Saying Hello From Michigan!

[RoseNewLife 0]

I just wanted to say hello to all fellow lap-band patients here in Michigan! I'm new to these forums, and hoping to get to know more people who've been had this surgery.

I have not been lab-banded yet, I'm in the "testing phase" before I can get a surgery date. My doctor is Dr. Deol, I've been to her seminar, had my first consultation, and I can just say she's wonderful! I feel whatever lies ahead for me, I'm in good hands with Dr. Deol. She really stays on top of the latest lap-band technology, and everyone in her office is so kind and helpful.

Anyone near the Waterford / Pontiac area of Michigan?

[Karen2539 0]

Hi Rose Wolf,

I live in Commerce, so very close to you. I just had my surgery on July 9th by Dr. Deol and I can't say enough great things about her. As a matter of fact, tomorrow I go for my first fill. Rebecca was in her office when I first started the whole process, but Debbie is just as wonderful. They took care of everything I needed as far as insurance goes, and I really am enjoying the monthly support group she requires... well worth it! Good luck in your process and let me know how things go!

Karen

[RoseNewLife 0]

Nice to meet you Karen! Congratz on your successful surgery with Dr. Deol!:clap2: 20 pounds lost so far for you, that's excellent. I met Rebecca briefly when I first started in Dr. Deol's office, but have been working with Debbie the most, she is awesome. How did the pre-op diet work for you? Was it difficult?

Maybe I'll see you sometime in the near future at the support group meetings!

[Karen2539 0]

ooooh, that pre op diet was the worst! I hate to admit it, but it was. By the time my two weeks were just about up, I think I was only drinking 3 of the opti fast shakes and eating one of the bars ( I found the chocolate bars best). I also got the ready to drink strawberry shakes... much, much better than the packets that you had to mix yourself. My poor family had to listen to me complain, but I think by the end I could have cared less whether I ate or not.

[RoseNewLife 0]

Yeah, that pre-op diet doesn't sound fun! I think I would agree with you, to get the ready-to-drink stuff, rather then to mix it up. I just hope there is a lactose free formula, milk and me do not get along at all! I'm very lactose-intolerant. I have spoken to the nutritionist, and she is going to look into it for me. You only had to do two weeks of this pre-op diet? Mine will be three weeks . . . I wonder if it's different from patient to patient.

[juno610 1]

Hello! Dr. Deol is my surgeon too! I'm over in Royal Oak. Love love love Dr. Deol.

Keep in mind that the ready-to-drink Optifast is quite a bit more expensive than the kind you mix up yourself. I didn't really think it was worth it. Also, the chicken Soup is so good. That is what kept me sane during my 4 weeks of pre-op diet.

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress!

Maria

[RoseNewLife 0]

Thanks for the tip Maria! I love chicken Soup, it'll probably be one of my favs too. I'll have to consider the costs of 3 weeks ready-to-drink Optifast . . . if its better and will keep me on the diet, I might try it. I just keep telling myself any of this is worth the money, considering the cash I've dumped down the drain for all those other wasted diets and wasted time. Sometimes I wonder if I had never dieted at all, would I be this heavy now? It always seems when you gain weight back after a diet, those fat cells bring friends!

I'll keep in touch! I love this place! I just wish I could get things moving faster . . . gotta wait until next Monday for my Cardiology appointment. One day at a time! Good time now to be learning

[Karen2539 0]

I ended up buying one case of the strawberry ready to drink opti fast shakes and the rest that I had to mix myself. I still have about 3 boxes of the stuff you have to mix in the cupboard. Every once in a while I will grab one of the packets, mix and use... for some reason they aren't as bad now as what I thought they were when I had to use them. I know you can add flavorings to them to help. In the end though, it was all worth it.... I have no regrets about my band:).