CMTurner

Congrats! I remember that feeling. I am so excited for you. Can't wait to hear from you when you are like me (4 days from surgery Yea me!). You might drop more than the phone. LOL. Keep us informed on your surgery date.

I am taking/wearing a sports bra. But one that hooks not one I have to try and get on over my head. Can you believe it? Just 5 more days and we should all be back home from surgery (or possibly still at hospital being watched over) but we will probably all be about passed out from taking a dose of pain meds and trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in. LOL Who would of thought that sounded like something to look forward to huh??? My DH says if I am not feeling better by Wednesday morning, he won't take me to the hospital. Well I plan on feeling so much better but, he doesn't know.....I think I would take some Dayquil or something to ease the stuffed & runny at the same time nose and hope to not sneeze or cough until recovery and just have to drive myself there. But I won't have to because I plan on feeling like I was never even sick by then. Getting ready to take Nyquil and head to bed so I can get some extra rest now.

Hey all - Yea the 29th is closing in. I am going to store for a few more things and for oj and chicken noodle soup to knock this cold out before wednesday. I would think the underwire bra would be uncomfortable at least for a while after surgery depending on where your incisions are. I will be thinking healthy good thoughts for us all on the 29th. I wouldn't think they would bill you at the time of your surgery since they won't know what part of your out-of-pocket maximum you have met for the year until they bill the insurance. Go to get my stitches out of my back on Monday just to be cut open again on Wednesday. But its all for a good cause. Yea Us!

wvgal - I am packing a small bag (pj's, toothbrush, deodorant, chapstick, etc) just in case. You know if you don't take it you might end up needing it. I am just excited! I am also hoping the shot in the buttocks and z-pac get totally rid of this dang cold before next Wednesday. gracie - my pre-op diet is very specific to nothing red the day before surgery. even so far as to type in all caps NO RED Jello. I am assuming there is a super good reason. I personally think because red tends to stain. Haven't you ever sucked on a red cough drop and then ended up coughing some phlegm up and it is all red plus if, God forbid, they were to nick something while disecting out your stomach to put the band around it might look like blood if there happened to still be anything in your stomach. Anyways, I am sure they have a good reason. LOL Well Good Luck to us all. Thinking good thoughts for us all.

OK Gotta Vent a Little Surgeon's office called back and told me to call PCP. I did and they were able to work me in this afternoon at 2:15. I love them for this. But I was checked over and she said she was gonna give me a shot and a z-pac. Yea! That way all good for surgery in 1 week!!! I think they had something other than antibiotics in the syringe or that girl jabbed me in a wrong spot. It frickin' hurts! By the time I drove home I had a pain into my hip joint and like little fingers of pain up and over to my spine. OUCH! Now that I took some tylenol and laid down and got off that hip it is feeling better but still tender. Ok Now I feel better. LOL Hope everyone else is having a very uneventful time leading up to our surgeries. Good luck all and best wishes!

Heather - Super! So glad you are doing great. I'm getting so excited. Bad thing is I am starting to get a little tickle in the back of my throat. Ugh! Guess I am gonna call surgeon's office today and see what I need to do. Continued good luck to all.

Babe - WOW. Congrats. Lucky you having just 1 week of pre-op diet. LOL Good Luck!

Yea Us! One week from tomorrow, most of us will be up and walking the hallways waiting for our surgeon's to release us to go home asap. Others will be the very next day. I am soooo excited. I am doing well on my pre-op diet but last night I was about to punch my DH. The day before he asked me to grab him some fast food while I was out getting a few more things for my diet which wasn't too bad as Big Mac's are not a favorite of mine but, last night he went to Steak and Shake and it smelled so damn good and I had just seen a commercial for their hand mixed shakes. Ahhhhh was pretty much torture.....on top of he was just getting on my nerves being lazy and stuff. LOL Like that should surprise me much. Ok back to being one week from tomorrow. We are all gonna be so much healthier before you know it. I am even looking forward to the holidays this year. Good luck all.

Vaseline. Let it sit for a bit to release the adhesive. Plus my dermatologist requires it for my incisions after having places removed to check for cancer and once cancer is removed so it is safe even if you get it on the incision. Plus it leaves your skin nice and soft. LOL Good luck and Congrats on your band.

Here is the Liver Shrink Diet my Surgeon and Nutritionist gave me to follow pre-op: Liver Shrink Diet Remember: Vegetables ar unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, beans, and peas. Breakfast Protein Shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4 oz low-fat yogurt) Lunch Protein Bar (220 calories of less and 10g or less of fat) or Shake Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you have Diabetes) Dinner 3 oz meat (lean) - The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you are Diabetic) (You may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL!!!!!!!! Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, Sugar-free Kool-Aid, Water Follow This 1 Day Prior To Surgery: Clear liquids only including Jello, broth, juice, and any beverages listed above. Jello can be congealed, but do not put fruit in it it. (NO RED JELLO) & NOTHING TO EAT PAST MIDNIGHT (of course). This is just what my surgeon and nutritionist gave me. Of course everyone's seems different but I just thought I would give you something to go on.

Michelle - I have a copy of the liver shrink diet I was given by my surgeon and nutritionist to follow two weeks prior to surgery. It is on my blog thingy on here so feel free to look at it if you want. RM is right, find out what your doctor's requirements are. Good luck.

I went ahead and posted the Liver Shrink Diet and the info I received regarding post op diet including timing and phases of food and some nutritional guidelines that went along with them under my blog thingy so feel free to look at that and use (or not) that information. Good luck all. 11 days til surgery. Whoohooo.

mvane - I am on a liver shrink diet (not total liquids) I have posted it and what I was given regarding post op diet/ timing of food stages on my blog thingy. I will be thinking of you on the 29th and am sure we will all be posting our success stories before you know it. Good luck.

After Surgery Days 1-2 Clear Liquids 32-64 oz/day sip.....sip....sip Stop When Full! Day 2 Start protein shake 50-70 grams protein/day Start taking Flinstones Chewable Complete daily. Day 3-14 Pureed Diet Low-fat, no sugar added Avoid liquids with foods Drink 48-64 oz fluid daily Take 1200 mg calcium supplement daily Remember: Eat until comfortable, NOT FULL! Chew well Eat Protein First Excercise Daily Try one new food at a time Only eat when hungry (I know BIGGIE) Eat slowly No carbonation AFTER ADJUSTMENT Days 1-2 Liquids Only Jello, low calorie juice, broth, skim milk, or Lactaid, Crystal Light, SF Kool-Aid Days 2-3 Pureed Diet Avoid Liquids with Meals Chew.....Chew.....Chew Ex: scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, applesauce, yogurt, SF pudding, cooked vegetables (except asparagus, corn, celery), soft fruits (no skin), oatmeal. Days 4 and After Soft Foods Baked fish, tuna (fat-free mayo ONLY), toast, crackers, small amounts of well cooked rice/pasta, peanut butter, baked turkey, chicken (may need to moisten with fat-free chicken broth). Remember: Get 50-70 grams of Protein and 48-64 oz fulid daily. Liquids will not satisfy hunger. Drink 1 hr before and after meals. Nutrition Guidelines for Lap Band Patients Pureed Consistency - First 2 Weeks Post Surgery - light yogurt, sf pudding, applesauce, cottage, cheese, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pureed skinless chickem or fish, protein shakes - begin taking 2 chewable Flintstones vitamins daily - Begin taking Calcium supplements (600mg twice a day) our bodies can only take in so much at a time. Protein Make sure you get 75-100 grams protein daily. Foods to Avoid High caloric foods and drinks, syrups, cakes, honey, jam, chips, pies, pastries, (you know all the crap that got us fat in the first place LOL) Common Food Problems Dried fruits, asparagus, pineapple, corn, popcorn, grapes, nuts, seeds, carbonated beverages, dry meat, shrimp, untoasted and doughy bread, pasta, rice, peanut butter, coconut... When Solid Foods are Incorporated Eat 3 small meals per day Eat slowly and chew thoroughly Stop eating when you feel full Do NOT drink when you eat Do NOT eat between meals Avoid fibrous foods Limit to a maximum of 2 cups skim milk or yogurt/day and 1 oz cheese/day Restrict use of fat to 3-4 tsp. margarine, butter, or oil/day. Use fat-free salad dressings. Drink 64 oz of fluid daily between meals. Avoid drinks with calories Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. After Each Adjustment Follow liquid diet for the first day after each adjustment (no acidic juices) Chew everything well Follow pureed diet for 2-3 days following adjsutment then advance to solid soft foods as tolerated. These are not necessarily "Rules" just guidelines. I am posting them so people who were not given info can see the basics and people can compare to guidelines they may have been given. As we all know what works for one does not work for all. GOOD LUCK to you all in your weight loss journies.

After Surgery Days 1-2 Clear Liquids 32-64 oz/day sip.....sip....sip Stop When Full! Day 2 Start protein shake 50-70 grams protein/day Start taking Flinstones Chewable Complete daily. Day 3-14 Pureed Diet Low-fat, no sugar added Avoid liquids with foods Drink 48-64 oz fluid daily Take 1200 mg calcium supplement daily Remember: Eat until comfortable, NOT FULL! Chew well Eat Protein First Excercise Daily Try one new food at a time Only eat when hungry (I know BIGGIE) Eat slowly No carbonation AFTER ADJUSTMENT Days 1-2 Liquids Only Jello, low calorie juice, broth, skim milk, or Lactaid, Crystal Light, SF Kool-Aid Days 2-3 Pureed Diet Avoid Liquids with Meals Chew.....Chew.....Chew Ex: scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, applesauce, yogurt, SF pudding, cooked vegetables (except asparagus, corn, celery), soft fruits (no skin), oatmeal. Days 4 and After Soft Foods Baked fish, tuna (fat-free mayo ONLY), toast, crackers, small amounts of well cooked rice/pasta, peanut butter, baked turkey, chicken (may need to moisten with fat-free chicken broth). Remember: Get 50-70 grams of Protein and 48-64 oz fulid daily. Liquids will not satisfy hunger. Drink 1 hr before and after meals. Nutrition Guidelines for Lap Band Patients Pureed Consistency - First 2 Weeks Post Surgery - light yogurt, sf pudding, applesauce, cottage, cheese, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pureed skinless chickem or fish, protein shakes - begin taking 2 chewable Flintstones vitamins daily - Begin taking Calcium supplements (600mg twice a day) our bodies can only take in so much at a time. Protein Make sure you get 75-100 grams protein daily. Foods to Avoid High caloric foods and drinks, syrups, cakes, honey, jam, chips, pies, pastries, (you know all the crap that got us fat in the first place LOL) Common Food Problems Dried fruits, asparagus, pineapple, corn, popcorn, grapes, nuts, seeds, carbonated beverages, dry meat, shrimp, untoasted and doughy bread, pasta, rice, peanut butter, coconut... When Solid Foods are Incorporated Eat 3 small meals per day Eat slowly and chew thoroughly Stop eating when you feel full Do NOT drink when you eat Do NOT eat between meals Avoid fibrous foods Limit to a maximum of 2 cups skim milk or yogurt/day and 1 oz cheese/day Restrict use of fat to 3-4 tsp. margarine, butter, or oil/day. Use fat-free salad dressings. Drink 64 oz of fluid daily between meals. Avoid drinks with calories Exercise at least 30 minutes daily. After Each Adjustment Follow liquid diet for the first day after each adjustment (no acidic juices) Chew everything well Follow pureed diet for 2-3 days following adjsutment then advance to solid soft foods as tolerated. These are not necessarily "Rules" just guidelines. I am posting them so people who were not given info can see the basics and people can compare to guidelines they may have been given. As we all know what works for one does not work for all. GOOD LUCK to you all in your weight loss journies.

Here is the Liver Shrink Diet my Surgeon and Nutritionist gave me to follow pre-op: Liver Shrink Diet Remember: Vegetables ar unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, beans, and peas. Breakfast Protein Shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4 oz low-fat yogurt) Lunch Protein Bar (220 calories of less and 10g or less of fat) or Shake Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you have Diabetes) Dinner 3 oz meat (lean) - The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you are Diabetic) (You may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL!!!!!!!! Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, Sugar-free Kool-Aid, Water Follow This 1 Day Prior To Surgery: Clear liquids only including Jello, broth, juice, and any beverages listed above. Jello can be congealed, but do not put fruit in it it. (NO RED JELLO) & NOTHING TO EAT PAST MIDNIGHT (of course). This is just what my surgeon and nutritionist gave me. Of course everyone's seems different but I just thought I would give you something to go on.

Ok all. I went ahead and typed up my copy of the Liver Shrink Diet I received from the nutritionist and surgeon so it was readable. Liver Shrink Diet Remember: Vegetables ar unlimited on this diet. (except potatoes, corn, Beans, and peas. Breakfast Protein shake or Protein Bar (You may use any shake as long as it has 220 or less calories and 10g or less fat/serving) Mid Morning Snack 1 small piece of fruit (if you have Diabetes add 4 oz low-fat yogurt) lunch Protein Bar (220 calories of less and 10g or less of fat) or Shake Mid Afternoon Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you have Diabetes) dinner 3 oz meat (lean) - The size of a deck of cards steamed vegetables or salad with Fat-free salad dressing 6 unsalted crackers or 2 slices low calorie bread or 1 small baked potato 1/2 c fruit or 1 small piece of fruit Evening Snack 1 small piece of fruit (add 4 oz low-fat yogurt if you are Diabetic) (You may have non-caloric beverages on this diet) NO ALCOHOL!!!!!!!! Examples: Decaf. Tea, Crystal Light, sugar-free Kool-Aid, Water Follow This 1 Day Prior To Surgery: Clear liquids only including Jello, broth, juice, and any beverages listed above. Jello can be congealed, but do not put fruit in it it. (NO RED JELLO) & NOTHING TO EAT PAST MIDNIGHT (of course). This is just what my surgeon and nutritionist gave me. Of course everyone's seems different but I just thought I would give you something to go on. That 2nd page I tried attaching was for post op diet regarding the timing and food stages. I will try and type it up later and add it. Hope this helps.

RM sorry. I can email it to any one who wants it.

Hey you all! I had a NSV (Non Scale Victory) (sorta) last night. I have been on my liver shrink diet since the 14th and a good friend of mine who hasn't seen me all week asked how much weight I have lost already. She guessed 10-15lbs! And it was only about 5-8lbs. She had gastric bypass surgery about 3 yrs ago and is doing great but she noticed and said I look a lot less "bloated". YEA!!! Can't wait to really shock some people that haven't seen me in a long while. Well everyone have a great day and remember We Will Get Through This and It Will Be SOOO Worth It.

I don't know what co-morbidities you have or not but I would make sure your physician is sending in all the paperwork needed and contact Cigna to make sure it is covered under your individual or group policy. Please see the attached link to Cigna's coverage position on bariatric surgery. Hope this helps. http://www.cigna.com/customer_care/healthcare_professional/coverage_positions/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

Here is what I was given by my Nutritionist and Surgeon regarding the liver shrink diet. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Here is a link to Cigna's coverage position on bariatric surgery. I would suggest you call Cigna and see if there is something they are missing in the notes being sent by your physician also. Good luck. http://www.cigna.com/customer_care/healthcare_professional/coverage_positions/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

I know one of the reasons I am doing this is so I WILL be around for my daughter and my husband. I know if I don't do something to help me get this weight off and keep it off, I will probably die from problems related to my co-morbidities. I too am getting a little weepy but, I know that we will all be better off and healthier 6 months out than we are right now. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers on your/our surgery date(s). I feel that once we all get through what they call "bandster hell" we will be fine. I can't wait to wake up on the 29th and get to the hospital.

Less_traveled You will do fine. It is hard to believe we are all so close to starting our journey to a long healthy life. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts that morning. Tammy - That is a good thought. Do your kids speak any spanish? They would be the best interpreters. I am like you and don't speak enough of any other language than English to function in another country. I hear that rosetta stone program is good. You might check on the craigslist.com in your are or freecycle.com to see if anyone has a program they might be willing to part with or check your local public library. They might have some learning audios you can borrow to help learn some basics.

Wow. Would love to be going somewhere vacation like for surgery but DO NOT envy you the in-law part whether you had already met them or not. LOL. But we will be thinking of you. What part of KY are you in? And I totally understand about the "would chew on my toe nails" lol I think I am about to poop a carrot if I don't slow down on eating them. And the sucky part is it's because I am bored so I am trying to do things online to keep me from munching at all. LOL And regarding OCD nurse.....I am just thankful she is doing pre-op not participating in the actual surgery or I might be there all dang day. I figure I will end up having a nightmare about seeing her face just as I go under anesthesia. One of my good friends asked if I was feeling ok cause she figured I would have slapped her half way through all the anal recounting stuff. LMAO I never hurt people who are fixin to stick a needle in me.