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Hi-we are about the same weight and BMI. Have you voted on the September bandsters name poll? Look under September 2009 to find the poll. The September folks are posting under two different areas, the pre-op area, and the 09/09 area. I had my pre-op Thursday. Friday I went in for more blood draw, it seemed like they didn't get enough Thursday. Anita

I'm so sorry to read about your bad news. Write up the hospital in the reviews section on OH. I don't know how all of this medical stuff works, and I think hospitals are short staffed, yet with a test that doesn't read right, I would expect immediate follow-up. I had a call last night, Friday night @ 9PM, to tell me that my lung test was okay. They even called me and left a message Friday before I had arrived home from getting the scan. Two calls to me telling me surgery was still on. I thought I would have to wait until the following Monday to find out the news. Try and keep up the exercises to help you be relaxed (that will be really tough...)until Tuesday. I believe in the sit and be fit exercises- YouTube - Sit and Be fit Keep in touch -support groups are one of the keys to successful weight loss. Anita

I did some follow up to the pre-op tests to check on a nodule that was found on a lung. When I got back home, I had a message that my lung is fine, and surgery is still on! I didn't think I would know the results until Monday. That's really nice patient care! I've never had one of the scans where they put an IV in to add some dye to check things. The test was just a few minutes. I appreciate all of you that are post surgery keeping in touch. I hope everyone keeps posting whether the news is good or bad. I'm down 25 lbs since July 10th, still need to follow a one week liquid meal replacement plan with a few vegetables okay to add. Anita

I just received a call about my pre-surgery testing, which I knew would probably not be good news! I need to go back in and have my lungs looked at again. A nodule was seen and needs to be investigated further with a scan. I really want to keep my surgery date! I'm curious to know who has what band, too. Dr. Sasse's book has some information about the two bands, and how two companies now will speed up the competition.

Goldenearrings -The Doctor approved you for surgery. That means you've passed the tests and are a good candidate for LAGB. I've had sudden health episodes that are scary -asthma, sudden intense pain from my spinal disease...I think that since you've made it to this point in your weight loss surgery efforts, to stay on track, and continue with your goals. This surgery is a major event, and I expect my emotions to be all over the place. I also know from reading posts that doubts about surgery are part of the process. I sure hope the Dr. can help you. I'm sorry to read about your attack. Give yourself time, don't retreat, but rest and think about the health benefits of LAGB. Anita

Are you taking the pain meds? I think I'll just keep a low dose in me post-op to try and lessen pain. I'm worried about migraines with the anesthesia. It would be nice to have a chart with who has surgery when. I know several share my surgery date, but I haven't kept track who. Thanks to those of you for keeping in touch. I just finished my pre-admit and testing. I see the surgeon tomorrow. Anita

Welcome to 999! I worry about tests or something delaying surgery. I like 999@9:30, too! I read that tastes may change after surgery, though I think that may not be so much the case with LAGB. I get protein drinks at my bariatric center. I am planning on ordering some samples- a good way to get variety. Vitalady.com - Protein Supplements, Vitamins & Minerals, and Safe Snacks!

Thank you for the poll! I'll try and make up my mind soon.

I've done sit and be fit exercises for years. Since you will be at a convention, these exercises would be great. Many you can do without anyone knowing you are exercising, like tightening different muscles and holding, like buttock muscles. Part of our new lifestyle will be incorporating exercise regularly. It's difficult for me, but I just try and keep moving, with these exercises or others .YouTube - Sit and Be fit SIT AND BE FIT | Senior Fitness / Senior Exercise Television Program Sit and Get Fit!

Driving- stop a lot, I know, stopping time really adds up, but I would want to lessen risk of blood clots. Walk, or do leg pumping exercises -sitting point feet up and down to feel calf muscles. Still practice deep breathing exercises. Both of these start practicing now. -These are from "Weight Loss Surgery, Is It Right For You?", by Merle Cantor Goldberg, Cowan, and Marcus. My library system has some wonderful weight loss surgery books, this one is the most thorough. Get another fridge from the hotel to put in your room. Be prepared. Have your 64oz of water ready and bottled for the day, to make it easier to keep track. Have your food planned before, so you have it ready. I would just have protein shakes during this time, so it would be one less thing to think about, and less triggers to be around. What does your Doctor think? When you get back, then do the mushies phase.

999 @9:30 for me. I have 3 days of appointments this week, then get to take it easy until the 9th. I've already prepared broths and thinned cereals in ice cube trays and frozen them, so I have my 1oz liquid phase mostly taken care of. Packed for my 23 hour hospital stay. Now I can relax(!) and research more, after this Thursday...

Band 99 The 99 group 99 countdown It seems like 9/09 is unique, so it would be nice to incorporate it in some way.

nine-o-nine banders nine-o-nine bandsters Go, nine-o-nine!

Try these: Recipes for Pureed Foods - Entrees, Vegetables, and Salads I substitute for ingredients I don't have, like using yogurt or tofu instead of milk.

Try this: How to shrink your liver (and increase ST weight loss) – the low-carb, pre-op diet - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

pre-op liquids- I have a two week pre-op liquid meal plan, with a few vegetables to choose from. I don't think more than 30g protein at a meal. 65g protein a day, at a minimum. Add 64oz water every day. Have 5-6 meals. My bariatric center wants us to start our new lifestyle before surgery, so after surgery we will be familiar with how to proceed.

My Hospital supplies list: Moisturizing mouth spray -in the mouthwash aisle quart size baggies- for ice chips, ice packs, to cool down with, to organize small items ear plugs small pack tissues antibacterial wipes baby wipes -to clean and cool down with chapstick -2, they disappear on me gas-x strips comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss clogs -slip ons to wear in, and walk hallways after clothes -wear in! and an extra pair of loose slacks pillow and/or something to hold tummy while on the way home water bottle left in car for ride home rolling backpack -my insurance requires 23 hours. These items don't take up much space, and even if I don't use anything, I'll be prepared

I wish your family the best. I hope you can find the time to be available for your dad. I cry thinking about going through something like you are going through. Even if you don't have time for yourself right now, it's important to be prepared for your daily food intakes. Have 64 fluid ounces of bottled fluids out and ready for the day. Rely on the protein shakes and quick foods, like string cheese, the protein bars, whatever fast food that fits in with our agenda and works for you. Keep some in your car in a cooler, so some more walking can be done to and from the car. Keep us posted, remember, this forum is great for support. Anita

I started my pre-op eating plan after my first class, 10 July 2009. It was clear I shouldn't gain any weight from that time, even though I had no idea when surgery would be. I started keeping track of calories, keeping them below 1200, and finishing up foods in the freezer. Then I started the 3-stage food plan that my center has. They have a 3-stage plan to help you adjust to post-op eating. I have lost 15 pounds so far. For some reason, I have not had any problems with cravings, maybe because I have been keeping track of all foods and exercise, and following the plan exactly. I have a sippy cup, it sure is difficult to sip 64 oz of water for the day! And I keep practicing chewing slowly.

My surgery is scheduled for 9/9/09 at 9AM. I started the process on 24 June '09 with a seminar. My pre-op class is next week. Scheduling works out perfect for a week long camping trip next week still possible.