New to the message boards

Hello.  I am new to the message boards and just wanted to chime in and say hi.  I am having Lap Band surgery on February 21st and thought it might be a good time to find some others who've had the surgery or will be having it as a means of support.  I started my protein shakes today so am struggling mentally with the idea of only eating one meal a day for the next 2 weeks and trying to chew my mini-carrots to death! ha  Any good words of wisdom to help me get through the next 2 weeks? Thanks, Jackie

Hi Jackie! Congratulations on beginning your journey. Hang on tight, because it will be a wild ride!! I am so happy for you. I actually don't have any idea about the shakes. My doctor only required that I do a 800 calorie a day diet for 2 weeks so I bet mine was a snap compared to yours. I bet you are hungry. Just give it time, I know that you are strong enough to make it through this tough phase of the journey. It will all be worth it in the end. Just think how skinny you will be when this is all said and done. Not to mention, think about how healthy you will be. You will be a whole new person. I had my LAPBAND surgery in June 2007 ( about 8 months ago) and I have lost around 90lbs. I was so skeptical about this whole thing working but it HAS!!! YES!!! Anyway, good luck and know that if you need anything or have any questions that you would like answered, I will be here. Just ask!!   Karen

HI JACKIE,  IM IN THE SAME BOAT AS YOU.  WELL, ALMOST.  IM SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY ON MONDAY THE 11TH AT BAPTIST WITH DR. GIBBS IN LITTLEROCK.  IM IN THE END STAGE OF MY SECOND WEEK OF PRE-OP DIET.  I TOO AM HAVING THE LAP BAND.  HE PUT ME ON A FULL LIQUID DIET AND IT IS TOUGH.  I DONT EVEN GET THE ON MEAL A DAY.  I HAVE LOST 8 POUNDS IN 9 DAYS SO FAR.  IM NOT GETTING IN ALL 3 SHAKES A DAY THO.  SOMETIMES JUST ONLY ONE.  I GOT TO GET MORE PROTIEN IN.  I HOPE WE DO GOOD.  IM SURE WE WILL.   KEEP ME IN FRIENDS LIST AND ILL DO THE SAME.  GOOD LUCK, BRENDA FROM ALMA

Dr Gibbs  put my band in in October.  The liquid diet before the surgery is the hardest part.  Just stick it out and you'll be fine.  It will get here before you know it.  If your having any troubles mentally, just get on here and ask.   That's why this forum is here.  Good luck. Eliza

Dr. Baker only allowed me protein shakes (up to 5 a day) for 10 days before surgery. Once I got past the first few days, I felt like I'd be ok.  Hang in there.  This part is the hardest.  Don't cheat.  Cheating will make things harder. You can do it!  Congrats!

Hi There and welcome!!! My biggest suggestion is that you continue to chew those carrots to death!!!  Learning to chew, chew, chew was  the hardest thing for me to adjust to when I was able to start on solid food after my surgery. Just look at is as practice!!! Good luck, chime in anytime, and we'll be here for you

Well day one was difficult and I did end up cheating a little bit.  I felt like I just HAD to have a bowl of froot loops yesterday afternoon and then last night my family had lasanga and garlic bread for dinner.  Although my dinner of baked talipia was really really tasty, I just HAD to have a piece of garlic bread.  Overall, I think I did pretty well but I can tell that carbs are my weakness which will make this next two weeks hard because that is what I am supposed to be avoiding. BUT today is a new day.  And today I will do better.  Thanks for all the encouragement.  I know after my surgery things will be better.  I just have to get my mind right. ha Later, Jackie