suzycooke

I stay within 900-1000 calories a day. I don't have a target for Fat but do count my fat grams each day to stay aware of it. I'm supposed to stay under 100 grams of carbs each day (and I'm usually way under that) and I eat at least 60 g of Protein. I'm a total freak about food journaling and that helps me a lot!

I'll be at the hospital in 12 hours! So ready for this....been feeling very much "at peace" today. Congratulations to the recently banded and best wishes to those of us having surgery tomorrow! (I think there was 10 of us at last count!) Have a great night, everyone! Suzy

KarynA: The NP at my surgeon's office wants us to keep a food diary as well as a thoughts/feelings journal and told us to make the first page of our journal a 'Before' picture. I think that's such a great idea! It's not easy to see but reminds me every day why I have undertaken this life-altering journey of changing my body as well as my soul! This Wednesday, we're heading home to Texas to spend five days with our families for Thanksgiving. I thought I'd be freaking out about not being able to eat all those yummy casseroles and Desserts, but I'm not at all! My doctor just requires the Atkins diet before surgery, so I'll be having a slice of turkey, some brussel sprouts, an artichoke, and a deviled egg. I'm also making a pumpkin whip dessert that's very low carb so I can have a taste of something sweet. In my mind, that's not food deprivation at all! I'll miss the dressing and the green bean casserole and the corn with cream cheese casserole, but I really think I've eaten enough of those things to last me the rest of my life! I'm attending my last support group tomorrow night before my surgery on the 3rd. From what I understand, they all pass around some sort of angel around the room and each person says a prayer or best wishes or sends good vibes and then they give me the angel to take to the hospital with me. How cool is that? At my last appointment with my surgeon, he told me that he is blessed to be very good at what he does and he knows everything will be great, but he still says a prayer for me before he starts and for him and his abilities. I reallly appreciated him saying that! I think it's interesting how my mind has evolved throughout this process. I went through a very emotional time shortly after I made this decision and was very weepy. There's definitely a mourning process to go through....mourning the loss of food as I know it, mourning the loss of food as a steadfast friend and ally when others have failed me, and wrapping my brain around the reality that I may, someday, have my health back and my confidence and self-assuredness. I have almost come full circle, though, in that I am completely accepting of this process now and embrace it. I'm not scared! I'm elated! I'm ready. Sorry for the rambling. I hope everyone has a great and healthy and fun Thanksgiving! Suzy

12/3/09 Lap Band gal here! Had my first appt with my surgeon today. Par for the course: I should have met with him a month or two ago but the front desk girls at my practice are (bless their hearts) soooooooooooooo inadequate. My surgery date has already been set for 12/3 so I should have met my surgeon before today but it's ok. My husband went with me today and we both had all our questions answered. I have another pre-op appt with him next Friday, as well as one more round of blood work and my pre-surgical appt at the hospital. It really is a weird feeling! I have dreamed/contemplated/ pondered/wondered about this surgery for so many years and now it looms less than 3 weeks away. I might have a tinge of anxiety regarding the surgery itself, but my decision regarding the lap band is firm; backed with my heart and soul's support. I'm so grateful for each of you......I need a team! Please let me know how you all are doing! Suzy

Garden-nut - Isn't there anyone else in your family who can cook for Thanksgiving? That seems like some pretty cruel and unusual punishment to have to cook Thanksgiving dinner when you're on Optifast!! You're a braver soul than I and I'll be sending good vibes your way that day! :thumbup: