New Here

My name is Ilisa, and I have been thinking about this surgery for quite a long time.  I am so ready, but scared that I will be the only person who is not sucessful.  Im scheduled for March 31st, and already counting down the days.  My Dr. said I need to loose about 15 pounds before surgery.  This is the worst part, I loose so slowly, thats why Im having surgery in the first place!!!!!!!!  Any help and advise would be grealy appreciated.

hi and welcome im sure u will be fine, its an awesome experience. are u having RNY or lapband?? and losing weight before hand helps the surgeon get to where he needs to go . do the best you can with the weight loss before hand, but dont make yourself insane either. follow a good diet such as weigh****chers, or maybe do the slim fast thing and im sure u will lost the weight before. good luck with everything, and we are here for you. hugs, jacki

Good Luck Ilisa - many of us had similar concerns.  My doctor asked me to lose before surgery also.  Keep telling yourself that it will work this time!   Your surgery date can be the extra incentive you need for that 15 lbs. Good Luck

Hi Ilisa, I know it's hard to diet, especially when you're facing a future of small quantities of band-friendly food.  Now is the perfect time to start practicing band habits and getting used to a band-friendly eating plan.  Use a free food tracking website like spark people.  You can set up a food plan that will help you lose fifteen lbs. in the amount of time you have.  It will give you a range of protein, fats and carbs to eat every day.  Concentrate on getting in your protein first, then veggies, then carbs.  I find that by the time I've met my protein quota, there are not many calories left for carbs or goodies. Also, practice drinking 64 oz. of water throughout the day.  You'll drop the weight and be ready for bandster living! Leah

Hi Ilisa,
I have not been a member here long but I have found everyone to be so nice and helpful. The support I have found here has gotton me through a few rough times. I had to do a six month diet as well as see my pcp every month. I am glad I did, I feel better than ever. I have lost 21 pounds and managed to lower my glucose level from 300 to 160. This is big for me. Anyway, back to you I think you will be just fine. Believe in yourself because you are worth it. Take care and good luck.
Sherri

Welcome:  My name is Helen and I live in Gloucester County.  I will be having lapband on March 16th.  Have you gone on the lapband board?  Everyone on there has already been banded or are in the process.  I rely on that board for "lapband" information.  There are some similarities with weight loss surgery but much is different with the band.  I have learned so much.  The New Jersey board is great in helping you locate support in your area.  Attitude has lots to do with your results.  Believe and know that you can do this.  I had to lose weight too and I have lost 20 pounds so far.  I won't tell you that it is easy but it is so worth it.  If your doctor has a suppot group make sure that you use that, too. Good luck and keep on posting!  Helen   

Hi Ilisa, We all know how hard it is too loose weight.  Just try to take one day at a time.  Do the best you can, try just cutting your portions down.  Use a smaller plate and you will see that you will lose the weight.  Good-Luck and Congratulations on you long a waited journey.

Ilisa, Sorry my post is so late.  Welcome to the boards!! I had to lose weight before surgery as I had gained weight between my initial consult and my pre admission testing, which with my surgeon is a no no. I basically went on a full liquid diet for almost two weeks before surgery.  One of the surgeon requires their patients to do 10 days of a CLEAR liquid diet, so I wasn't to concerned about this.  I kept my protein up.  I lived on sf/ff pudding, sf ice pops, sf jello, skim milk, protein powders, ff broth, sf/ff yogurt etc. You will get through this - and being nervous before surgery is completely normal!  Don't let your emotions take over you - but don't hide them either.  You made this decision BEFORE your crazy emotions were getting in the way - and you know WHY you made those decisions. I am 15 weeks out, and let me tell you, by FAR the best decision I have ever made.  It's not an easy road -and you need to do your OWN work for it.  I am at the gym at least 4 days a week, if not more. Best of luck, can't wait to follow your journey with you. Pam

Hi,  Thanks for getting back to me so soon.  I actually started a modified Medifast plan with their food, and drinking lots of water.  So far so good, Im actually down a few pounds.  I have more anxiety over loosing the pre-op weight then the band itself!  Its great reading the posts on this board and the Lap board, so many ideas on how to be sucessful.  Are there any support groups in central nj?