some questions for you banders on exercise

Hey Guys...
I have a question about exercise....All of you I read your blogs and your working out daily, some running, some aerobics..etc...

Did you start it before you lapband, or after? What I am trying to ask is..after getting banded, did you energy increase and you were motivated to work out? I am really struggling with working out right now, I find excuses, I don't have energy...I am wondering does that/will that change after I get banded? I am hoping after I get banded, and the weight starts falling off, and my energy level increases, that will in turn motivate me to get moving...is that how it worked for you?

3 days from today....it's coming up quick, some pro's & con's

I can't believe Thursday is surgery day. It still feels kind of unreal...but the closer it gets, the more nervous I am getting. I have been re-reading thru some other people's blogs around the time right before and right after their surgery, to try to prepare myself for what's to come. Several people did a Pro's and Con's list and that seems like a really good idea...so here is mine:

Pro's: To feel normal. To get healthy. To like what I see in the mirror. To shop in normal sized clothing stores. To be able to cross my legs. To not worry about the booth size in a restaurant, or fitting into a ride or on a plane. Set good example for my girls. Feel confidence again. To feel in control again. I feel hope.

Con's: fear of surgery. Fear of failing this, which is the last thing I know to try. The cost (even though my insurance approved, I am paying for part of it). Fear that people will comment on the way I will have to eat after surgery, being in ministry we eat out alot, or eat in front of people. the 7 day puree food diet after surgery.

I get banded Thursday! Hoping I can be an amazing success story like Catherine, Amy, Sarah, Jen and Mary!

a long way to go but still....I'm happy!

I have lost 16lbs so far on this lapband journey....and I don't get banded till next Thursday. I know in my head some of that is water weight since I am on this liquid diet thing...but still, to see that number on the scale when I woke up this morning was a sweet feeling!! And I know it's going to keep happening, and that number will continue to drop!

I am off to work, I have a busy day at work today, then hoping to get my house cleaned in time to watch The Office...the big wedding with Jim & Pam is tonight...and I love that show! Have a great day!

Don't pinch me, I don't want to wake up

I just am so excited. I can't stop smiling....I have wanted to have this surgery for a few years now, but it's now finally happening...and it still kinda feels like a dream...so don't pinch me and wake me up :)

The liquid diet is going ok...I ate a big salad last night and it tasted so yummy. We have a youth event Friday night after the football game, we are ordering pizzas. That will be hard, I am going to pick up a salad from subway or mcdonalds to eat during that time...

Well, I am off of work, and I need to leave for church...I lead the girls small group. Tonight we are talking about our appearance, and I am bringing in pics of barbie to have as a visual of what the world tells us beautiful is....these girls struggle with their appearance....so I want to convince them that they are beautiful, and we don't have to look like a stinking barbie doll!

Day 1 liquid...and I get a fill during surgery?

Hello everyone! I must say I am in a really good mood. I started my liquid diet today...again, lol. This time tho, I know I am good to go. Since I only have 9 days to shrink my liver, I am going to not follow my dieticians instructions all the way. The diet I was given was: bfast, shake & piece of fruit. snack, shake. Lunch, shake & salad. Supper, veggie, starch, chicken or fish, salad. snack, another salad. I am going to try to stick to mostly shakes, with maybe 1 small salad and a piece of fruit. I don't want to go to surgery, and then not be able to have it because my liver has not shrunk enough.

I found out something really cool though. My Dr has been training in Hawaii over the summer trying out a new way to do lapband, and it's been so successful, that he is going to do it with me. During the surgery he actually puts 3cc of fill in...so now bandster hell :) He said it restricts me right away, and I don't have to wait the 4-6 weeks to get that amount, he will put it in right away during the surgery, then 4 weeks later, I will get my "2nd" fill. He said it has been shown to really jump start the weight loss. So I am really excited!

Today my hubby came home for lunch and asked me where we were going to get the $ to buy me new clothes, because I will be shrinking so fast. I had to laugh. I told him 1st off, I won't be shrinking that fast. and 2nd, I do have many sizes in my closet so I will be ok for awhile, and lastly...I just may have to spend some $ on new clothes :) which might mean me getting 2nd job but oh well...I can't wait to have that problem!

I have a date! I have a date! and boy is it coming up quick!

My doctors office just called...and my surgery is on Thursday Oct 15th! at 9:45am. I have to be there at 7:45am. That is like so quick!! I have to start my liquid diet asap...and I won't get the full 2 weeks in...but he said that won't be a problem....I sure hope not after all of this. But seems like everyone else had to follow it for 2 weeks??? If I start tomorrow that's only 9 full days of liquid diet...looking for some imput from you guys, how long did you have to do the liquid diet? I just scheduled 2 vacation days, Oct 15th & the 16th, then I have sat & sunday off too...then back to work on Monday. But since I work from home and I just sit and answer phone calls & type, I should be ok, right? thats 4 days of recovery time....I hope thats enough....
I know you guys understand this...I just can't sit still...I am so stinking excited! If I am dreaming, please don't pinch me and wake me up...cuz I am loving this dream. Like, I know it's not just going to magically make me lose weight, I know I will have to work at it...but I know this is going to be the tool that will make my dreams of being normal come true! At church yesterday I had to do part of the welcome and announcements...since I am considered "on staff" because my husband is the youth pastor. I felt so uncomfortable standing up in front of 200 people...I know I don't look good at this weight...and I just felt awkward...it totally sucked. And now I have to start doing that regularly...but I know soon I will be looking & feeling better, so that helps.
I am going to go do some happy dancing! because I am so excited!

Surgery.....here I come!!!!! I'm doing a happy dance!

I got the wonderful news just an hour ago. My insurance company has overturned their decision....and they have approved the surgery and they are paying 90%!! My Dr's office just called me to let me know they have heard officially from my insurance company also! My surgery will either by Oct 15th or Oct 22nd...I should know within the next few hours. I am so happy...and shocked. I really thought they were going to deny it again. I can't believe I am a couple weeks ago from surgery, finally. It's been a long battle, but hopefully it will all be worth it.
Sarah...thank you so much for the wonderful clothes. The skirts & shirts fit great, the dress fits, but is a little snug..but now it should fit really soon!! Thanks to all of you for your prayers, support & encouragement.