[Floridachick]

Hello Ladies,

Ok, so I decided last year around November that i am ready for the lap band surgery. It is now March and I have my surgery date March 26th!! In preparation for this I quit smoking, had blood work (twice), three EKG's one ECG (echo cardio something) completed a nuclear stress test (that took two days b/c of my weight) and visited a psychologist. My last hurdle is losing 8 pounds before surgery, it's not much and I know I can do. They want me to drink two shakes a day made with the powder they provided me and eat a small meal at night (protein and veggies). I have been at this the past three days and I can't stick to it! I end up eating a little something else because I am so hungry. I guess I am having pre surgery jitters, I'm scared that if I can't stick to this pre-op diet then maybe I won't be able to stick to the post-op diet. I mean I know it will be different because I'll have the band and I won't be hungry.

Let me also add that during the course of my stress test I have two nurses tell me that I don't need the surgery. The first one said that if I can quit smoking I can lose the weight, the other said that I was taking the easy way out. What the What business does anyone have telling me whether or not this is a good decision, this is one of the most difficult decisions I've made! Ugh..

Thanks to all that have read my word vomit....I feel better now that I have purged

At least I still have

[Elaine28]

Floridachick,

Congrats on your date!

Don't listen to those idiots. YOU know that you made the right decision for YOU. Nobody else has walked in your shoes and knows the hurdles you've faced.

I had lap-band surgery last year. Let me tell you it is not in anyway the "easy" way out. However, for the first time my weight felt manageable. I could do it! The lap-band isn't a solution, but it is a tool and if they don't get that-- screw them!

Good luck to you! Wishing you the best on your journey.

[mistymed]

only the people that have had wls know that this is not easy at all. it might make you not hungry, but it does not fix your mind. try drinking tons of water that might help you feel full. it works for me. good luck!

[Leenie]

Congrats your gonna do wonderful...

Don't listen to those ninnies....how inconsiderate of them to say such things to you, maybe you should report them. Its really amazing what you have to go thru to have the surgery...not an easy task by no means.

Lap band does not take away hunger, you still get hungry, its just that you will fill up with less then before and depending how much fill you have will depend on how much you eat. Also lap-band does not take away the cravings. Like Misty said.... you have to train the brain as well of the food addiction part. Don't let any of this discourage you, I know so many people who have mucho success with the band.... and I'm sure you were told its a tool not the cure.

Congratulations

[Bizzy Bee]

Florida,

Congrats on your date! I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion, just don't let it bug you. I am sure they have always taken the hard road on all their private life decissions. (not saying this is the easy road because I am aware that is most definately is NOT). You can do this!

[Floridachick]

Thank you to all that have replied. Yes, I was told time and time again that this is just a tool, and I am certainly aware of that. I know that I will get hungry after having the band, I am looking forward to being full faster, as far as my mind.....well I'm fighting that battle right now. One moment at a time, that's all I can do. Thanks for the support!

[whitelion30]

Congrats on the date. No matter what you decide we are here for you!

[nanj]

Good for you. We have all been in the position about not knowing or thinking that we can stick to a pre-op diet because of all the failed attempts in our dieting life. You might mess up and you might not, but one mistake doesn't mean that you will not be able to stick to the lapband lifestyle afterwards. I still mess up and I'm 5 months out of RNY and guess what I'm still losing and I'm trying to over come 56 years of bad eating habits and sometimes I do miss my friend, FOOD. You will be alright!

As for the stupid nurses (I'm an RN).......I can't even think what to say because it makes me so mad. I had the same thing from my PCP office. Just blow it off. And then thumb your nose at them when you are all healthy, slim and sleek!! Come here often learn and listen to the people who have been through it. Listen to what your NUT and doc has to say. Get your relationship with food and life into a healthy perspective and you will be so far ahead of the game and so darn healthy and be able to LIVE life.

Of course, this whole WLS thing isn't easy; but has anything up to now been a bed of roses?

Good Luck!!

[Floridachick]

I really want to say thank you to everyone who has replied. I agree those nurses certainly have no idea what they are talking about. Well, today I started back on track with my pre-op diet. I am sooooo hungry I could chew my arm off but my surgeons bariatric coordinator told me on the phone today that I better have lost those 8 lbs. How did she know I was a little off the beaten path?? Anyways, the day is almost over only 8 more to go!! Onwards!