transformer

Hi there! My banding is tomorrow--Dec. 19th! I'm anxious to hear how you are doing! Be sure to get lots of rest and focus on healing!

Welcome! I'm getting banded tomorrow! This site has a wealth of information and I've found the posts by folks who have already gone through this process to be the most comforting. I haven't told many people either because I want to keep my "good karma" as long as I can! I don't want to be dragged down by other people's negativity! I hope you find this site as helpful as I have!

Hi there! I'm getting banded tomorrow morning! I can't say that I'm worried--more excited than anything. I think if I do what the doctors and nurses tell me I'll be okay as far as hunger is concerned. We'll see! I think I'm more worried about exercising. I think that maybe I'll feel more optimistic about it once I lose some weight. It's been difficult to exert myself for so long that I've gotten used to not being able to do anything. Just keep focusing on the prize and you'll be okay! :first:

Hi there! I'm a self-payer, so I can't tell you much about the whole insurance process. I am being banded tomorrow! I'm so excited I dont' know if I'll be able to sleep tonight! I met several people who had "success stories" to share at a lap-band support group last week. One man was totally unrecognizable in his before picture. The changes he made were unbelievable! I think it will be a good choice!

Welcome! Congratulations! It sounds like things are going well for you so far. That's terrific! I'm getting banded tomorrow! I hope I manage to get to sleep and wake up. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM! I'm too excited to go to bed!

Welcome! My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. I researched the different options for about 2 years myself. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Hi there! Several lapbanders have mentioned how they live "the Dave Ramsey way." Apparently, I have been living in a cave because I have no clue who that is! I figured out it has something to do with finances... :noidea:

Thanks a lot for the information--I'll look him up. Maybe I can read the book while I'm recovering from surgery!

I'm getting SO excited--only 6 more days!!! Now that I've been to all of my education and nutrition classes, shopped for my liquid diet, vitamins, etc., and finished my pre-op visit, I'm just waiting to get this done! It's so hard to focus on anything else right now!

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time! I think you'd feel a bit better if you drank only liquids for the first two weeks, such as high-Protein shakes with skim milk (aim for 90 grams of protein per day), and clear liquids like Water and chicken broth. For the second two weeks, you can eat pureed or soft foods along with the Protein Shakes (again, aiming for 90 grams of protein per day). The first month is the time to let your stomach heal, so be sure to avoid carbonated drinks and solid foods. This is the eating plan my doctor asked us to follow. Try this out and let us know if you feel any better--hang in there!

I'm broke because I'm a self-payer (ha, ha). :Cry: I got the "store brand" chewables for at least the first month! I guess they'd better do whether they taste okay or not!

I just had my pre-op visit today, too! I'm so excited about getting started. I've been trying to imagine what it will be like to wear a bathing suit WITHOUT pulling a giant shirt over it! I hope everything goes well for you!!!!

Welcome--I hope you find the perfect surgeon very soon!

That is so wonderful! I hope everything continues to go smoothly for you!

Welcome! I'm so happy for you! You are on your way!

Welcome! Sorry I'm clear across the country, so I can't help you with your search! I hope someone can suggest a great surgeon for you! :welcome2:

I'm so excited for you! You'll soon be on your way to a healthier you!

Hi everyone! I'm getting very excited about my upcoming lap-band surgery on 12/19/06! What a Christmas gift I'm giving myself! Believe it or not, the only person I've told about this so far is my orthodontist, because I don't want to hear anyone's negative comments before I have the procedure done. I'm hoping that my teeth will be straight at about the time I've lost all of my weight (I'm only two months in to a 28-month treatment plan). I went out and bought some high protein powdered drink mix, Tums for calcium, and a chewable multivitamin today. I also stocked up on sugar and fat-free Jello and Jello pudding, tomato soup, chicken broth, and sugar-free popsicles. I think I'm just about ready! I'm not especially worried about the surgery, but I'm just hoping I won't have complications and have to stay at the hospital for more than a day. My new year is going to REALLY be a new year!

You have already lost almost 50 pounds? That's incredible! So, you slipped...now get back on track! Develop a laser-focus on your short-term goal. Hang something to inspire you where you can see it. Do some extra exercise to burn off the extra calories. Go get some sleep--tomorrow is another day and another chance to make a fresh start! YOU CAN DO IT!!! :cheer2:

I think you need to forgive yourself first! Since you are taking steps now to get things back on track, you need to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. You won't help yourself by continuing to beat yourself up about things you've done in the past. I agree with everyone else that you need to keep working with your therapist and find a support group near you. Hang in there!!!

I am SO excited for you!!!! :wow2: Keep up the good work!!

Well, I just met with my doctor today for my pre-op visit. He said that he has never had to do an "open" lapbanding procedure before, he never has to give blood transfusions, and no one has ever died from this procedure in his practice. He said I'll be sore, especially on the first day, but that the recovery goes a whole lot faster than the gastric bypass. He also said that if I am one of the banders who "gets it" right away, meaning someone who strictly follows the diet and exercises regularly, that I should have wonderful results. One of his patients has already lost 90% of the weight she needs to lose and she's only 9 months out! I have to say that I am not excessively concerned because I know I will be in good hands! :clap2:

Awesome poem! I'm sending my best wishes your way-hope all goes well!

Welcome! Congratulations for making such an important decision! I'm having my surgery on 12/19/06. My strategy is that I am going to follow all of the directions that I've received from the doctors, nurses, and dieticians. The surgeons have a lot of experience and they know what can increase the risk level of having complications. If I am careful and avoid doing things I shouldn't, then I'm hoping I'll be fine. (That, and some prayer, too, of course)! Poke around the different postings--you'll learn a lot more about the reality of the procedure from real people who have already had the surgery!

You are giving yourself the ultimate Christmas gift--the gift of good health! Way to go! :clap2: