Rachael

I am having surgery on March 18th and am getting worried and afraid. First off, worried about surgery itself and afraid that this won't work for me. I tried to talk to my husband about it and he told me to cancel the surgery. I don't want to cancel the surgery. I know that I need it. I guess I am just looking for some encouragement. I have some will power but my hunger seems to over-power it. I think the band will help---first because I don't want to screw it up by eating what I am not allowed to have and second by keeping hunger pangs at bay.

Any help/encouragement/suggests would be great!

Rachael

i've been banded for almost 3 years now... before my surgery, i had so many "last meals" it wasn't even funny. i was to be on a 2 week pre-op diet (medi-fast) and i only lasted 1 day. to me, the pre-op wasn't as important as the post-op eating plan.

i'm going to be honest with you and how things are with MY band and how my eating has changed the past 3 years.

i'm a VERY picky eater. i don't like veggies. i don't like many fruits. i'm a big fan of all the unhealthy foods and fast food chains. i was also a binge eater, meaning i wouldn't eat 1 donut, i'd eat 6.

after my surgery, there are SO MANY foods my band don't let me eat anymore. bread and ground meat are the big ones which means no burgers, no pizza, no sandwiches of any kind. the only Protein i really eat is chicken and eggs with occasional pork. Protein shakes are my best friend. i still crave pizza and just can't be around it. i can now be out with family and don't feel like a drug addict when i'm around someone who eats a hamburger. there really isn't anything i can eat from any fast food place anymore unless i take the chicken off the bun. i can't eat french fries. i can eat 1 chicken soft taco but no rice.

what i find more difficult than the limited food choices for me is the amount of food i now eat. i eat about half a kids meal when i go out to dinner. imagine having the biggest, best steak in front of you and HAVING to stop after 6 tiny bites because your stomach is full... but your brain is still ravenous. i get depressed when i have to stop eating and throw up if i continue to eat.

on the other hand...

food isn't exciting to me anymore. i don't eat to enjoy, i eat to stay alive. food no longer holds any enjoyment for me... it's just something i have to do 3 times a day like taking a shower and going to the bathroom.

the results that i've achieved from the band are tremendous. i've lost almost 70 pounds and i'm at my goal weight. i fit into size 8 jeans, size 6 skirts, size small tops. even my feet have shrunk. i get compliments almost daily. i feel good about myself. i'm healthy being at a normal BMI and i'm happy!

do i recommend the surgery... YES but just be prepared for the most difficult journey of your life. it is doable... i'm proof of that!

Thank you so much! I am being banded on March 18th and am nervous. I hope to feel the same way you do....food has become my best friend and worse enemy.

Not sure what I just did. I wasn't put on a pre-op diet either. I was told to do two days of Clear liquids and eat/drink nothing on the day of surgery. I was doing some Protein shakes. I did add a couple of frozen strawberries but will not do that after surgery. I have been sick with a sinus infection and haven't felt like eating this week....so I have lost about 3 pounds. I plan to get back on track....my surgery is March 18th. I have been doing high protein/low carbs meals and drinking Protein Shakes for breakfast/dinner.

I had been on a strict diet for 7.5 months so my doctor's office said to continue what I was doing (had lost 50 pounds). For the 2 weeks prior to surgery I did a Protein shake (breakfast and dinner), and a low fat/carb Protein based lunch. If you were to make your own shakes (and you might want to do that so you know what you like for the post op diet) make them with fat free milk, and no add ins (except for sugar free pudding powder, spices, sugar free syrups. The reason I say that is people talk about adding fruit like bananas which are high in sugar. Oh and Peanut Butter is high in fat.

Don't do a last supper mode, it's just fat you are going to have to lose after. That said I did have a sensible lunch the day before surgery since I knew it would be a month before I had solid food again.

I am getting banded on March 18th so I am nervous/excited too. I came down with a stupid sinus infection but emailed and the surgeon said I should still be fine. I started medicine. I have never had surgery before so this is a completely new experience. Reading everyone's surgery story helps tremendously.

Good luck! I am going to buy some frozen fruit to add to my smoothies. I also added some sugar free Jello pudding so not too bad. I just can't be with my family while they are eating "real" food. I also get to eat dinner tonight--lean Protein, veggies and 1 cup of fruit.

Here's to shrinking our livers and changing our lives for the better!!

I am starting the three week pre-op diet today. Two shakes and lean Protein. Then, 3 days of clear liquid for surgery on March 18th. Excited and reminding myself I can do this!!

I am getting banded on March 18th by Dr. Hamad. I am nervous/excited. Reading and trying to start to incorporate some of the lifestyle changes.

Rachael

I am getting banded on March 18th by Dr. Hamad. I am nervous/excited. Reading and trying to start to incorporate some of the lifestyle changes.

Rachael

I have been doing it too. I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this past weekend indulging in all sorts of treats--fast food, ice cream, candy, etc. I wanted a pizza hut stuffed crust pizza. I ate it after a cheeseburger baconator at Wendys. I should add I didn't eat the whole pizza. I needed to do it. I felt crappy after eating the junk....it's like I had to get it out of my system. Crazy thing is that I lost a pound....I still drank Water. I am ready now. Nothing tasted that great.....I may have one final last meal at the Olive Garden. But, other than that, I am going back to my 6 month diet and have been incorporating more and more Protein.< /p>

I am getting banded on March 18th. Feels like forever and too fast at the same time. I started the process in August 2010. I am nervous/excited. The surgeon's office told me to do two days of Clear Liquids before surgery and nothing about a pre-op diet. I have been reading Dr. Sewell's book and might do the three weeks of Protein shakes/small dinners. I don't want there to be any complications with my liver, etc.

I found out I have sleep apena too. Went to the clinic last night and was told mine was moderate. I will get a CPAP machine in a couple of days. I was lucky ...the mask didn't bother me too much last night. I agree with you, without the pre-oper testing, I would have never known.

My mother in law told me that she thought that the gastric by-pass would be a better option for me because I have the "will power of a gnat." She was the one who wanted the gastric by-pass because she thought it wouuld "easier" and even lied to the doctor by carrying weight on her to make herself weight heavier. I decided a long time ago not to listen to her. You can do this. I say leave your boyfriend but easier said than done after 3 years. Read the bandwagon book and fully commit to it. I am starting to slowly to make some changes (got approved by insurance and waiting for a surgery date). You can do it. Don't listen to what others say....most of the time they are not speaking the truth!

Rachael

And when she asked about sleeping with your husband did you, on reflex, slap the hell out of her!?!?!?! LOL Really, some people have a hell of a lot of nerve. But seriously, of course you could not slap her, but you could have said "Well, sure, I wouldn't mind if I'm dead ... but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want YOU!!!" Okay, I know, not nice, but that, along with the other things she said, was pretty tacky.

Hang in there and get ready for more "haters" once you have lost the weight.

All the best to you on your journey.

~fran

I wanted to slip the s*** out of her. But didn't. My husband and I work at the same company. He works downstairs in computers. I am a social worker. I told her that I didn't that was a good idea. I wouldn't want her raising my kids. She is just jealous. She in a miserable marriage, etc. I feel more sorry for her than any thing. My husband told me he wouldn't want her. She is a CRAZY person.

I guess my whole point with offering that was to say not to listen to people who have no idea what they are talking about. Stay with the people who are successful...the same thing I tell my clients who are getting clean off drugs and alcohol.

I am so happy to have support on this website. Thanks to everyone

Omg me too! Everyone just keeps talking about how it was on the news that someone died! and it just freaks me out, every surgery has a consequence, just like every action one takes, But the death rates are higher when you are obese so im willing to take that chance. i wish u the best!

Someone at work asked me if I was afraid to die. I told them that I was more afraid of dying from obesity related illnesses. Of course, the same person asked me if she could have my clothes after I lost weight. And if I died, could she sleep with my husband. I didn't put a lot of stock in that....I talk to my other co-worker who has lost a lot of weight and is very healthy.

Congrats Rachel!! I'm waiting for my approval and will be posting my Approval soon (hopefully)!! Very happy for you! When is your surgery date???

I will be able to schedule surgery either tomorrow or Friday. I bugged them but I am glad I did. At least I know that I will be able to have the surgery. Now, to learning all I can about my post op diet, etc.

After I called the surgeon's office, I finally got a call yesterday. I was approved for surgery. I am so nervous/excited. I been reading the Bandwagon book which is helping tremendously. I have also ordered a cookbook and more weight lost/lap band books. It helps me to be prepared. But I am ready for this life-long change to be healthier, happier, and able to shop in Victoria Sercets (haha).

Rachael

I am having a hard time staying patient myself. My surgeon's office submitted everything to insurance on the 13th and I still haven't heard anything. I called them on Wed and Thursday last week because my anxiety got the better of me and they didn't hear anything back. It is so hard to sit back and wait. Especially since I had to do the 6 months of dieting and all the testing already.

I am in the same boat...waiting for insurance approval. I won't receive a surgery date without prior approval from my insurance company. It is so hard to have patience with something so important. I am praying we both hear today!

That's awesome! I am still waiting to hear from the insurance company.

Hey Rick.... I'm very impatient too and I'm waiting for the surgeon's office to "reveiw" my file and submit to insurance for pre-authorization AND approval. I totally know the feeling and cant stand when they dont call back!! I know they are busy but just give me the status already!

I am also waiting for approval from insurance. I have been through all the testing. etc. I am so anxious. It has almost been a week. I need to pray for patience.

I am still waiting to see if I am approved or not by insurance. After 6 months, waiting 10 to 30 days should be a breeze but my anxiety is getting the best of me. I qualify....I have met all the requirements. Everything was submitted last Thursday....I have been trying to keep busy and not think too much about it.

How long did it take for others to get approved?\

Rachael

I was banded 9/28/10 by Dr. C and had a very good experience. Met with her prior to surgery and she spent a lot of time explaining the procedure and answering questions. Met with her and the PA day of surgery. Stay at Magee was good but ended up being in 3 days instead of overnight. My bladder does not do well with anesthesia apparently. Followed up with Bill, PA for postop check and her was also very thorough and took the time to answer all my questions. Overall a great experience. I am due to go back on Nov 12 and perhaps get my first fill.

I am waiting for approval to get surgery at Magee. Any experiences you are willing to share would be great. My surgeon is Dr. Hamad.

Thanks!

I was banded 9/28/10 by Dr. C and had a very good experience. Met with her prior to surgery and she spent a lot of time explaining the procedure and answering questions. Met with her and the PA day of surgery. Stay at Magee was good but ended up being in 3 days instead of overnight. My bladder does not do well with anesthesia apparently. Followed up with Bill, PA for postop check and her was also very thorough and took the time to answer all my questions. Overall a great experience. I am due to go back on Nov 12 and perhaps get my first fill.

I am waiting for approval to get surgery at Magee. Any experiences you are willing to share would be great. My surgeon is Dr. Hamad.

Thanks!

All of my testing, diet and paperwork has been submitted to my insurance company and I am waiting to hear what the response will be. Please say a prayer for me....I really want this to happen.

Thanks!