d4lussier

I, too, was happy to see your post even though it sounds like it was gut-wrenching for you to write. I have always admired people who are courageous enough to turn around and face the demons snapping at their heels - and you have done that. Kudos to you. I also appreciate that you have validated what I suspected; that we can only truly discover the demons once we lose our security blankets (eating). I'm only two months into this process and just got my first fill - I'm even more sure now that the demons are around the corner. So...good for you for being brave enough to turn around and face that demon. I'll be sending warrior-type thoughts your way and you wade into battle!

I got on the scale this morning (showing Scale Whore Membership card) and the little needle pointed DIRECTLY at 0! I'm kind of stunned - so many thoughts running through my head. "This lap band is INSANELY successful!" "How can I be alive if I don't weigh anything?" "Hmm...oh wait...yeah that's right, the 300 lb mark is at the same place as the 0 lb mark." Yeah..ok - so I weigh 300 lbs. BUT WAIT.... That's a 24 lb loss since July 15th (start of pre-op diet). WOO HOOOOO...

I got on the scale this morning (showing Scale Whore Membership card) and the little needle pointed DIRECTLY at 0! I'm kind of stunned - so many thoughts running through my head. "This lap band is INSANELY successful!" "How can I be alive if I don't weigh anything?" "Hmm...oh wait...yeah that's right, the 300 lb mark is at the same place as the 0 lb mark." Yeah..ok - so I weigh 300 lbs. BUT WAIT.... That's a 24 lb loss since July 15th (start of pre-op diet). WOO HOOOOO...

You and I sound alike. I analyze things too. Perhaps my different Point of view will help....you ARE mentally preparing yourself SIMPLY by asking yourself if you're mentally prepared! That's part of the process. :sad: If you weren't...you'd be refusing to open the book, you'd be doing everything in your power to NOT think about all these changes coming. The first step in accepting the changes is to *think* about them...wonder how they are going to affect your life, get used to the effects they will have, etc. I was the same way...I had a couple of "OH MY - THAT change - I don't know about that one" and then a few days later I'd think about it again, and I'd be more comfortable with the idea. It gets better. :biggrin:

Getting stuck. Not a bad one...but enough to let me know - I don't wanna do that again! Morale of the story: DON'T BE POLITE! Son had made chicken, but over cooked it. I tried to choke it down, dryness and all. OOOOOOo not good. And a question. I can TRULY barely eat 3 Tbsp of food. I see a blog post of someone 5 weeks from surgery who can eat a Wendy's Grilled Chicken Sandwich? SAY WHAT??? How is that possible? Not that I WANT to eat that...but OMG I can't fathom squashing that much food in my poor little tummy.

Getting stuck. Not a bad one...but enough to let me know - I don't wanna do that again! Morale of the story: DON'T BE POLITE! :sad: Son had made chicken, but over cooked it. I tried to choke it down, dryness and all. OOOOOOo not good. And a question. I can TRULY barely eat 3 Tbsp of food. I see a blog post of someone 5 weeks from surgery who can eat a Wendy's Grilled Chicken Sandwich? SAY WHAT??? How is that possible? Not that I WANT to eat that...but OMG I can't fathom squashing that much food in my poor little tummy.

Congratulations! I had the same reaction when I got my approval and date. Had that reaction multiple times, even after surgery. Some little answers to your very good questions: 1. Shake you can tolerate - I had the same fear - got the suggestion of going to BariatricEating.com - BE, Inc. The number one bariatric website for protein, vitamins, and success.. They have a protein sampler pack - single servings of different brands, different flavors. Helped me find a handful of different ones I actually LIKED. 2. You WILL eat the same meals as your hubby (unless he eats unhealthy meals) just less. For example, tonight's dinner is stir-fry chicken. I just have a LOT less than everyone else. 3. Work lunches & dinners - this will be a challenge if your work has the same practices of mine - unhealthy foods. Chicken is usually a staple though - breast meat is best - but heck - a little dark meat is still going to be better than something more unhealthy. 4. At first I decided to not tell anyone at work. But then I told one person - and they were SO happy for me and excited and wished me good luck and offered any help I could ask for that it emboldened me to tell everyone. I figured I could never have too big of a support system. I had one person that I worried about telling - Mr. Know It All. But even he was supportive. You'll figure out what's best for you - and that's ALL that matters. This surgery is about taking care of YOU. GOOD LUCK. :thumbup:

I've been released to the mushy stage. WOO HOO. Yesterday evening I had my very first opportunity to understand restriction. Had my dutifully measured out 2 tblspns of moist chicken breast (teeny tiny pieces and chewed to a mush) and 2 tblsps of mashed potato. WOW. It actually felt pretty darn uncomfortable eating the potatoes. Very interesting. :frown:

I've been released to the mushy stage. WOO HOO. Yesterday evening I had my very first opportunity to understand restriction. Had my dutifully measured out 2 tblspns of moist chicken breast (teeny tiny pieces and chewed to a mush) and 2 tblsps of mashed potato. WOW. It actually felt pretty darn uncomfortable eating the potatoes. Very interesting. :thumbup:

WOOO HOOOO. Congratulations! :thumbup: Soon you'll be posting on here that you just RAN a mile! :eek:

I had my surgery on 07/29, late in the day, so I stayed at the hospital over night. I was walking very early on - did two miles while I was in the hospital. Ate some jello with protein powder, some beef broth, and some cranapple juice while there. On day 1 (at home) I had pudding whenever I wanted, drank water as often as I could, and drank two 20g protein drinks too. Had some yogurt with protein powder, soup with protein powder, etc. Still was taking pain pills - mostly for at night. No gas pain. Day 2 same as day one. Day 3 same as day two. LOL Day 4 forgot to drink the protein drinks - BIG difference. Day 5 forgot to drink enough water - BIG difference. Day 6 BAD day...pain at port site, grumpiness, growling at family. AHHHH - but then...the magical relief - yes - the poo-ing. AHHHHH BIG difference. Had to use some prune juice to help that along :thumbup:

I had 14 days of Optifast also...spaced mine every 2.5 to 3 hrs - and even had it if I wasn't hungry. Really helps to just get on the schedule and do it. And the poster above is SOOOooo correct....it goes by fast. :sneaky: AND I lost 17 lbs while doing it! That helps the motivation too!

First, $3500 is nuts. Keep looking. Try looking here: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery This is the place that certifies the Center of Excellence hospitals and doctors - you can put your zip code in. Hope this helps. Don't get discouraged - it is SOOOOOO worth it.