MrsCabes

I had to do a 3 week pre-op diet, which consisted of medi-fast products (soups, oatmeal, 1 protein bar a day) - basically, 500-600 calories a day. I only had to do all liquids for the night before surgery and for the day of surgery. How long do you have to be on liquids? Honestly, my only suggestion is to look at the big picture - a year from now, you won't even remember the pre-op diet. You'll be so happy with the new you that it will just be a blip on the radar. Don't be nervous (easier said that done!) - surgery will be here before you know it and the weight loss before surgery ensures that you have a smooth surgery and post-surgery experience. Can't wait to hear your surgery experience!!!

I had surgery on Feb. 8th, 2010 - with Dr. Curry. Does he have great bedside manners? No. Do I need him to? No. Most brilliant doctors aren't the most emotional ones - he gets the job done and he has a very high success rate (which is what everyone SHOULD be judging him on). His staff is amazing and that's what their job is for...support. BTW - I don't blame him for not doing fills for those who had surgery out of the country (or elsewhere)...he has no clue what happened during surgery and what kind of job that surgeon did. Doing a fill could be a liability.

btrieger - Good luck with surgery! Mine was Feb. 8th - so easy and I'm so sorry I didn't do it sooner!

I was banded on Feb. 8th, 2010 - at Journeylite, in Cincinnati OH, by Dr. Trace Curry. Surgery was very easy! It was done at the center (if you're considered high risk, you have to have it done at the hospital) - I went into surgery at 8:30AM and was HOME by 10:30AM. Surgery only took 17 minutes - I woke up at 9:20AM with some throat pain and minimal abdomen pain. I was kind of groggy but they had me up and sitting after about 20 minutes. At home, I made sure to get up every hour and a half, to relieve some of the gas issues! After the first day home, it was easy sailing. I felt great, was able to drive 48 hours after, kept all water and puree food down fine (no sliming! LOL) - minus, some small pain where my port incision is - everything was fine. 2 weeks out - I feel completely normal again! I'm able to start light exercising and I was moved to soft foods on Friday - no issues with those either. My first fill is March 5th and can't wait! Between the pre-op diet and post surgery, I've lost 34 pounds in 5 weeks. Very happy here!

The pre-op diet IS rough - no doubt about it. However, think of BIG picture. In a year, you won't even remember these weeks - these are just a drop in the bucket. I had to do 3 weeks (23 days!) of a medi-fast pre-op diet - yes, it was fairly miserable. But, I kept the goal of surgery in mind - I lost 26 pounds pre-surgery and it's really designed to make the surgery safer for you and for you to be more successful. And, think of it this way, too - the post surgery puree diet is a cakewalk compared to the pre-op diet! I've never been so excited to see yogurt and pudding in my life! :frown: My surgeon has an extremely high success rate BECAUSE of the fact that they insist on, at least, a 2 week pre-op diet for EVERYONE. Honestly, that makes me feel better knowing that I'm in competent hands and it's done for my health. Keep on trucking! I know it's hard but you can do it!

I'm wondering why so many of you are 7-8 weeks post surgery and haven't had a fill yet? I had surgery Feb. 8th...I did (almost) 2 weeks of puree, I'm on my first couple days of soft and my first fill is March 5th (about 4 weeks post surgery). If there is no fill - that means there is NO restriction right now. And, it's kind of dangerous to be eating more than you should, because it can stretch out your pouch. I would definitely be expressing concern to my surgeon and center!!!! Lots of prayers to everyone who is having a tough time right now and I hope things work out. Having gone through a surgery and things still aren't looking up = HORRIBLE.