krtork

It is nice to see that others are feeling the same way. I was thinking I was alone and freaking out. I just keep thinking about all the great things that will come with this lifestyle change! In the morning I will find out what time I am scheduled for surgery on the 5th. Kind of hope it is bright and early so I can cross over to bandland and come home and sleep in my own bed!

Way to Lellow! Leading the way for the rest of the August All-Stars. Glad to hear that you are feeling a bit better. After reading all the posts about gas I did go out and by some Gas-X. I hope that it will help. I will also dig out my peppermint tea - thanks for the suggestion. I usually drink it during the winter, so I will have to scrounge around to find it. Good job on the weight loss - remember post-op is for healing! I know I will be jumping on the scales too!

I have had a sore throat the past two days. I think it is allergies, I have not felt sick, but wake up with a sore throat. I do not want to have the surgery postponed - that would suck! I haven't been running a fever, so I am hoping the surgery is on. I also threw my back out. How silly is that, all the gardening put me in a really bad place. I am feeling better but I can't take the anti-inflammatory to help fix the pain. I have been taking a muscle relaxer and vicodin the first day - haven't used it today. I have to check in with the doc in the morning to make sure I will be good to go! Good Luck Ellen!

Moe~ Way to go! I can't believe how quickly you are up and around. I hope my surgery goes that well!

Good Luck Misty! I know how you are feeling with this major life change. Just think of how great you will be looking this time next year!

Angela~ I also had the opportunity to choose a band. I went with the Realize band. I like the online support. I researched both and that was the decision that I made. The office I go to uses both bands more people seem to be going with the Realize band.

Claudine~ Congrats! Sounds like all went well and you are an official bandster! Great to see that you went on a one mile walk. Did you walk on a tread mill or outside?

It is normal to be nervous - I just went through the same thing the other day. I have my surgery on the 5th and I completely freaked out on Friday. Just keep in mind why you are doing this. I have all of the reason written down on a card that I keep on the fridge, next to the bathroom mirror and in my purse. This helps when I feel hungry. I have found that if I am getting enough Protein I am not that hungry between meals. Keep the goal in mind and you will get there!

Well, I have three days to go before surgery. So far so good. I did have a meltdown the other day, but I have since recovered. I was feeling very nervous and unsure of what I was doing, of course when you go to pay the hospital in full up front could be a bit nerve wracking! That is a lot of money to hand over. I was having some negative self-talk, you know, the I have never been successful losing weight, so why will this time be different? I will be the only person to not lose weight, etc. :eek: I am now feeling better and I know this is the best decision I can make to get my health back on track. I am glad that I have been dieting the past month, I am in a good mind set for losing weight. Some of the more fried, greasy, fatty foods I was used to are no longer a trigger for eating - the even smell gross! :redface: I have to do all liquids on Monday, day before surgery, but I am ready to go and have the pantry stocked with all of my foods. My husband is being supportive, but I still hear the negative when he asks questions. I think he is so used to the failures he is uncertain if this will work. I am bound and determined to prove him wrong!

Well, I have three days to go before surgery. So far so good. I did have a meltdown the other day, but I have since recovered. I was feeling very nervous and unsure of what I was doing, of course when you go to pay the hospital in full up front could be a bit nerve wracking! That is a lot of money to hand over. I was having some negative self-talk, you know, the I have never been successful losing weight, so why will this time be different? I will be the only person to not lose weight, etc. I am now feeling better and I know this is the best decision I can make to get my health back on track. I am glad that I have been dieting the past month, I am in a good mind set for losing weight. Some of the more fried, greasy, fatty foods I was used to are no longer a trigger for eating - the even smell gross! I have to do all liquids on Monday, day before surgery, but I am ready to go and have the pantry stocked with all of my foods. My husband is being supportive, but I still hear the negative when he asks questions. I think he is so used to the failures he is uncertain if this will work. I am bound and determined to prove him wrong!

OOPS! Forgot to add cream soups. A lot of people have recommended the soups on the go. Easy to warm up and sip from the cup.

My nutritionist gave us these guidelines: Protein Drink (Ultra Meal or Bariatric Essentials) Water broth (low sodium) Diluted juice sugar free Jell-O Sugar Free Popsicles Crystal Light Skim Milk Hope that helps!

Had a complete meltdown today! I had to go pay the hospital in full today and I had an anxiety attack and could not breath. What if's kept running through my head: What if. . I get sick and can't have the surgery? I have the surgery and it doesn't work? I have the surgery and end up in the hospital for a week (ok, well that did happen when I had my hysto), the doc decides he doesn't want to do the surgery? :wink2: OMG - I am doing much better this evening. I have spent the last two months completely focused on this life change and now it is here! Well, just had to vent a bit - I know I must not be the only having a bit stress as surgery day approaches.

I ordered the bullets, but they haven't arrived yet! I am looking forward to getting them! It will be great for Protein in those first few weeks after being banded. I have to do liquids the day before surgery, I had my pre-op yesterday! Hope the bullets come, I can make some of that Jello.

Go to the seminar - keep moving along in the process. I wouldn't let the letter discourage you! From that point you should be able to set up a consult with the surgeon and get more information. I would also be checking with your insurance company and see what they require before they will pay for the surgery. I am self pay, so I moved through the first part of the process rather quickly. Good luck!

Woo Hoo! It's August and we are off and running. Good luck and safe surgery to all the August first banders! Post as soon as you can - we are all looking forward to hearing about your experience.

Lucky you - insurance coverage! I am self-pay, so I know I was moved right along in the process, it seems like endless doctors appts! But well worth it - I get my band on Aug 5! The nutritionist should give you info on the diet they expect before and after surgery. For my doc I also had to have a sleep study done, blood work and a scope of the stomach. I know some people have to have a heart work up with stress test. Good luck, I hope you hear something from the insurance company soon! It is an exciting journey to a whole new life style.

My nutritionist says that Crystal Light is fine, but to make sure I am adding it in as calories. Every calorie counts. I usually double the Water, so I get the flavor, but cut the calories and the sweetness.

Kizzie Hope you will feel better soon! It sounds like a rough 6 weeks. Glad you have a great doc that is looking after you! You're in my prayers!

The first thing you need to do is attend a seminar. Most surgeons hold them. Look for a local surgeon and find out when the next seminar is. You will have a chance to listen to patients and the surgeon talk about the procedure. I believe for most people that is the jumping off point. You might even want to attend a seminar for a different surgeon if that is an option in your area. It will give you a chance to compare. You will then need to make an appointment with the office and they will get you started on the fun journey of a million doctors appointments to be approved! If you have insurance that will pay, it may be a long process. It sounds like most want you to do a 6 month supervised diet before they will approve, but again, that depends on the company. I am self-pay so the process has gone quickly. Good luck!

Judie~ Could you add some crystal light for flavor? That might be good, hmm, maybe I will go give it a try. What about adding the unflavored powder to your pudding? Just some suggestions. I don't have to do liquids before surgery - but I know I will be looking for some creative ways to get through the liquid phase after the 5th!

I have been feeling the same way. I think with so many failures behind me I really am starting to doubt if this time it will really work. I know it is all a head game right now. I am really ready for this life change and that is what I keep coming back to when the self-doubt starts. Positive thoughts ladies - we are on our way to lookin' great!

Now you are making me nervous! I have 8 more days and I keep getting butterflies. I am really excited about this change, so I think that is part of it too. However, I have questioned whether or not I am really up for the commitment. Of course I am, I would not have come this far if I was not ready. It is just the nerves getting the better of me. Hang in there and think of all the postive things that will come with having this new tool for weight loss! The positives definitely out weigh the negatives!

I would definitely find a surgeon in your area and attend a seminar. They are free and you usually get a chance to meet people who have had the surgery and ask them questions as well as get factual information from the surgeon. That piece was key in getting my hubby on board with surgery and he is a tough nut to crack. He does not believe in doctors, pills, etc. I agree with what the others are telling you about food and restrictions. Do some more research, this site is a great place to start! I am getting a realize band on Aug 5 (can't wait!) and they also have a very informative site about banding. I hope you find what is right for you and what will work for you.