timetobefree

You're right - you can do this. It's not fun but totally doable. And the added bonus? A nice weight loss to start you off on the right foot! Amy

I have told a handful of people. Normally I'm one to shout things from the roof top, but I decided this was something I was doing for ME, and I didn't need to answer to anyone about it. My husband, parents, and two good friends know, which is enough of a support system for me at this point. I may tell more people in the future, but the way I see it is I can't untell people, so until I am 100% sure, I'm not saying anything. Amy

I got banded on Wednesday! I'm doing pretty good. A bit sore but nothing too bad. I've had my gall bladder out and a c-section, and this was 10x easier than either of those! My tummy is rumbling, but I get full on the tiniest sips of water. It's such a strange sensation. Off to relax a bit and then attempt a shower. Thanks for all the support! Amy

Surgery day weight was 351. Thanks for doing this! Amy

Soexcited, I also had a hiatal hernia (I had no idea!), so I am wondering if that's why I'm a bit tender. Oh well, I know this will all be worth it in a few days when the pain is gone! Amy

I'm with you guys on the liquids. I have had about 18 oz. so far today - maybe not even that much. I am trying. Ugh. I am thirsty but it's so hard to get liquids down! Amy

Thanks, everyone! Cheryl, I feel lucky that I didn't have much gas pain either. I had a little when I woke up and the first night, and that was it. I, too, am following Doc's orders to a T - as a self-pay patient, I am terrified of having to spend more money because I didn't do what I was supposed to! I've showered, napped, and am sipping on a G2 right now. Tastes soooo good after plain water for the past few days! Clear liquids for 10 days (no protein shakes) is probably going to be the hardest. I'm hungry in the bottom of my belly, but have no desire to eat. It just feels so weird! Amy

How ironic I just read this. I'm being banded by Dr. Webber tomorrow. I'm so happy for you. It sounds like you are doing great! Congrats on a job well-done and best of luck on the rest of your journey. Amy

Mine's some time tomorrow around 3 pm. I have to arrive at 1 pm and do pre-op. Then I'll be banded! WOOHOO! See you on the flip side, Amy

PS - Welcome to ONEderland!

WOW! Congrats! What an incredible loss you've had so far. What are your tips and tricks? Amy

I'm on day 13 of 14 of 3 Protein shakes per day. I SOOOOO understand where you are. I promise, you are at the worst point. It gets better from here on out. You are almost half-way there. And once you are half-way there, you are on the downslide! Just hang in there and keep thinking, "SHRINK LIVER SHRINK." When it got really bad, I asked myself, Do I want to risk not getting the surgery and having to do this all over again because I didn't shrink my liver? It's totally not worth having to do again! You can do it, Amy

Thanks! My pre-op is 2 weeks. Today is the last day of Protein shakes. Tomorrow (the day before surgery) is Clear liquids only. I'm so happy to be almost done with this part! I'll weigh myself Wed morning to see how much more I am down and to get my surgery date weight. Amy

I'm also on the 25th. I'm excited and also starting to get the jitters. :biggrin: Amy

I agree with the pre-op diet for weight loss. My pre-op is 3 Protein shakes per day. In the first week alone, I lost 17.4 lbs. It's really, really, really hard to stick to, BUT if you want something bad enough, it's doable! Amy

I'm erring on the side of caution with how many people I am telling. My big thing is I can't untell them, so until I am sure I want them to know, I am not saying anything. I've told DH, my parents, two close friends, and one friend who had gastric bypass a few years ago (and is doing great - lost 149 lbs - kept it off - not one issue along the way - so I knew she'd be supportive.) DH, my parents, and one friend have been wonderful. The other close friend is having some issues with it, which surprised me. Even told me "As long as you don't get skinnier than me." Sigh. It's going to be a journey. Amy

I still don't have a surgery weight (TWO MORE DAYS!!!!), but my current weight is 357. Thanks for doing this! Amy

My consult was on 11/3 and my surgery is next Wed, 11/25. I'm self-pay, so it was pretty quick! Amy

How about an antipasto platter? YUM! Soup and a salad? Some type of mixed grill (a small variety of grilled meats)? The higher-end italian restaurants will have lots of grilled meat and potato options. HTH, Amy

Here are my answers to this same question on another section of the board: You can do it! Sounds like you are on a 5 day pre-op diet? I'm on day 9 of a 14 day pre-op liquid diet, and I am surviving. I have a Protein shake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and calorie-free, decaf liquids the rest of the time. I won't lie, there have been some times when I have struggled, BUT I am determined to 1. not have a fatty liver 2. wake up from surgery with a band and 3. to do this right. In the first week, I lost 17.4 lbs! It's so worth it when you see those kind of results. I'd be happy to help you with how much and what to buy if you tell me your guidelines! Did your doctor give you guidelines? It's best to follow those. For example, mine were the 3 Protein shakes per day. Each shake had to have at least 20 grams of protein and no more than 3 grams of sugar. That's it. Since I had to do 13 days of protein shakes (Clear Liquids only the day before surgery), I bought enough for 39 shakes. Knowing I needed more for the 2 weeks after surgery, I've since bought enough for those two weeks as well.

Did your doctor give you guidelines? It's best to follow those. For example, mine were the 3 Protein shakes per day. Each shake had to have at least 20 grams of protein and no more than 3 grams of sugar. That's it. Since I had to do 13 days of protein shakes (clear liquids only the day before surgery), I bought enough for 39 shakes. Knowing I needed more for the 2 weeks after surgery, I've since bought enough for those two weeks as well. HTH, Amy

Congrats, Counselor! Can't wait to join you on the banded side... And thanks for all the tips! Amy

I did! I was so shocked, I couldn't even compute the math in my head while I was standing there on the scale. :confused: I have 3 Protein Shakes per day, one at each meal time. And then calorie free liquids the rest of the day. I like BSN's Lean Dessert Protein powder in chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon. I mix it with skim milk, ice, and decaf coffee crystlas (to cut the sweetness). I also like Premier RTD chocolate from costco. It's tough but doable. I have 6 days left and have no doubt I'll make it! Amy

You can do it! Sounds like you are on a 5 day pre-op diet? I'm on day 9 of a 14 day pre-op liquid diet, and I am surviving. I have a Protein shake for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and calorie-free, decaf liquids the rest of the time. I won't lie, there have been some times when I have struggled, BUT I am determined to 1. not have a fatty liver 2. wake up from surgery with a band and 3. to do this right. In the first week, I lost 17.4 lbs! It's so worth it when you see those kind of results. I'd be happy to help you with how much and what to buy if you tell me your guidelines! Good luck! Amy

Hi, All! So many bandsters - I'm excited for us! A word of encouragement for Cheryl and others on the pre-op diet. I am on day 8 of 14 today. I have 100% faithfully stuck with it - 3 protein shakes per day and clear, calorie-free decaf liquids. In the first seven days, I lost 17.4 lbs! OMG! It's been hard, but it is so worth doing! Hang in there - it's definitely worth it. Amy