FRANCIE

Thanks for the tips. I am feeling better today. Yesterday was damn hard!! Ever notice how much people eat on TV? Ackovack: I don't have any major health issues, and I did eat a little bit of yogurt yesterday. I was feeling a little better after that. Going to get some vitamins today if I can walk to the car! lol Thanks for the help!!

CCKSHARP: I forgot to mention a big CONGRATULATIONS on the weight you have already lost. I think that's awesome!!

After reading this forum for the past month, I was COMPLETELY prepared for the surgery. I had absolutely no worries and as crazy as it sounds, we all had a great time at the hospital before and after the surgery. Never laughed so much. About 7 of us were banded that day and bonded that day too. I am going back for the first fill and will meet up with all my new friends. I don't think I would have done it without this forum because there were so many questions and unknowns. Thanks you guys, from the bottom of my heart too!!!

Boost protein drinks have really saved me. I had surgery last Monday and have been really weak, these seem to keep me "up". I also bought alot of Vitamin Water, drinkable yogurt and popsicles are my best friend. Good Luck! You'll do fine!

WOW sounds like fun Julie! I am sure you will have a blast even if it does rain. I'm day 5 post-op so still a little sore. Just going to lay around the house, but there is alot to be said for that!!! Most days I am on the run (I am a realtor) so I appreciate any time off when my phone doesn't ring.

achovack: I didn't pass the lung test either but Dr. Acosta and I had a great time with me trying and we laughed and laughed!! I ADORE those doctors.

HELLO FRIENDS! Well, I went to the OCC Monday and had awonderful experience like everyone here. The plane ride home was rough but I made it through. Today is Thursday and I am literally so weak I can hardly type. Is it the surgery, or lack of food that is making me weak? I've drank Boost protein drinks, popsicles and chicken broth today. I am really really hungry. Any suggestions? I am feeling like I will die if I don't get something to eat. HELP!!! Sorry to whine so much. I knew this would be hard but I don't think I knew just exactly how hard.

I had my surgery Monday the 18th of August. When I arrived I hadn't lost any weight but my BMI was low. The girl that went with me hadn't lost all of her pre-op weight and she (Dr. Miranda) was TOTALLY RUDE to her. When Dr. M asked her why she didn't lose all the weight, my friend said she had tried but just didn't lose it all. My friend has a situation where she doesn't have a colon and cant really eat alot of greens and such. I could not believe how Dr. M spoke to her. My mouth just fell open at how mean she was! She said "Dr. Ortiz will get you!" and told us to get out of her office. Dr. Ortiz was the sweetest, kindest man and very compassionate but I have nothing good to say about Dr. M. By the way, my friend got banded same day as me. Hang in there, I think she's just not a compassionate person. Oh, and she's really skinny too so she probably doesn't understand what a diet is like. This is just my opinion.

I had my surgery Monday the 18th and Dr. Ortiz told me I have to lose 50 pounds and I should be able to lose half of that by my first fill.

Thanks so much to all you sweet people for your responses! Once again, you have pulled me out of a funk. I read somewhere on this forum about someone saying they made up their mind to go through the surgery because of this forum. I totally agree. You all have given me the courage and determination I need. THANKS SO MUCH!! Pray for me on the 18th

Surgery scheduled for August 18th (next Monday) and now I am starting to really freak out. To top it off, I am eating everything in sight like this is my last day to be alive. My BMI is 30 so I don't have to go on the pre-op diet but I am really out of control. Someone needs to throw cold water in my face. Oh and yesterday my husband got life insurance for me...just in case. I'm crying!!!!!

OMG I love LOST!!!! I am such a nerd on the internet searching for all the clues and reviews of the episodes.

WOW, now there is some motivation!

THAT BASTARD!! What an idiot. I am still shocked when someone talks about the way someone else looks! He is a pig and not worthy of you. I think you're a great person for going back into the store to get the owner! I am sure the poor dog was very thankful to you and THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS! This will probably get deleted but that guy makes me furious!!

OMG Vix, HANG IN THERE!! It's a shock to him at first but time really does heal all wounds. Someone on this forum suggested your husband get on here and read everything. I had my husband research it online and the OCC was the best choice for me. I'm having my band done Aug 18th and he is being really great about it. I feel so bad for you, but the worst is behind you and we are all here for you. I will keep you in my prayers.

Hello! I am to be banded on August 18th and I am totally confident with my decision BECAUSE OF THIS FORUM. The people here are very nice and supportive and eager to answer your questions. I read one post where the lady asked "what if I fail?" and the people on here answered her with "what if you succeed". That really stuck in my brain.... I think we are all used to (and maybe even programmed now) to believe we are going to fail at weight loss. We need to realize that this will be a new beginning of learning how to eat right and think right. It worries me that you think you only have 10 years to live if you dont get the surgery. If you have this concern then you need to do something now but alot of this process is attitude...a positive one. We have a great support system here. I went to lapbandtalk forum and was shocked at the difference. What we all need is to "band" together and support each other and I think this is the right place for people like me and you. I know you are scared of the anesthesia. I talked to an anesthesiologist and he assured me they monitor you very very closely. If something happens, they can flush you out and wake you up immediately. I don't think this is something to worry about, but I understand your concern. At the end, it's all up to the good Lord anyway..... Just my opinion.

Okay, sorry for the FREAK-OUT!!! Man, my emotions are on a rollercoaster. I guess my question is..Does Dr. O actually put in the saline at the time of band insertion? I have researched so much that I am on information overload and right back to knowing nothing!!! haha

Okay...are you saying that there is no weight loss after the band???? You mean you simply CANT eat as much but DONT feel full??? I'm confused and starting to rethink my decision HELP

Thanks Girls!! (lisa your pix are amazing...you are beautiful). I am making a list, so keep the tips coming!

My BMI is a 30 and I am self pay. I am very tall (6 foot) and I don't look like I weight as much as I do. I have had a few people tell me I am crazy to do this but I know in my heart it is the right thing because I have tried several diets and always gain it back. I am strictly doing it for health reasons. My cholesterol is off the charts and I am a strong candidate for diabetes. I really don't care what anyone thinks of me. This is my decision. My surgery is scheduled for August 18th and it can't get here fast enough. I have been lurking on this site for quite awhile and I always feel more comfortable with my decision after I read the posts.

Thanks for the tips. You guys are great! Should I pack some special food? How do i prepare myself "mentally"? Did you read the Lap Band For Life? Sorry I have so many questions!

I'm scheduled to have my surgery at OCC August 18th. With help from this forum, I feel like I've made the right decision but I want to know....What is the one tip you would give me i.e. before surgery, after surgery, etc. Please help!! Very nervous.

HI EVERYBODY! I just scheduled my surgery for August 18th. I'm very scared and excited. I have to tell you that all the information that was provided in this forum helped me make my decision, so I thank you all!!