Introduction from a lurker

Hi every body, I'm pretty much new to the board, I have been researching this lap band operation for over 2 years now and on June 20th, I had the last straw when I didn't fit into a bridesmaid dress and had to tell my friend I was not going to be in her wedding (even if the dress fit, it was not a fat friendly dress and I would have looked like a stuffed sausage in it), needless to say she is upset with me, and I am upset with myself.  So that was it, I called and scheduled my appointment for July 24th for the Lap Band surgery.  With every day that passes I realize this is actually going to happen and I know I will need support from time to time, and so here I am, A lurker coming out of lurkdom!  I usually frequent the lap band board but came across the NJ board Last week.  So since I live In NY half the time and Jersey the other half, I figured Id say Hi.   =) 

Hi Cynthia, Is this your 1st visit or are you actually having the surgery on July 24th.  I am hoping to have surgery in August.  Best of luck to you and hope to see you on the losing side soon.  Jackie

Hiya Cynthia, welcome to the board!.... Congrats on your first steps to becoming a "loser".  Keep us posted on your journey....... Christine

Hi Cynthia, Welcome to the board.  Good luck on your journey. What are of Jersey do you live in and who is your doctor? We have some REALLY good suuport groups throughout the state. That are a GREAT resource. I hope everything goes well. Keep us all posted Jamie

Hi Everyone! I too am new to this site!  I have researched the band for over a year now, and finally I am scheduled to have surgery on July 23rd (if everything goes well) Since my initial consultation i have moved to PA but I am sticking with my surgeon, Dr. Abkin and am willing to sacrifice the drive for the consultations/follow-ups.  I am so glad I have found this site because so many of my doubts/questions have been discussed in the past.   Does anyone have any suggestions/ tips for me? Is there anything I should start buying in order to be ready for my surgery?

Kathy,  The first thing I would buy is a pillow for your drive home!! Those seatbelts hurt like hell again fresh incisions!  Also the pillow will help with the bumps on the highways!! Best of Luck!! Carroll

Sorry Carroll...... I refused to wear a seatbelt !!!  I was willing to show my incisions to the state trooper if necessary and beg for his mercy !!!!! Lo 

welcome aboard to the both of you :)  buy a 6 pack of jello -- a 6 pack of pudding -- a 6 pack of yogurt -- some SF popsicles -- about 3 cans of beef or chicken broth or both -- some type of protein drink  (very small in case you don't like it) -- and that's it -- don't over buy anything -- it will go to waste -- you can drive as soon as you stop taking the narcotics -- and walking around the stores is great exercise when you first get out -- in fact it will get yoru butt out the door and walking if you need to shop for something :) and walking also helps reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs -- ask your surgeon what you will need for vitamins -- ask your nutritionist how long you will be on each phase of the diet -- liquid, puree, soft, and finally real food -- your taste buds may change so keep that in mind -- a body pillow was great for my husband and myself -- it was something to lean on when you can't quite lay down or sit up :)

any other questions just ask us :)

and the best of luck to the both of you :)   Roberta

Thank you so much.. As the date gets closer, I'm starting to have more doubts/questions.. It is great to know that there are such great people out there always willing to help!

Thanks for the nice welcomes everyone!!   I really had no intentions of joining any types of boards, but now I feel its important to have support, encouragement and wisdom, from people that are, or have all ready gone through what I'm going through, and then in the future as I go along through my journey, I can also give back all the encouragement, support, and wisdom that I have received, to other newbies!!  =)