DebWS

I have really like the Whey Powder from Whole Foods. I could not even find the Carnation product recommended by our nutritionist...but the 365 brand at Whole Foods is just fine. I'm also enjoying lots of Crystal Light, just to keep me sloshing-full... Deb WS

Hello, awhenry. Start believing in yourself and the power you have to bring change. It is hard for all of us, but I believe that you, and I can do it, one step at a time! Best, Deb WS

Just updating my statistics:

I have been on my pre-op diet, and prior to that a regime with a protein shake a day and much smaller portions for 2 weeks. In that three week slot I have lost over ten pounds, which is encouraging! My pre-op (Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston) consists of up to four protein shakes a day (I usually take 2-3, depending on hunger level), non-caloric liquids, 2 fruits, and a very modest and low fat dinner. The 'empty' feeling is very present sometimes, but I try to have something ready so that I don't get wildly hungry - which helps. I feel fortunate that I don't have to go on a complete fast prior to surgery...I am allowed to have an actual (though small) meal the night before the procedure, which amazed me! Others? Deb WS

I am a caterer...and also a home cook. I would suggest finding a few recipes that you think you would enjoy (ones that are healthy) and trying them out when you have a little time. You can break the recipe into portions and freeze it. Having pre-washed salad greens and veggies also helps -- it's available and ready for you. You also might want to buy a few home-style soups (not canned, but in the prepared, refrigerated section of your supermarket) and have those available. Things like chicken vegetable are healthy and usually very low fat and low sodium (the canned stuff has lots of sodium). Hope this helps. Getting away from fast food will definitely help! Deb WS

From Deb WS: I would check the protein amount in the shakes. If the protein level is not high enough, that could contribute to your exhaustion. Whole Foods has Whey Protein Powder that might be a better choice...or check for others that might as well (while still being low in sugar, low in carbs, etc. Best, Deb WS

I'm curious as to how the decision is made between band sizes -- 4cc vs. 10 cc. Do you know?

I am hanging in there with my pre-op diet, although I have found out -- from direct experience -- why it is that they want you to consume all those shakes! The shakes are fine, but when you start to get hungry (at least this is so for me) you will eat the nearest thing you can find. The way to pre-empt this is to be very focused on not going more than three or four hours without another shake, or a piece of fruit. Then you don't get to the point of eating wallpaper (well, almost). My pre-op regime includes shakes and two fruits and no-calorie liquids during the day, and a modest meal at night. This is not bad...and there is no clear liquid requirement pre-surgery (even the day before). Afterward, there is an all-liquid diet for 2 weeks, and I suspect that I won't want anything else! I am elated as I approach the surgery and look forward to continued conversation with you all as we continue on this path. Deb WS

Yesterday I had my anesthesiology and pre-op meeting at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Very thorough discussion of the admission and pre-op process, anesthesia administration, and an EKG, BP, 'light' physical. And a sobering handout on MRSA and other infections, along with a bottle of antibiotic antiseptic scrub that I was instructed to use for the three days leading up to surgery. The hospital is very focused on infection control (yay) so they take this stuff seriously. So now it's the mostly liquid diet...shakes, a little fruit, a draconian dinner of solid food. I figure it's not forever, and with focus on the end result, I will keep on keeping on. I'll be interested to hear how others are doing with the pre-op diet program and other tidbits as we progress toward the November surgery dates. Best, Deb WS

Congratulations, Diamondbeys! And indeed..happy birthday!!:cursing:

Thanks to those who have extended good wishes and welcomed me to this group! Today I had my 'final' appointment with Dr. Robinson at BWH. Amazingly enough, I am now officially a 'go' for surgery, two weeks from tomorrow (Wednesday). Tomorrow I will see the anesthesiologist. And I h ave a packet of info and think the liquids are supposed to start Thursday. In preparation, I stopped at Whole Foods and picked up chocolate and vanilla 365 Brand Whey Powder, another type which is berry-flavor, three ready-made shakes, and three 'instant' packets, for travel. Tomorrow I'll get sugar-free jello, crystal light, and a few similar things. I can not believe it's really going to happen. My younger daughter is quite nervous - she worries that I won't quite be 'me' if I am considerably thinner, though I am trying to assure her that this isn't the case. My birthday is November 9, and I feel like I am giving myself a very big birthday gift! Best to all, Deb WS

Hello, all. I am a new member of this forum, and it is just over 2 weeks until my banding procedure. I feel odd even writing this, because getting to this point has been quite a process - and part of me wonders if it will happen. I have thought about pursuing surgery for a long time -- at least five years, I think -- and I have spent over 1.5 years trying to get to this point, given bumps in the road, largely from the insurance company perspective. My surgery date is November 3 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston; my surgeon is Dr. Malcolm Robinson. I continue to struggle with trying to achieve pre-op weight loss and hope that my lack of progress in that regard will not prove another impediment to having surgery. The required pre-op nutrition classes have been helpful, and I feel well educated to be on this path. I would be very interested from hearing from people who have been on similar paths, and am also interested in this issue: some people have said, flatly, that banding 'does not work.' I certainly hope that that is not an informed point of view. What can you tell me? With best wishes to all for better health, Deb WS

All, I am a brand-new member and my surgery date is scheduled for November 3, so I would love to continue to be in conversation with you. My surgeon is Dr. Malcolm Robinson, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. I have my final appointment with Dr. Robinson tomorrow and my appointment with the anesthesiologist is scheduled for Wednesday. I have been trying to lose weight pre-surgery and have had very little luck doing so -- I am curious to know if others of you have had this experience as well. At what point do we get moved to a liquid diet in prep for surgery? All advice welcome. Oh -- I have two children, one 29, one 17, both girls; a wonderful and supportive husband, and two delightful cats! Deb