cathyalmond

:smile:Hello, I live in Kitchener On Canada and have my first lap band consult on April 16/08 in Mississauga. I am 45 and am so looking forward to starting a healthy new life. Cathy

Your bio sounds exactly like mine...and I am doing it...I have had my first consult with the surgeon and now await a psych and nutritional consult before booking surgery, hopefully in mid-June. I am lucky so far no major health issues...but I am not going to wait until there are. I am 285 at 5', 45 year old wife, mother and working full-time. I need to think of me for a change...do it, it's not an easy road, but it will be worth it!!! Good Luck!! Cathy

I have not heard that either....I have heard that they are good for you and highly recommended during post-op dieting...they couldn't be healthier!!

I was told that gum is taboo, because if you swallow it, it could get stuck and would need to be surgically removed, but I always have mints handy...just don't swallow it!!

I have also decided to get the band and when I did, I started eating everything in sight, because I thought I would never get to have it again. But, when I booked my surgical consult, I changed my eating habits and cut out the sugar, fat and reduce night-time snacking and lost 7 lbs already..I figure if I start reducing portions and chewing my bites and drinking more water, it will be easier when I have to do the pre-op and post-op diet plans. It's going to be difficult regardless, losing weight is not easy, band or no band. But, the rewards are so worth it and I have decided to focus on that. There are so many things to look forward to!! Good luck!! Cathy

I agree with the other ladies...this is a lifestyle change to improve your health and quality of life, not an extreme makeover to attract a younger, better looking guy. He needs to trust you and support you and if you love each other, it will all work out. Good Luck! Cathy

Like the others have said, you need to discuss this with your doctor. I realize it seems impossible right now and you want to get back to normal...but have you given it an honest try? The post-op diet is not forever. I guess your doctor didn't see the signs of depression prior to surgery otherwise, they would have never performed it. Sorry you are not happy! Cathy

I had my surgical consult on Wed and the surgeon advised that the pre-op diet is designed to reduce the size of your liver prior to surgery, so that it is more manageable during surgery. The goal is not to lose weight, that's a bonus. My surgeon will be putting me on 4 Optifast shakes per day and non-starch veggies for snacking. That's it! So 900 calories plus veggies...I am bound to lose weight pre-op. Good luck! Cathy

Protein-eggs, cheese, protein power, shakes and protein water. I am sure your physician can recommend foods and options as well...best of luck! Cathy

Hi there, it depends on the where you are having the surgery and the clinic you have chosen. I had my first surgical consult this past Wednesday. I am hoping to have the psych and nutritional consult on May 1 or 2/08 and the Dr. said that as long as there is 2-3 weeks to do the pre-op diet..surgery can be booked fairly quickly. I am hoping for mid-June. The kids are still in school, so I can rest during the day and I will be fully recovered and on solid food by mid-August when we have our vacation planned. You could potentially go from consult to surgery day within 2-3 months!! How exciting is that! Cathy

The surgeons here in Ontario recommend two weeks of Optifast shakes, 2x daily and a lean cuisine for dinner. Good luck! Cathy

OMG! You are doing great!! Less than two months and you have lost a tremendous amt of weight, good for you!! What an inspiration! Cathy

Wow, that's fabulous....you go girl! I want to see you in this dress...once you are in it..take pics and post!!!

Don;t be too hard on yourself, this is a very tough road we are embarking on...it takes willpower and mental strength...once you have had your surgery, your body will help you make the right choices. Do the best you can and talk to your husband about how this lifestyle change for you, will affect him and how you eat in the future. Best of luck, you will do great...Cathy

I live in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, originally from Chatham New Brunswick, Canada. I have my first surgical consult on Wed. April 16/08.

I am planning the my surgery for the same period of time...I think if you have an office job you will be fine...but it will depend on pain..some have more tolerance than others. I have had many surgeries including laproscopic gallbladder surgery and took two weeks off, but will not do that this time. I have a very supportive workplace and my co-workers are like family. I think you will be fine..good luck!!

I think your sister was treated unfairly and she should reconsider flying with that airline in the future. I have flown small planes and large planes and the seats are small for a thinner person. I have to request a seatbelt extender and lift the armrests when the flight is in the air...I have never had any problems and no one has ever said anything. I chose an aisle seat and have even lifted the exterior armrest during flight to stretch into the aisle...again no one has ever said anything. I fly out of Canada on Canadian based airlines. I guess maybe our skies are friendlier??

Hi there, I have contacted a clinic in Missisauga ON and also faxed a patient questionnaire, I have my first surgical consult on Wednesday and that will be followed by a psych assessment and nutritional consult sometime in the few weeks...surgery date?? I don't know right now. My choice is for Lapband, it is not covered by OHIP or private insurance..so I am paying..there are financing options such as Medicard, you can apply on-line and approval is almost instant...I am hoping not to have to use it, but it's there if I need to. I hope all goes well for you....take care, Cathy

Hi Caterpillarfly, Getting nervous and questioning your decision is normal...I have my first consultation with a surgeon here in Ontario on Wednesday and I am nervous, excited, scared..saying what the heck am I doing? I have the support of my husband and two friends, I haven't told anyone else what I am planning until the surgery date is finalized or the procedure has been performed. I worry about having another surgery..the pain, the pre-op diet, the post-op diet, but then I see all of the posts from this forum and another forum I belong too and the successes are amazing...I want to be a success too and for me, this is the way...I know you will do fine...cold feet is totally normal...but it's the first step to the rest of a healthy lifestyle..and it's doesn't hurt that you will look hot too!!! All the best, Cathy

I don't watch the Guiding Light, but I think it's great that they are bringing WLS to the forefront. It's been a dirty little secret for so long, it's time that people wake-up and realize that it's part of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and it works!

You are right to a point, I have seen irrelevent posts that have nothing whatsoever to do with WLS...that is the garbage. However, hearing about others experiences good or bad helped me make my decision. I know what to ask my surgeon, I know what not to do (eg: chew gum) and the moral support that this forum provides is immeasurable. I would suggest that people stick the subject of WLS and leave out the garbage.

I have my first surgical consult on April 16th with the surgeon for lapband, I have read the message on this forum and the OCC forum and although it's not easy, but neither is any diet...but so worth it for extensive weight loss. I have been researching and reading everything insight and I am sure this is what I want. I have been over 200 lbs for quite awhile and have dieted all my life, so I need more than Weight Watchers, I need a life style change. I also bought a great book "Lapband for Life". You can find it on Amazon.com...it's amazing and contains everything you would ever need to know or want to know. Best of luck with your decision. If you have any questions, just ask! Cathy

Great idea!!! I could go for one of those slushies! Cathy

I know exacting what you mean, I just mentioned the possibility of considering WLS and opinions were flying. Just go back to Weight Watchers, I did it, you don't need to do something THAT drastic to lose weight, that's the easy way out...just diet! My solution, not to tell anyone. I have confided in two friends and my husband, that's it. When my surgery is done and the evidence is out there and I am not able to hide the fact that I am not eating for a week or two, I may share my decision with a certain few. It is a very personal choice and easy..not from what I have researched and heard from fellow bandsters..it's not easy at all..Weight Watchers was easy. Try not to be to hard on people who don't know any better...best of luck! Cathy

Contact the Obesity Control Centre...OCC has a forum as well, and I have heard nothing but wonderful experiences from everyone..Dr. Ortiz is the main surgeon that everyone raves about. He is in TJ and the service is amazing.