emmylou

I wanted to get the lap band surgery over two years ago and wish like hell that I had. The insurance I had at the time would have covered it. Now, I'm a self pay via credit card. My insurance will not cover the surgery. I have been able to get them to pay for all of my preop tests (sleep study, barium swallow, blood work, etc.) Anyway, I started checking out surgeons in my area in April 2009. I started the process and have completed all of the tests. I would have had surgery earlier this month but had work conflicts. I'm now scheduled to have the band installed on July 7, 2009. I'm on the pre op liquids phase which has been "fun". I keep visualizing myself thin and healthy. I keep telling myself that I won't have to drink liquids the rest of my life and that this period will be over as quickly as possible. My fears: Not waking up from surgery, waking DURING surgery lol, and being in a lot of pain afterwards or having trouble with keeping the band down the road.

I'm on day three of the 14 day preop diet and have achieved ketosis. I cheated the first night while sleepwalking (chocolate cake and milk), but have not cheated since as far as I know. It has gotten easier as I have progressed as far as hunger. The pre op diet requires 500-950 calories/day, no more than 50g carbs/day, and at the minimum 70g protein/day. Surprisingly, I'm having more trouble keeping the calories in check than the carbs! I'm having an Atkins shake for breakfast, then decaf coffee. Fruit 2o or decaf powered drink mix throughout the day as needed, chocolate protein shake from powder (I can’t remember the brand but I bought it at walmart) mixed with water (to cut the calories) or Muscle Milk light. Boxed soup for lunch and dinner (1 cup). I’ve been chewing sugar free gum to help with the after taste of protein shakes and to just be able to chew SOMETHING. I found that V8’s broccoli boxed soup kept me full way longer than I expected yesterday, but it’s higher in calories and carbs, but I was still within limits. It’s tough so far, but not as bad as the first day with the headache all day due to sugar detox. I dread the weekend. I’m fine while at work, but then I get home and it’s a different story. I’m self pay (by credit card) and don’t want to screw this up.