Hi Cindy, I got my surgery date, March 5th, would you mind adding me in? Many thanks, Beverley

Kim, Is your 10 day post-op appointment on Fri 22nd to have your staples removed? I think that's usually the drill for wed operations, just checking for future reference. ~Bev

Hey Magic, Talk to Dr L, perhaps he will have a different requirement from you because of the medication you are on. I think generally he asks for a 10-15 lbs loss at your BMI. It is partly to do with shrinking the liver and to make it easier then they retract you open (since this is an open procedure not lap). He said "the more weight you lose, the easier it is, the less time on the operating table, the quicker your recovery". I know a few people have posted that they were unable to lose weight or only lost a few lbs before surgery. I have heard he is getting a bit frustrated by patients not loosing the weight they agreed to. I have not heard of him refusing to operate because of it, I think they just get a bit of a talking to. His pre-op diet consists of protein fruit veggies (unprocessed is best), whole wheat bread, no pasta, you can have potatoes but nothing on them. It is similar to eating on the South Beach diet. It is basically "cut out the crap, eat right and nothing 3 hours before you go to bed and move around more". Just talk to him, follow his advice and do the best you can. ~ Bev

That is very cool Lori! What a great way to celebrate your weight loss and pay it forward =) ~ Bev

That's fantastic news Jenn, congrats to you! ~ Bev

Oh man... I had an awful xenical experience ~ Bev

I love the red dress! Great colour for you. You look fantastic Stacie! ~ Bev

Happy surgiversary! You look fantastic Lori. ~ Bev

Did Karen confirm this was actually her or are you assuming? Just wondering before there is a whole thread on her. ~ Bev

Translated L'Ecuyer -Mrs Lucie of Hawkesbury died Thursday Jan 3-2008 at age 31 years. She was the loving wife of Stephane L'Ecuyer. Daughter of Roger Legendre & Ginette Bonin. Dearly loved mother of Brianna & Maxime. Dear sister of Dominique (Stephanie Jobin). Survived by grandmother Therese Bonin (Gerard Bonin), father and mother-in-law Omer and Therese L'Ecuyer, as well as several bothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephew, nieces and many friends. The family invites the parents & friends to the funeral home of Berthiaume Ltd at  103 High street. Vankleek Hill, Ontario 613 678 3000. Thrusday Jan 10-2008 at 9:30 am. The service will take place at the 7th day Adventiste Church in Vankleek Hill on Friday Jan 11/08 at 11am. Burial will take place at a later date. Donations to The Children's Hospital at 415 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M8  would be appreciated. To offer condolences by fax dial 613 632 1065 or visit our internet site at  www.salonfuneraireberthiaume.com

This is a FANTASTIC thread with some great information. A big thanks to all that contributed. ~ Bev

Tee hee that's a great wow =) ~ Bev

Reposting from Lori B.

Go to tickerfactory.com  Create a ticker by following the step by step instructions.  IMPORTANT!!  When it tells you to copy the code for your blog, DON'T copy the code!  Just highlight your created ticker and right click to copy it.  Then go under "user setting" in the blue box on the left and add it to your signature line.  You'll have to right click and paste it.  As your weight changes, you can just click on your ticker from a post where you've posted, and it'll take you right to tickerfactory.com.  You'll enter your pin # and then it'll automatically update your ticker!