imagine923

I had to do a 6 month requirement of documented dieting, so I started my ticker when I started losing weight. GOOT LUCK EVERYONE!! just think how good we are going to look in JULY!! yeah baby!!

I started my pre op diet today, too!! I'll be banded on Dec 30! I didn't know what to expect, but it's not so bad. I've been told that the first 3 days are the hardest as your body detox's from the sugars. We have our family Christmas party at our house on Saturday, so I can relate to your concerns about your birthday. Happy Birthday, you are giving yourself a great gift! I am doing Optifast for the next two weeks. What is your program? Good luck, let's keep in touch.....

Stephy I had the same concerns as you do a couple months ago. I worried about all the foods that I couldn't eat anymore and felt really sorry for myself. Then I realized that these are the foods that got me to where I am today!! Fat and unhappy! So, I made a "bucket list" of the foods that I needed to have before my surgery December 30 and I've gone out to dinner and enjoyed these foods. Funny thing, they didn't taste as good as I thought they would. The pouch is designed to hold 1-2 bites. After banding you have to eat really slow and put your fork down in between so that the vegus nerve in the stomach will signal the brain that it is full before you take another bite. If you stretch out the pouch by eating too fast, or eating foods that you shouldn't, you risk slippage. I think that slippage and erosion are relatively rare if you follow the rules. And, my banded friends at support group tell me that I will not miss the old way of eating. My goal is to not stretch out my pouch, to work WITH my band and then I won't have to worry about slippage. I have been going to Thursday night support groups that my surgeons office holds and I've learned a LOT about the band from other people in the group and most of them have had great success, not everyone, but they are eating the things that they know they shouldn't eat. I encourage you to find a support group and make that your "me" night. Find your reason for having the surgery and keep that in the forefront of your mind. Good Luck and let us know how you are doing. Chris

I am scheduled for Dec 30 too!! I can't wait to start a new me for the new year!! I'm a bit nervous too, but I'm sure it will be fine! I've only told a handful of people, I don't feel obligated to tell everyone. I was thinking about it today, that I should tell my siblings, but hey, they'll find out soon enough when they see the new me in 2011 and wonder how the heck I did it! I even have to go to our family Christmas party on the 26th and I think I'll just make sure I have my Protein shake before I go and only eat the things that are on my free food list if I really have to eat. Good luck on you journey to being healthy!! Keep in touch as a fellow Dec 30 bandster Chris

Thanks Dave! I really didn't WANT to wait, I was so excited to get started back in June that I hated that I had to go through the six months. But, during that 6 months I attended quite a few of the group sessions that my surgeons office offers. Thursday nights are reserved for ME time with my group. Because of the groups and six months of thinking time, I have learned so much about myself. I really feel that I have my head around this, yes there are lots of great tasting foods that I (think) I'm really going to miss, but they are what got me to where I am! Looking back at what I've learned about living with the band and learning about myself, I am thankful for the 6 months. I have "found my reason!" (thank you Frank for inspiring me with your mantra)

I am finally at the end of the 6 month diet that BCN is requiring for surgery. I go for my last weigh in on Monday, December 13th. I have my pre op with Dr Beane on Wednesday, the 15th, and start my liquid diet on Thursday the 16th. My surgery is scheduled for December 30th and I can't wait to start the New Year with a new ME!! Finally, a New Year's resolution that I can and will live with!! Since the beginning of my 6 months, I have lost 20 lbs, and I feel so much better already!! Yea me!! Chris

Good Luck!! I'm sure you will do just fine.

-not being embarrassed about my weight -liking myself again -not feeling my thighs rub together -buying cute little shirts and shorts -getting off my meds -no more c pap -no more hurting ankles and knees -looking good for my husband -fitting into the seat of a rollercoaster

After 2 years, I have finally decided to have the surgery and get healthy!! Yea Me!! I have attended the seminar, had my first appointment with the surgeon and have to go through a 6 month weight program that is required by my insurance company. I am excited that the process is started, and I can't wait til next summer. This is my LAST fat summer! :smile: