swcfolksinger

Hi all - I'm being banded soon here in the Houston area. I'm an admin by trade, but I go to school full time as well. (nothing like burning the candle at both ends.) I've been married for 5 years to an amazing man (though a bit clurless when it comes to Weight issues) and have a stepdaughter that is the absolute light of my life. We are all a little chaotic with some very active hobbies, 2 large dogs and even my mom living with us (asian and in her late 70's) just for good measure. I have a very diverse set of hobbies. I LOVE music and sing as often as I can (the whole student and work thing) as well as embroidery, weaving, and cooking. I've kept my 99% of the people I know in the dark when it comes to this. I've dealt with a lot of ridicule (including from dear old mom) so I'm remaining very tight lipped. My husband, and 1 friend who has already been banded know. That is it. I'm dealing with PCOS issues, and trying to get pregnant. (after surgery and WL) and asthma... (I'm just a mess LOL!) Hope everyone is doing well... I look forward to hearing from you! ~Folk

Hi guys... Surgery is tomorrow morning... and I'm freaking out a little... ok - a lot. any tricks to staying calm that you can pass along? thanks ~Folk

Morning! First - Melmel... Thank you! I've had those discussions with mom as well... its hard. The language and cultural barrier are difficult... but I just try to accept her the way she is and keep going. I'm sorry you've had to go through the same experience... I'd give you a hug if I could. I wish that kind of mental and emotional turmoil on no one. Charlene - HI! I'm glad to know there is someone else in the area going through the same kind of thing (I know there are hundreds... but at least I have someone to bounce ideas off of!) Orea... I'm sure you are frustrated! If your body is going into starvation mode (which it certainly will on this kind of pre-op diet) then it can and will hold onto every bit of liquid/ sustenance it can. Are you feeling bloated? holding water? Don't stress yet. Talk to your dr today. I'm sure they will understand and may have some suggestions for you. How much water are you getting etc? Huge Hugs everyone! I'm glad to know that people from earlier in the month are doing so well. I'm trying to stay focused on this leg of my jouney and think about the rest... but that can be difficult. the Saggy skin scares the tar out of me. I already have a large apron... so I know going in that PS is going to be necessary later... and the thought of more surgery (and rehibilitating my voice AGAIN) is daunting. Later! ~J huge hugs

Hi guys! I started my pre-op diet today. I'll be banded 7/29/08 and I'm scared as the dickens! I had a question about shakes. I found one that I really like... tastes like chocolate milk to me (woohoo!!) Its EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control. The Dr. recommended adkins advantage shakes... and I simply can't stomach them. I can't tell if there is any real difference in nutritional value etc, and got a non answer when I called and spoke to the nurse, so I thought that I would ask the Veterans for advice. Thanks all! ~Folk

:biggrin2:Thanks guys!! You have no idea how much that means to me! I'll keep everyone updated...so far - so good. ~Jen

I'm Jen. I have a surgery date of 7/29... and terrified would be an understatement. I'm self paying. I have insurance but we have a specific rider at my company... no coverage for weight issues... not even a dietician. I've started my pre-op liquids today, and luckily, I've tried out and found a protein drink I like (Thank Goodness!!) The one I had this morning tated like my morning cup of coffee... I just wish i could of sweetened it. More on me... I've always been overweight. I don't remember a time when it was not an issue. I was about 165 - 180 in high school at 5'1" tall... and it was fairly miserable. I'm now in my 30s (turned 33 on 7/18) and need to do something about this. I've researched this for about 2 yrs now and am ready. I've tried every diet out there, and adding that to being diagnosed with PCOS with no chance of having kids safely right now... I need this. I'm at 300+ lbs right now. I was steady at about 230 until my mother moved in with my Hubby and I 5 yrs ago... can you say stress?? :w00t: We are not telling any one about my surgery.... not even my mom. If she says anything it will be that my gall bladder is acting up. :eek: I know it isn't the truth.. but well... you'd have to know my mom. She is in her late 70's had me late, is japanese (went through WWII in Hiroshima) and the most negative individual on earth... but only to me. She spent a lot of time sitting on the couch and laughing when I was trying to exercise... To every one else - She is a darling sweet old lady... I invite ANYONE to live with her... anyone want a new japanese grandma?? (kidding...kinda) But she is family... and I love her. My hubby wouldn't know fat if it bit him, so its hard to explain what I'm going through. he is just now - at 40 - putting on a tiny little pooch of a tummy... and it actually looks good on him. He is trying to be supportive... but doesn't really know how. The other member of our family (other than the 2 sweet dogs I love) is my precious step daughter. She is the light of my life, and I wan to be certain that I have a chance to continue sharing it with her... and hopefully give her a couple of siblings... that she keeps asking for:sneaky: She's 10, and doesn't know about the surgery. She'll be with her mom for their 2 week vacation starting friday, so hopefully we can leave her out of it. She worries a LOT for a 10 yr old... we have a bout 50/50 custody, so she is of the upmost importance to us, and I want her focused on fun - not worrying about me! I think that is it! I really love hearing everyone elses stories. It is really helping a lot. :biggrin2:

My Birthday was 7/18. I'm getting banded the day after you on the 29th! Yes - that is an amazing b-day gift! you deserve it.

I found mine at the local grocery store. I've now tried more flavors of the EAS AdvantEDGE and I really like them! I just had one this am mixed with ice... It was like having my morning coffee!! I'm a happy camper! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The worst things I ever heard about my weightcame (and still come) out of her mouth. She lives wiht my Husband and I now... It is still a daily birage of You'd be so pretty if... You have always had such a pretty face... But my favorite... Her sitting on the couch while I was working out - eating chocolate and laughing.

to the list that are not telling others. My husbad, one coworker I trust, and a friend who has gone through it are the only ones I have talked about it to. My mother lives with us, but we are not telling her. As much as I love her... she is so caustic to me/ weight/ etc that I just can't handle anything else she dishes out.

If your body is converting fat to muscle, then you are not going to see change on the scale... or not as much. You have to remember that Muscle weighs I think - 3 times more than fat. And... all the muscle mass will burn more fat and for a longer amount of time. Hope that helps. ~Folk

I have had severe Asthma most of my life. The heavier I am - the worse it is. I'm hoping that banding will aid in my maintaning my asthma in a healthy manner.

Hi everyone. I'm a 33 yr old who has been researching this for about 2yrs. I do have a surgery date of 7/30 - and I'm still terrified. I'm 5'0" and weighed in at 300LB at my Dr appt a week ago. I know this is a good decission for me... but I am hoping that getting to know others who have already been there will make this a little easier. :biggrin: Thanks ~Folk