Brand new member to this board. looking for advice.

Hello,  I am brand new to this board.  I am doing the lap band procedure.   I have been through the testing and surgery date is scheduled for January 11.  I am nervous now that reality has set in.  I am hoping for some insight from people just getting started, are ready for surgery and have been through it.  In other words, anyone who knows what this is like.  I am so afraid of failure, not knowing what to eat.  I am not very creative as far as cooking goes, so I am also interested in recipes.  I will start the liquid diet on December 28 and I want to do it right.  This is a life changing expereience and i just hope I am up to the task. I was referred to this procedure and this board by a family member who had the surgery in June and is doing great!!!  Of course, she is 20 years younger than I am.  I don't know if that makes a difference or not.  So, please if anyone can give me the good, the bad, and the ugly about all this, I would appreciate any insight from those in this situation.  thank you

Welcome to the board. I didnt have the band, but I had the bypass with Dr Pohl. While I cant really give you specifics on the band, I can tell you that Dr Giovanni is wonderful and she will take great care of you. Have you thought about attending the support group at RW next week? There are several people who attend who have had the band with Dr Giovanni and they are of all ages and size. The next meeting is next Thursday (27th) from 6-7:30 and usually a few of us stick around and chat after for a while. Its a great way to ask questions and get to know people. My opinion is if you're worried about making it, chances are you will...its the peoople *****ally dont seem to care that dont succeed.  Sorry I couldnt be a better help, but if you want info on the hospital or anything I can answer, just let me know and I'll answer anything I can.  Good luck to you, keep us posted and try not compare yourself to anyone else. It will drive you crazy, trust me!

Hello,    Welcome to the board!!  Basically, Im in the same position as you are.  I am also having the lapband with Dr. Giovanni.  I am just waiting for them to call me for my 2nd appointment.  I am very nervous about eating right too.  Im also nervous about the liquid diet...Im afraid I wont be able to do it.  I think we all have fears about different things before the procedure.  Its normal.  I think what Angela said about the support meetings is a great idea.  I have not been to one yet but Im planning on going to the next one.  This board is great too.  Everyone is very supportive of each other. I wish I had more advice for you but Im in the same boat as you.  Good luck on you journey!!

Welcome to the board. Sorry but no help here...I'm near the end of my pre-op testing for the band. I wish you lots of luck and I hope you're able to get some answers to your questions.  

Welcome! Just remember the lap band is a tool, like a measuring cup or a scale.  It isn't going to do the work for you, it will be a big help though!  You have started on a great journey  -  congratulations!  We are here for you.  If you look at the main board on any given day, you will see postings of new recipes all the time.  It should not be a problem.  Cooking may become a new love for you.  Creativity is the theme.  You are doing fine.  I was in the hospital last week.  There was a woman there who was telling me she could not wait to finish the Viactiv vitamins she has because they are close to chocolate and hopefully by the time she finishes them, she can trick her stomach into eating the real thing.  This person is not 5 feet tall and weighs over 300 pounds!  Her attitude stinks and I don't see any success for her at all.   I was appalled!  The nurses tell stories of people who yell for dinner trays and have their families sneak in hamburgers and pizza.  Imagine?  Please add me to your friends list!  I can be a great cheerleader if nothing else.  I'll save you a seat on the loser's bench Leslie                                  

Welcome, I am just in the pre-op stage.   I do know one thing, that the people on this message board  are so helpful and so encouraging!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You are right this is a life changing experience and eating right and exercise are key.  I don't think age is a difference when you have the information and tools you need.   Maybe you can talk with the dietician again or ask your family member about recipes her or she is using.   All the best and I will be praying for you for a successful surgery and quick recovery. Robin  

Welcome to the board and good luck with your surgery.  You have a great surgeon!  Dr Giovanni did my RNY in August and it went without a hitch.  She is very supportive and thorough. It's normal to be nervous.  I had a tough time with the liquid diet but did my best.  I'm also not a great cook and a picky eater.  I'm doing well and have found foods I like and that are good for me.  I work very closely with my dietician and she has been great.

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me or post to the board.

 

Dave

 

I am overwhelmed at the response to my message.  You all are the nicest people.  It is wonderful to hear others say what i am thinking.  It helps me to realize that my fears and my hopes are normal.  I do want this to work for me.  I am just learning about this board too and I will add you all to my friends list, just as soon as i figure out how to do that.  Right now everything is overwhelming to me.  thank you so much.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and that we become friends during the course of this experience.  I do plan to attend some of the support group meetings.  Just not sure when.  Work is crazy busy right now.  Hopefully after the holidays I will be able to attend.  thank you all again.

you will do fine . keep a stiff upper lip and follow dr's orders and call people and network with people whom had the surgery. i know the liquid diet all to well but its worth it. .

Welcome to the board.  I just got my approval and my PAGES of tests to start- so you are well ahead of me.  I want to have the lap band also.  A book was recommended to me- Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies.  It is a book for all stages- even recipes and tips for after surgery.  I started reading it as it research about the different procedures (which it covers all) and found I am going to keep it by me for afterwards.  This board is great- there are always people who are going through or went through what you are feeling, and are amazing with thier support.