" in front of them. Then, once I lose the weight (which I will), I'll be a great example for the surgery, hopefully inspiring someone else who is looking for an answer to their weight problems. That's my ideal goal.... until then, I'll probably regret telling the world on those days when I just want to be bad! Either way, do whatever you think is going to create a strong support structure around you.

Love, They will offer it to you as soon as you get to the clinic on surgery day. I think the Endura is $30ish dollars and the Bariatric Meal Replacement is $59ish... all together I spent $96 on food at the clinic. I got the lemon lime flavoured Endura (it tastes better than I expect the orange would taste) and the Dutch chocolate Bariatric meal replacement (I don't try that until Wednesday when I move to full fluids). They will also offer you the Metagenics Multivitamins. I don't know how much they cost because I didn't get them. My fiance had the gastric bypass a couple years ago and he uses chewable Flintstone Vitamins. So, that's what I'm using for now. They didn't seem too concerned that I wanted to use a different Multivitamin. Are you getting excited about the surgery yet? I had mine done on Friday and I have felt pretty good since about day 2. No real pain, the only thing that's been bothersome is the gas pain. It's not completely gone yet, but just about. Day one and two were pretty bad for gas, but I'm on day 4 now, and it's really only coming once every couple of hours for a few seconds. My last Demerol was taken the morning of Day 3. I took it religiously every four hours for the first two days, just in case! But, yesterday I didn't want to be out of it, so I didn't take one after my first one in the morning and I've been absolutely fine. I even slept on my side last night!! Make sure whoever you go with asks questions and gets the right information about aftercare. When I was still out of it recovering after surgery, the nurse came and explained everything to me that I needed to know about going home and aftercare... I absorbed nothing and passed right back out! Thank Goodness my fiance asked all of those questions before he took me home. I only had him here on Day 2, then he had to leave for a business trip, so I've been alone since then. I'm very happy I went through TLBC. They seem to have done a great job, gave me the "good drugs" and made the entire process REALLY easy. I feel silly for worrying so much for nothing beforehand!!! Wasted energy!!! Good luck!!! Keep me posted on your progress!

My clear fluids diet includes two glasses of Endura per day. It restores your electrolytes and helps rehydrate you (like gatorade, but tastes WAY worse - in my opinion). I couldn't find it in any stores where I live, but the clinic where I was banded (TLBC) sells it. Oh, and they feed it to seniors daily too. I got a kick out of that... really, those seniors, they're the smartest eaters on the planet, I tell you.... we should all just copy what they do.

I know this will sound crazy, but it's what works for me. My name is Elizabeth and since it has so many nicknames, I go by a different name depending on the stages of my life... I was Beth as a child, Lizzy when I played sports, Liz when I was partying in high school /university and Elizabeth when I started my career. It's just a name, but for some reason, when I conciously introduced myself as something different, the person I wanted to be at the time would automatically attach to the name. It allowed me to be who I wanted at the time.... My plan is, when I loose all of the weight, I'll start going by Betty and start fresh again. I'm saving that as my skinny name. Again, I know it sounds crazy, but for some reason, it works for me!

Alrighty, it's day 3. I feel incredble! Gas pains are almost all gone (they were the worst) and only one of the incisions hurt on and off. I haven't taken any drugs since this morning (I'm trying to get off of them by tomorrow so I can return to work soon). But, the hunger is getting WORSE. I'm doing the broth, Water and juice thingm but I honestly do not know if I'm going to make it to Wednesday. I think I'll call the clinic tomorrow and ask if I can bump up my full Fluid phase... I fear if I don't, I will end up cheating and damaging the band. Did anyone have gurgling like gas moving through their belly after the surgery? Not painful, but weird feeling? Or hunger growls?

Hey All, I'm three days post surgery, on a clear liquid diest that's supposed to last until Wednesday. I was STARVING on the pre-op diet, close to passing out due to lack of nutrition on the day of the surgery, and I've been super hungry since... I don't know how to handle it! The broth is just not floating my boat. I could drink three litres of it and not be the slightest bit full. Any suggestions?

Well, at this point, the wrod is on the street (or in the church, in your case). It can't be taken back and it is what it is. Your concerns are all valid. I didn't even tell my mom I was getting it done until last night when I got home because I just didn't want her worrying about me. the only people who knew were my sister and my fiance. It was just easier that way. HOWEVER, I have found in the past that the more people that know I'm dieting, the more accountable I become. Think of the positives of the situation now, since you can't change what happened. You know have an entire cheering squad in this church group. You're accountable to yourself and if it's important to you to become thinner before seeing them again, this should prove to be a great motivator. Just remember to sew your stepmother's mouth shut the next time you see her!!! Good luck and don't worry too much about it...

Alrighty, I've been banded, as of yesterday. I'm taking Demerol and Gravol every four hours, not because I'm in pain, but just in case! I actually have had little to no discomfort so far. I'm walking around, sitting in different positions, I slept through the night, it's all been good so far. BUT, I'm SO hungry! I'm on clear fluids until Wednesday, then full fluids and I don't know if I can do it. I'm scared to stray off of the diet, because I don't want to harm the band. On the other hand, I found myself sucking on a cookie an hour ago... then I felt horrible for doing it. Now I'm terrified I've screwed something up. Geesh! I'll be happy when recovery is over and done with! Anyone have tips for getting through this time?

I was banded yesterday and the only thing I feel is HUNGRY! I don't cook, so for the 7 day pre-op I just had 24oz. of yogourt and nothing else each day. I lost over 20lbs. before the surgery and yesterday I ate nothing, and only one ounce of water every hour after the surgery. Today I've moved up to chicken broth and Endura, but I'm SOOOO hungry. I don't know if I'm really supposed to be hungry this early in the game... were you?

I start full fluids on Wednesday and my diet includes either fat free yogurt or cottage cheese, so you should be fine... I also have strained cream soups on the list. Have you tried that instead?

Cindy, thanks for the note. You hit the nail on the head. Based on EVERYTHING I've read, I am confident I've selected the best clinic for me and will be in good hands. This is why I will not switch clinics or make a big fuss. In the big picture, $1,000 is NOT a make it or break it amount for me. I know this is all worth it...

My fiance thinks me getting it all overwith at the same time is a gift from God! I never thought of the extra strong drugs. This might turn out to be my best period yet! The first one ever without cramps! Thanks Ladies! I'm looking forward to the stretchy undies, fluffy pad, hard drugs and happy fiance.... oh yeah, and the band! WHOO HOO!

Hello My friends, I appreciate ALL of the comments on the topic. I am getting banded tomorrow at the TLBC. As I've stated from the beginning, I have no doubts that I'm making the right decision and the cost is not impacting my decision. BUT, I am a rational person... my logic is going to kick in, regardless of my final decision. So, I checked with the clinic about the Psych fee. I was right, I didn't get a psych evaluation... but I did get charged the $1,000 for it. The clinic informed me that they are going to be putting that service into effect in the future, but they'll invite me to a seminar with the Psychologist after surgery... so, I guess I'm paying $1,000 for the optional post surgery seminar. Do you guys get my issue here? It has nothing to do with having the surgery. I'm having the surgery no matter what. It has to do with the exploitation of those in a desperate state. I'd pay anything for the surgery, as would most people on this site. It's obviously known that my state is the state of many, and it's being taken advantage of by those that can by charging for services not being provided (which, by the way, is illegal). Unfortunately, it's sad, but true. Still, I'm getting banded tomorrow, can't wait! I'll deal with the money issue AFTER the surgery... there's NO WAY I'm pissin off anyone in the clinic BEFORE the surgery!!!! hahaha Thanks for all of the concern, guys!

Susan, thank you for this honest post. I'm getting banded tomorrow and I needed to read this post. I have to set my expectations for this to be successful and I don't think I'd fully convinced myself that this surgery is not "magic" until I read your posting. My fiance had a full gastric surgery before I met him and has somewhat inspired me to get banded based on his experience (he lost over 150lbs...). BUT, he has about 50lbs. left to go (which he's held on to for two years) and keeps telling me the surgery is not the answer, he's got to work at it, it's just a tool in the process. I didn't fully believe him until I read your post. I needed to hear it from someone who admittedly fell off the wagon, "cheated" the system and is starting over. Because you're describing EXACTLY what someone who hasn't been banded would write, indicating to me that the feelings will remain, if I don't take this seriously and do it as a full lifestyle change. I read this just in the nick of time - Thank you Susan.

Hi, I'm getting banded tomorrow and I got my "little friend" today... can you tell me if you would have re-scheduled based on that if you were going to do it again? Was it hard to manage it while in pain the days after? Sorry, I'm really worried about it, so I had to ask...

since you're all banded, and talking about your TOM, I have to ask another question.... I have my surgery tomorrow and I got my little friend tonight. Lucky, lucky me.... the clinic said to just wear panties during the operation and it'll be fine, but I'm worried about afterwards... since you guys have been through it and I have an audience willing to discuss it.... do you think I'll be in too much pain to "manage" it the couple days after the surgery? If you had to do it all again and had your little friend along for the ride, would you re-schedule?

To gain a little perspective, have a read through the Canadian discussions... we ALL are self pay (our healthcare system & insurance will not cover it, ever) and I think you'll find that an overwhelming number of Canadians agree it's money well spent. Compare the cost to the amount you've spent on dieting (programs, special foods, gym memberships, etc.) and larger amounts of food over the last couple of years... you might find this isn't that big of an investment afterall!

You're probably right about the post op fee. I'll have to ask about the Psych Fee (but I have a feeling it will quickly become an outdated document that should have said "consultation fee" when I ask!)... sorry, I'm a little pessimistic when it comes to paying for these types of things... I truly think it should be covered by that health care system I pay into every year, hence the negative energy. Other than money, I'm FULL STEAM AHEAD with positive energy around the surgery!!!! Can't wait, so excited and looking forward to dealing with this once and for all! It truly is a SMALL price to pay!

*LOVE* - I'm at work, so I'm trying to answer your q's quickly. Let me know if you have any clarification questions! Here goes: What was in the pre-op package? (nutritional info, billing breakdown, blood work sheet, etc.) What forms did you get? (just the bllod work sheet, credit medical financing application and billing breakdown. The rest was a package on the risks and info on dietary choices pre and post op) Does your family doctor have to fill anything out? (my family doctor was not asked to fill anything out and probably wouldn't as she doesn't support weight loss surgery) When will you have the psyc exam or was that part of the consultation? If that is the case, Kathy didn't really ask me anything. What is the $1000 all about? (the psych exam was apparently meeting Kathy, since I have the surgery on Friday and no one's contacted me about anything other than payment! Kathy asked me a lot of questions about my engagement ring, but that's about it - maybe that was my psych exam!! You'll see in your billing breakdown the Psych Exam is $1,000, but it still all totals $18,000) I was told the $18,000 included everything. (it does) I am surprised you are getting that quick. Somewhere I read, or was told the lab work had to be done a month before. (the lab work really only takes 1 business day. I did mine Friday morning and was contacted by TLBC this morning with the results - all good to go!!!! So, I think they want the work done within a month so that it's a recent snapshot of your health. I know at other places, your ECG and Bloodwork expire monthly for this reason.) I wish you an easy surgery & I look forward to hearing all the details. (Thanks, and YOU TOO!)

Well, I must ask then, why did I get charged $1,000 for a psychological assesment from the TLBC, if they haven't even implemented it yet? The only person I met was Kathy. It's great that she attends courses and I do feel she's knowledgable on the topic, but I question if she's capable of determining my psychological readiness for the surgery and more over, if she's eligible to charge me $1,000 for the assessment. That's all I'm saying. I'm still getting the surgery, still going through the TLBC and still confident it's the best thing for me, I just think it's a bit of a cash grab, charging me for services they didn't even perform. I also find it SHOCKING that the post op care costs more than the band itself!!!! $6,000 for post op support? That's pretty high, considering the surgery only costs $5,000 and the band only costs $5,000. And what traditionally costs the most, the anethesist (sp??? I have no clue how to spell the name of the guy that knocks you out), only costs $1,000!!!! It's just all a little off to me. Still, regardless of where they allocate the $$$, it's $18,000 overall and that's what I expected to pay for the entire surgery, so that's what I'll pay.

I called TLBC on a Tuesday, they sent me the consultation forms that same day and booked me for a face to face consult with Kathy two days later. At the consult, Kathy took my $2500 deposit and offered me a surgery date a week from Thursday. Now that's fast... I ended up booking the surgery two weeks out from my original consultation date (by choice, not because they couldn't accomodate the 7 day timeframe). I did my tests a couple of days ago (last Friday) and they should arrive at the clinic by Tuesday. Just so you know, if the clinic decides you're not eligible for the surgery, your deposit is refunded. I asked Kathy about that and it's stated in the pre-op package (the billing information sheet). So, within two weeks, I filled out my forms, had my consult (it amazes me that I'm paying $1,000 for a psychological assesment that from what I can see is a 30 minute initial consult with an uncertified "bandster"), scrounged up $18,000 which I will not be paying until the day before the surgery, booked my surgery and began my pre op liquid diet. Yeah, you could say they move pretty fast! But, I make quick decisions, so it works in my favour (I have the, it's now or never mentality). I can see how it might put someone else off. I'll tell you, the only thing I've been uneasy about up to this point is that there's a bit of a "sales pitch" involved in the initial consult, but I guess that's to be expected for an elective surgery. Also, I thought it was weird that Kathy slashed my pre op diet from 10 days to 7 days, in a rather laid back sort of way, as if it really wasn't important. I guess I just don't understand what her level of knowledge is from a medical perspective to be making those kinds of decisions. I thought she was just a former patient who's made a career of the whole thing... but she's changed my pre-op diet and I guess assessed mental readiness, so I'm probably wrong. Good Luck if you decide to pursue the Lap Band - and wish me luck on Friday's accelerated surgery!