Pre Op Lab Band....All helpful hints welcome!!

Hello All of you Brave Souls,

I have started my journey towards a healthier me.  Had my Nutritional & Psych. eval today.  (not totallly nutty)  Got EKG & lab work scheduled.  Getting really excited, yet apprenhensive, as the realization that this is a TOTAL life change, not just a diet.

Bought some Greek yogurt, Crystal Light at grocery store tonite and plan to go to Trader Joe's Sunday to check out the protein drinks etc.  Gotta try them all to see what I'll like. 

Planning my exercise, started parking further from my destination, talking to friends about going back to aquasize class in warm water pool & even looking at what type of bike I want to buy.  This time I am really READY!!

No surgery date yet, but hoping to have surgery in March 2011!!!  

Any helpful hints welcome!

Thank you,

Terri

My best suggestions are to learn all you can about the band, what it does and does not do, what to expect, how to live with it, how to make it work to your best advantage and what things to avoid. Learn more about yourself. What makes you eat, what you hope to accomplish with this surgery, what your pitfalls might be, how you react to difficult situations, etc. You can read a ton of posts on OH and learn much and recieve much support. Find a support group in your area. Lower your expectations for others that way you won;t be thrown for a loop when they show they aren't going to respond to you on this journey the way you migtht hope. Do what ever you have to do to increase your dedication to being a success.

Oh, and take plenty of before pics and be sure to do your measurements at your largest. You will be glad you have done both.
Good luck, Sue

Thanks Sue.  I have started on many of those things and appreciate your feedback.  I'll have my hubby take some pix this weekend.  Is it best to have MD office take the body measurements?

I have already lost almost 15 lbs. in past month, just adjusting lifestyle & intake, in anticipation of my surgery.  I know the support from this webiste & it's members will help alot.  I also plan to find a local support group thru my MD office.

Thanks again,
Terri

Terri,

It sounds like you're already off to a good start...thinking about lifestyle changes...planning more exercise...exploring healthier food options.

Do I have any helpful hints? Yes, a 572-page book of them, plus a free e-newsletter. The heart of success with the band is what I call the band rules:

1. Put yourself first
2. Make a plan for aftercare
3. Follow instructions
4. Ask questions
5. Build a support team
6. Get counseling
7. Have realistic weight loss expectations
8. Practice good band eating skills (see below)
9. Don't keep trigger foods in the house
10. Avoid alcohol
11. Exercise regularly
12. Avoid carbonated beverages
13. Drink at least 64 oz of water a day
14. Eat breakfast
15. Get at least 8 hours sleep a night
16. Keep a food and exercise log
17. Take your vitamins
18. Forgive your transgressions
19. Don't take anything for granted
20. Reward yourself
21. Give it 150%

Jean