advice?

I am being banded on 11/13/07. I am extremely nervous. I am very worried about the pre-op diet. I just wish 11/13 was here already. Any suggestions on coping until the surgery date?

Truly, I would be doing you a dis-service if I didn't tell you where I find my peace. It's in my faith in the Lord and His plan for me. My surgery is in less than 2 weeks and I have complete peace and am very excited! Here are the verses I like to meditate on when anxiety seems to be creeping in. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. -Philippians 4:4-8 I hope this helps. If you have any questions or just want to talk you can always private message me. I'll be praying for you! Heather PS I started a mostly liquid diet (2 meals a day) w/ high protein and good veggies for dinner...I started on Monday and it's fine. I actually feel really good about the diet. You will do fine. RELAX and you'll have a much better time!

Hello Mary, I'm cathy, I have an open RNY on the 7th of Nov and have started the liquids diet and it has not been bad. I can tell you that I am a little concerned of problems but with God in my life he will protect me and follow me through all things. I can understand your concerns but think positive and you will be fine. As far as the pre op diet I have been fine. it does help to not actually eat with my family for dinner its the only time I have concerns about cheating they support me so I don't. but even at work I just keep drinking water and I can tell you I was not a water drinker before but it does help a lot. and I make sure I have at least two protien shakes a day and I am not on a paticular diet except have full liquids now and clear a few days before surgery. take your vitamins though. take care gl I'll keep you in my prayers Cathy

I am probably not the best person to give advice on pre-op diet because I didn't have one to follow, but just remember why you are having to endure this. You are having a life-changing procedure, so you have to look at it like you only have to do this for a few weeks, when the results will be so worth it and will last for the rest of your life, if you play your cards correctly! Post-op: I found protein shakes to be very satisfying (the ones you have to mix yourself....I don't like the pre-made ones). I ate alot of Malt-o-Meal and thin instant potatoes with dry milk mixed in for extra protein. I also pureed soups so that there were no chunks. That helped me make it through the 2 wks of liquids after surgery. I also LOVE the Adkins protein bars, so you should try those when you are able to do solids again. If you are nervous about the diet after surgery, don't be. It is really not bad at all. I don't even consider it a diet, as I pretty much eat what I want, just in moderation. I make sure I get in my protein, which has been very satisfying for me, and I never ate alot of protein before this procedure. Never really liked meat all that much. Now, THAT'S what I crave. It's weird! Also, I don't know if you've heard this yet or not, but don't expect that you will be able to drink 64 oz of fluids right after surgery. It took me 4 wks to hit that goal, but then again, I never was a drinker either. I'd do good to get in 24 oz on any given day for most of my life. I'm sure that's why I never could lose any weight. But now, my mouth is actually parched if I don't get in at least 48 oz per day. My body is sure changing!!! And it is wonderful. I am excited for you. Please keep me posted, and feel free to email me any time you have any questions. I only had surgery 10 wks ago, so it is all still very fresh in my memory!!!

Hi Mary. It's funny how all of our experiences are a little different. I am scheduled for the lap band on 11/19. I just went to the pre-op class this past week and was told the clear liquid diet for only the day prior to surgery. But, we were told to limit our carbs as they turn into sugar and of course, limit the sugar too. We were told that sugar just adds fat to your liver and that is not what they want to have to deal with during surgery. I have a "Fatty Liver" anyway and that is one of the reasons for my surgery. In any case, you can do it, just try to take each day as it comes and remember why you are doing this and think of how good you will feel when it is all said and done. You will find that you are a lot stronger than you think....after all, you made the decision to change your life and nobody likes change but you did it anyway so you can do this too. Take care and good luck. Add me to your friends list and we can keep in touch. Lisa :-D