Little Teapot

Ok, so I'm getting banded in six days! EEK! I'm curious to know if any of you have seen a counselor/therapist after lap-band to help deal with the emotional issues related to overeating. I think it would probably be a good idea for me since I don't just eat because I'm hungry. (Who does?) I'm just wondering what we would actually talk about. Any insight from those of you who are in therapy? Thanks! Amber

What an informative article! Thanks for sharing it. The lesson I take away is that by routinely measuring your intake, you won't need to rely on the band to give you that "full" feeling. My plan will be to slowly eat what I have measured out and wait for ten minutes then reassess my hunger. This is definitely going to be an experiment in learning how to eat again!

I don't think you're being a bandzilla! lol I'm getting banded on May 20th and it's all I can talk about. The decision you've made is HUGE and it's understandable that you'd want the people closest to you to be interested. I'd feel the same way you do. My husband doesn't really bring it up and I asked him why he never seems to be interested in talking about lap band. He said it's because he's nervous about me having surgery, so he doesn't even want to think about it. Now that surgery is six days away, reality is setting in for him and he's been more interested in the procedure and asking a lot of questions. I think some people just don't know how to respond. Good luck with your surgery! You're just five days after me!

Thanks Fran. So, your therapist basically just gives you methods of dealing with your urges? I just wondered if they are going to want to delve into my past to uncover the "secret" to my overeating. lol.

Chinese buffet.

I'm being banded on May 20th. My doctor doesn't require a pre-op diet, but I've decided to put myself on a Protein shake diet starting Monday (12 days pre-op). I've read in several posts that homemade Protein shakes are not ok. Why? What's the difference as long as you are monitoring the amount of sugar, carbs, etc.? Also, has anyone ever tried the fruit punch flavored protein whey? I'm trying to choose between that and vanilla flavor. Thanks for any input!

Thanks Jennifer! I'm on day one as well. So far I've had a homemade Protein smoothie, an Atkin's Protein shake, some chicken broth, ice tea with sweet n low, and LOTS of Water. I'm drowning! lol. Good luck on your diet!

...So homemade protein shakes are ok then? lol. J/K

I just started my pre-op diet today (self prescribed) and I was wondering if you could share what items are on your list of unlimited foods. Thanks!

My doctor didn't order any type of pre-op diet, but he did give orders to eat low fiber foods and take laxatives for the five days before surgery. The day before surgery, I'm supposed to only drink water and take a bunch of laxatives to completely clean out. Pretty much the same prep you would have to do before a colonoscopy. My orders say to keep drinking the laxatives until my stools are clear. : / Gross. lol.

Thanks Cocoabean! I think knowing that I don't have to do it will actually help me stick to my plan better. I don't like being told what I can or can't do! I'm just going to focus on eating healthfully and getting plenty of Protein. Sometimes I think we focus so closely on the tiny details that we lose sight of the big picture! -Amber

Thanks. I just feel like my doctor didn't order a pre-op diet because he didn't think it was a realistic expectation. There must be some benefit though. I definitely know that it's a benefit to clear as much fat from your liver as possible. I'm just willing to do whatever it takes to prepare myself for optimal results!

I think my doctor doesn't order a pre-op diet because he knows that patients will have a very difficult time sticking to it, given then nature of why they're getting surgery in the first place. I just think it's something that couldn't hurt. I'm trying to prepare my body for surgery by decreasing the fat in/around my liver. I'm also trying to mentally prepare myself for post-op when I will have to live on liquids for a while. Either way, it won't hurt me to try and lose a few pounds before surgery.

Thanks for the responses guys! I think I'm going to go with the low sugar/carb/fat vanilla protein whey. It should go nicely with any fruits I mix it with. I'll use skim milk for extra liquid.

My surgeon didn't really outline a pre-op diet for me. This coming Monday will be twelve days before my surgery, and I've decided to start my own pre-op diet. Do most pre-op diets consist of full liquids (i.e, protein shakes, light soups)? Not sure what direction to take.

Do you have a tongue scraper? I recently bought one for a couple bucks at Walmart and it has really helped me!

Thanks guys! NJGirl- Let us know how your testing goes. We can help each other along this journey since we'll be getting banded around the same time!

I got a call from the insurance guy at the surgeon's office today and he says I'm approved!!!!!!!! It's finally real. I AM getting banded on May 20th. Now how do deal with this giddiness? I just don't know what to do with myself! YES!!!

Hey, I'm 26 and in radiology school, so I consider myself a college student. lol. I've had the advantage of working in a hospital for 6 years, and my schooling involves clinical rotations to different hospital departments, including in the OR. This has helped me feel much more comfortable with how things will go the day of my surgery. (I'm scheduled for May 20th) . No, you can't wear any jewelry during surgery. I wouldn't even bother wearing it into the hospital. Just leave it at home so you don't risk losing it. You should also come with no makeup on. Your family will not be allowed in the operating room since it needs to be a sterile environment. They may give you some "happy drugs" while you're in a room waiting to be taken to the OR. At this point you may still be with your family, but it varies by each hospital's procedures. They'll have you wear a hospital gown and give you a hair net. When entering the actual operating room, they may let you walk in and lay on the bed, or they may wheel you in on a stretcher and have you slide over to the bed. Again, this depends on the hospital and how "out of it" you may be from the meds. At this point, it all goes very quickly. They may introduce you to the anesthesiologist and other people in the room and they'll verify your identity (for safety purposes). They have probably already started an IV at this point. The anesthesiologist will then start a drip into your IV of meds to put you to sleep or he may put a mask over your face to breath from. You'll be asleep within seconds. Then next thing you know, you're in the recovery room with a nurse standing over you. The nurse will check your vital signs and assess your pain. You shouldn't be terribly uncomfortable at this point, just groggy. You may be in the recovery room for an hour or so before you're awake enough to be evaluated. Once they make sure you're ok, you're family should be able to come in to see you. Again, some factors may vary depending on the facility, but this should give you a general idea of how things may go. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions I would be happy to try and answer. I'm getting banded just a few days before you, so I could fill you in more then if you'd like. Good Luck and Congrats!!! -Amber

Have you spoken with your doctor about your lack of progress? How overweight are you? The smaller you are, the slower the weight loss (usually).

Ok, so my Skinny Bucket List is growing, but I'll put what I have so far. Many of these have already been said. They seem like the simplest things, but when I lose weight and can do these "simple" things again I will not take them for granted! CROSS MY LEGS COMFORTABLY PAINT MY TOENAILS WITHOUT STRAINING CHANGE CLOTHES INFRONT OF OTHERS WEAR A BATHING SUIT WITHOUT SHORTS OVER IT RIDE A ROLLER COASTER HAVE HUSBAND PICK ME UP WEAR AN ANKLET WEAR SHORTS IN PUBLIC BUY A BRA FROM VICTORIA’S SECRET WEAR SUN DRESSES/SKIRTS IN THE SUMMER W/OUT A GIRDLE WEAR SLEEVELESS SHIRTS SHARE CLOTHES WITH MY SISTER CONFIDENTLY SIT IN A RESTAURANT BOOTH W/OUT FEAR OF BEING TOO BIG SING INFRONT OF AN AUDIENCE GO SKYDIVING WEAR A SLUTTY HALLOWEEN COSTUME (even if just at home lol)

So I've been reading over some info under the "Fills" section of the forum, and it seems that many people aren't feeling any restriction until they've had their first fill. I know that most surgeons do not fill the band at all for at least six weeks, but I assumed I would still feel some restriction from the band alone. Any insight is appreciated! I'm getting banded on May 20th! -Amber

Thanks Kelly! I'm glad you're doing well so far.

Thanks so much for your response! I'm hoping that I'll feel enough restriction that a fill isn't necessary for a while. Can I ask how much you've lost so far without a fill?