January Bandsters???

[angyl2314 1]

4 more days for me. I am on vacation in Florida, with my overweight brother and his overweight girlfriend. Needless to say my eating habits have been a little subpar...lol. I read a lot on the December Bandsters forum to see how the recently banded people are doing. I am absolutely freaked out for the first week post op with all the adjustments. I forsee a week or so of an emotional mess. Thank God I have the time off from work so I can try to deal with this stuff on my own. I don't want to get my family involved because I am scared of the "I told you so" stuff. I am hoping that after the surgery my mom's anxiety completely disapates and she can breathe easy again. She is so crabby about me going through elective surgery, and I feel awful, but hey, what can I do? Anyway, there goes my venting for the day. Hope everone else is doing well and getting ready! (By the way, I am not allowed to say the word surgery all day...my brother said I'm driving him crazy lol)

[angelburch 0]

I went shopping last night to buy all the things I'll need on my preop. Seven days of "mostly" Clear Liquids. I bought some Slim Fast low carb drinks because they have 20 grams of Protein each. I'm allowed two "protein" drinks a day. Also, I can have skim milk. I'm not much of a milk drinker, but I'm hopeful I can handle it since I'll be on liquids for so long. I start the liquid phase of the diet on Jan 3rd, and then surgery on the 10th. I'm excited to be at the starting line of a fantastic new journey. Everyone's posts have been so uplifting and knowing that you are all feeling the same things that I am is encouraging.

[BabyGotBack 0]

I just wanted to check in!

I went out last night and had a great time. Coming here and venting helped a lot.

You know what helped me out TREMENDOUSLY? I drank one of those Kelloggs' Protein waters. They have 5 grms of whey protein in it, and it actually took my hunger away!!!! I was reading the package and it says that it is for in between meals to curb your appetite!!

I will definitely be buying more!

Today is day 2 of my pre op. I am about to go and make my Protein Shake. I am using a vanilla one from SportPharma I bought at Sams Club, but I went back and they don't have it anymore. Can anyone suggest one they bought at Target, Walmart or somewhere else??

Thanks,Audree

[jenslapband 0]

I just picked my Mom up from the airport today. She is here to help me during and after surgery - thank GAWD!!

We just did some before pictures and I am going to take my measurements. (ewwwwwww!)

Cindy, thank you for your wisdom in this thread - I enjoy reading what you have to say.

Audree, I'm glad you went out and had a good time.

Angy12314, I'm sorry your family views this as elective. I am sure your Mom is scared that something will happen. Once she sees that you are okay and getting healthy I hope she can be more support.

[BabyGotBack 0]

How is everyone doing today?

Where is Sunshine2? I haven't heard from her in a few days?

Audree

[pinky12202 0]

How is everyone doing today?

Where is Sunshine2? I haven't heard from her in a few days?

Audree

Everything is going good. I was wondering about Tonya too, it feels strange when she doesn't post for such a long time. Maybe she just needed a mental break from the whole lap-band thing.

[KLo 0]

Hey everyone! This post has really taken off - that's great! I hadn't checked it since I posted a while back. I am done with all my tests and classes. I have my pre-op with the surgeon and then Jan 10 is THE DAY. I can't wait! It is has been hard to be low carb like my dr wanted around the holidays and, I'll admit, I have not been good at all. But I have started a few little changes that are at least a start. I have really cut back on the soda and began walking.

It is starting to really hit me that the time is almost here and it is for real. I am still trying to get the nerves up to tell my manager at work. I know I don't have to but I'd kind of like to just in case there are complications after I go back to work (Jan 18).

A little about myself - I am 33 and live in Virginia Beach VA. I am single and work as an underwriter for a large insurance company. No kids- just two spolied dogs and a cat. I have been overweight since my early 20's but have felt fat since my teens. My mom started making comments about my weight right around puberty.

I have decided to do this because - let's face it - I am not getting any younger. It is time to do this and face my issues. I also start seeing a counselor next week to deal with my "root cause" issues.

Has anyone else started seeing a counselor? I know I have issues that are probably the driving cause of my obesity.

Good luck to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2007 is going to be GREAT!!!

[BabyGotBack 0]

Hi Kathy!

I am going to be banded on Jan. 5. I am on day 2 of pre op. Are you required to do a pre op? I didn't see a counselor since I am a self pay. I have done a lot of reasearch and read Dr. Ortiz's book Lap Band for Life. I know I love to eat and eat large quantities. I love to Celebrate with food. I didn't realize how much my life revolves around food until it is time to go out and do something fun, and my thoughts,since I am on pre op, turn straight to the food I can't eat.

I don't eat to medicate any deep issues. I have been yo yo dieting since I was 12 and my step dad started commenting about my weight around puberty also. I was not over weight, but my head started thinking I was so the diets began!!!

I am not telling my daughters about the lapband surgery. I have tried so hard to be a positive role model and give them healthy concepts of food. I dont' want them to think they will need a lapband too one day. They are all healthy and naturally thin girls. They eat when hungry and stop whe full. Sometimes they eat a lot and sometimes they pick at there food. They are all very active also.

Welcome to the group and have a Happy New Year!!! Audree

[angelburch 0]

Hey KLo - I was required to have a psych evaluation and also visit with a nutrionist. The reason is, that the psych eval is to make sure that you have a realistic understanding of what's invovled with the band, and to help you deal with any "underlying issues" with food. I enjoyed my evaluation, and learned a thing or two. I mostly enjoyed visiting with the nutrionist. I learned ALOT from her. I am required to go back at 30 days post-op, 3 months and 6 months. I will look forward to that.

[rsbell 0]

Update: I found out today that my hemoglobin level is back to normal! So, I am a "go" for January 22 pending the final checkup endoscopy on the 12th.

Looks like I will be a bandster yet!

[mookie1 0]

Hi-Yep, seeing a therapist too. I have to, due to the fact that once the weight starts to come off, I'll have all the same issues and won't have food (well not in the amounts I'm used to) to turn to. My weight issues started in my 20's. I spent my childhood being thin and active and watching my sister and mom go on numerous diets. So the need to be thin and stay thin was established early on (and not in a healthy way). <O:p</O:p

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I also have to deal with the guilt about having to go under the knife to help me stop overeating. I imagine in as little as 50 (maybe less) years the medical establishment will look back on this surgery and see it as drastic. Just like when they used to wire people's jaws shut.<O:p></O:p>

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What helps a little, (for me) is to look back a childhood photos and promise that little person a better life. We don't have much control growing up under the expectations, dreams, fears, successes and failures of our guardians but we sure as heck can create our own adult futures. Think how much your dogs will love a more fit and active Mom?<O:p></O:p>

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Find the support you need and lean on them. <O:p></O:p>

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Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide. You're on your way Klo, you’ve made the best decision.<O:p></O:p>

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[juno610 1]

Rsbell - my date twin! Glad to hear you are back in the game!

To the rest of my January bandsters... I am officially done with 1 week of my pre-op! I lost a little over 2lbs. I had expected more, but I also haven't been exercising (bad me!). I am getting back on that horse today though. As soon as DH is awake, we're heading off to the gym. So far, the Optifast hasn't been too bad. I haven't been hungry and the sugar cravings haven't been too bad. The worst part is the salt craving! I have never been one to add salt to food, but I guess when you're not getting much in general... whew! The Optifast chicken Soup has been great -- I look forward to it every night. I was joking with a gal at work that I was about ready to suck on a cube of boullion! Gross! LOL!

Anyway... I will add my little bio here too. I am 30 years old and mom to three cats. My 1st wedding anniversary is coming up on January 7th -- needless to say, we'll be eating that wedding cake a bit later on. I am finishing up a Masters in Exercise Science, and I work in non-invasive cardiology. We do stress testing and holter monitors, and cardiac rehab. So, if you ever have any questions about that stuff, I'm your girl! I've been fighting my weight since I was 18. Up, up, up! Finally, I feel like I have some hope to go down, down, down! I dream of one day getting into a little more of the fitness aspect of my field. I have always held back because I didn't feel like I would be taken seriously. Helps to look the part, right? Would you believe I am also a certified personal trainer? Just goes to show, we all have our own demons.

I'm so excited for all you guys having surgery this coming week! Can't wait to hear reports!

Maria

[cinward2001 0]

I am having a *wonderful* time reading all of your posts! Your excitement, anticipation, and enthusiasm are contagious. Every time I pop in here, it makes me grateful for my band all over again. When I read about how you feel starting the pre-op diet, or getting a surgery date, or whatever stage of the process you're in, I'm amazed to think that I'm approaching my 1 yr bandiversary. In many ways, I feel like I was just banded.

Just a quick update. When I last weighed, I was down to 178lbs. That's 3!! lbs from the original goal that I set myself when getting banded. I think that I can lose that by the 19th. That was a "dream" goal...I never really thought I'd make it because I've never weighed in the 170s as an adult. I'm consistently wearing mediums and 12s now. I remember being 16 yrs old and wearing 14s and 16s. :bananajump: At 41, I'm smaller and in MUCH better shape than that 16 yr old and it's just going to get better. I've revised my "dream" goal to 155-165...and what's really cool is that it really isn't a "dream" goal. I *know* that I'll get there.

Cindy

[KLo 0]

Hey All -

Audree - my dr didn't really stress a pre-op diet - just said any weight loss pre-surgery will be helpful as we first lose around the stomach and also shrink the liver.

I too worry about my social life post-banding. I seem to go out to dinner as my main social thing and that will all be changing soon. I also am not telling a lot of people about the surgery so I haven't quite figured out what to say to casual friends when they want to meet up for dinner.

Mookie1 - thank you so much for the kind words of support. And of thinking of the pups! It's funny, I am VERY particular about what types of food and treats they get (and they look great, if I do say so myself!) but I'll shovel just about anything in for myself. What's up with that?! :-)

I am glad to be involved in the post with people going through this life changing event at the same time. In fact, this whole board is AWESOME!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all - BE SAFE tonight!

[BabyGotBack 0]

Update: I found out today that my hemoglobin level is back to normal! So, I am a "go" for January 22 pending the final checkup endoscopy on the 12th.

Looks like I will be a bandster yet!

Congrats RSbell!!!!! Audree