veteren bandsters: best advice pre-surgery

what is the best advice and words of wisdom for someone preparing for surgery?

Listen to your surgeon...take everything they say to heart...then come here and we'll straighten you out. Really though just remember after your surgery it is all about food choices and exercise. Just like before but now you'll have an investment in making it work. I didn't think I could do it but I have really suprised myself. If I can lose this much anybody can. Good luck and don't beafraid to ask anything. There are plenty of people here and there is no problem that at least one person hasn't had. RUSTY 444/299 1 year this coming Wednesday...

WOW! your stats are incredible!!! you are an inspiration!

Hi Rose, Relax, and think about all the successful people who did this before you. Dream about those things that you most want to do, and haven't because of weight. You will do those things. Visualize being more energetic, without joint pain. Know that food will become simple sustenance, rather than comfort. Imagine walking into a clothing store, without having to go all the way to the back to find the "Women's section". And remember that you will have a family here, anxiously awaiting your return!!!! Chelle 291/267/145

Hmm . . . "relax"? Bette

Take "before" photos, and make sure they come out. Take your measurements .. measure everything you can think of, and then measure again monthly after surgery. This really helps when you hit your plateaus, because the numbers don't lie! Your doctors tell you what they tell you for a reason. Listen to them, and do what they say, even if it doesn't make sense to you. And if it doesn't make sense, don't be afraid to ask them why. Put your nutritionist on speed-dial. Keep notes on every bite you take post-surgery. Not only will this help you stay on track, it will be interesting to look back on later. FitDay is a great site for this. Try protein drinks before you go on your liquid phase, to be sure you find some you like. Post-op is no time to be experimenting. If you are a "bored" eater, try and develop a hobby to take the place of food. I took up jewelry-making and beading. You can't bead with greasy chip fingers! Make a list of mini-goals. Sometimes the big goal seems so far away and impossible to reach; mini-goals give you more immediate gratification. Plan some out-there rewards for yourself. I just bought the stupidest pair of silver satin, sequined and beaded mules you ever saw for losing 100 lb. Keep up your profile. It will help others who come after you, and it is a tremendous help to you to be able to journal your thoughts and feelings. It is also a hoot to go back and read, and see how far you've come. If you feel silly putting the trivia and minutae of your life down, read mine, and know that there is truly nothing too ridiculous to journal, if it's important to you. Most of all, keep your head up. Your emotions will run the gamut. We've been there, and we've had your feelings. They're valid, whatever they are. Practice being the woman you've always wanted to be, and before you know it, you WILL BE her. Best, best of luck to you. You will do great. I am excited for you.. what a thrilling time. j

Just relax and have fun with your band!! Make it your friend and not your enemy! Bonnie

Don't compare your stats or your progress with anyone else. Our bodies are all different even if our reason (obesity) for getting banded is the same. Some of us are fast losers off the start, some of us gain or maintain until we get proper restriction. Some of us lose in drops-and-stops and plateau regularly. Some of us need exercise to lose weight; some of us lose regardless of whether or not we are working out. Learning to accept my journey as unique to me has been my saving grace. I am grateful for the wisdom and experiences of others but I have to evaluate MY progress based on my body and my behaviors. It doesn't matter what someone else can eat - it matters what I can and what I do. It doesn't matter whether someone else with the same band is restricted at 3.2ccs - I may need more or less to feel restriction. Caeli

Rose - I am by no means a veteren but try these out: We are lucky - our surgical team provides great written instructions - keep them close and refer to them often Shave your legs before surgery - its tough to get to them for at least the fist week after After - rest as much as you want and don't let the dust bunnies make you feel guilty - healing is more important Buy a MuMu to wear home from surgery - really comfy and heck you'll never get the chance to wear on again Remember - we're all here to root you on! Your in good hands and you will be fine. Lynn Banded 9/12/05 299.5/275/???/140 Top/Surgery/Current/Goal

I cleaned my entire house before going into surgery, that way I didn't attempt to do anything when I arrived home. HA! I purchased my protien drinks/shakes, vitamins, Sugar Free Popcicle & Jello, Chicken Broth etc. before going in, once again, so I didn't do it when I arrived home. Relax, think about how you are going to make important changes about your life, heath and eating habit thereafter. I am work-aholic too so relaxing is very important, I took 2 weeks off work to recoop....well worth it. Good luck to you!