eyewonder

Any hang ups you have before weight loss will still be there or may just manifest themselves differently post weight loss unless you get your head in the right space. My husband of 28 years has loved me through thick and thin - literally. I still worry about my looks but instead of it being my fat gut it is now my batwing arms. On the other hand, I have always thought he was drop dead gorgeous, but he worries about his stomach or his facial wrinkles.
I guess it's just human to be dissatisfied with how we perceive ourselves.

Exactly what I've been going through!!! Thanks to all!
My husband and I started this together. Other than him, only my parents and 2 other know I'm considering it - both of whom have had WLS. All just encourage me to look at both sides, the good and the bad.
Last night, I made lists and lists of everything that COULD go wrong throughout the process. You all know them, so I won't put the list here. When I was finished and looked it all over. I realized that none of the POSSIBLE side effects and complications were as bad as the road I'm on with my obesity. Even the worst case scenarios I've heard about are worth the risk to have a better and healthier life long term.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."
I know that it was not God's plan for me to be obese. But it is His plan for me to get healthy so He can use me to glorify His kingdom. I've proven I can't do it on my own and am so thankful He showed me the tool to use to get finally get there =)

Love that verse, Texas!
This might sound crazy, but I actually think that I will be able to serve God more effectively when I loose weight. I don't think my heart toward serving and bringing him glory will change, but I think it will change the way people respond to me. I think my weight gets in other people's way. I certainly don't think that's okay, on their part, but it is the way our culture is. Our culture sees heavy people differently, negatively, etc. I hope that losing weight will make people look at me more for who I am inside and for the words I speak about the Lord, and for the way he has changed me (new creation in him). I hope they will see God at work in me when they see me and not just a big overweight person, which is where their eyes stop right now.

Awesome replies everyone. I'm right there too - nervous as all get out, but trusting God and knowing he has control and will work all things out for good - even if they don't feel real good. I know God would not allow me to come this far (approvals, timing, husband's support, etc) if this was wrong. I know he will close the doors to plans he does not have for me. Still nervous, so much so that I cried while going into my endoscopy today, but trusting, nonetheless.
Thanks for the posts and the wisdom.

@mimi I decided a year ago to take this journey because i knew i needed it. But something kept nagging at me. It was fear of the unknown. Doubts if I can actually stop eating all the things I love to eat. I said if I do surgery it would be the lapband because it is less invasive. But it is still surgery with possible complications, as with any surgery. Further down the line a thought creeped in my head to just do the bypass surgery and I would look slim and trim really fast. But that thought was shot down fast.
I let a few months go by before I went back for an appointment and said ok this is it I'm going to follow through and complete the test required. Then I slacked off again. Mimi I just wasn't at peace in my spirit about the surgery. I had all the if's and but's about the surgery. Images of all kinds of happenings.
It wasn't until 3 months ago that I made up my mind as I looked at my health condition which was getting worst. What I did was first made up my mind, Pray and turned it over to God. I know that praying sometimes is not the answer some look for, because they need a spoken voice to soothe them and assure them. But in reality nothing is sure.But if you sit still and listen to that quite still voice God will give you direction. If you can't hear Him, then he will order your steps and lead you in the right direction.
As for me I finally have a Peace in my spirit about my surgery coming up, and everytime a negative thought creep in my head, I quickly cast that thought down. Then I think of something else. I'm not going to lie to you and say just because I have a Peace I'm 100% not nervous. I'm excited and sort of nervous at the same time. Only because it is life changing. The Peace I speak of is a settling in my Spirit that I know this is best for me, my mind is no longer undecided.
What really helped me is this website, it's not a day go by that I'm not reading these post and searching for answers. People on here are very supportive, and I appreciate everyone with the courage to ask and give support.
I know this is a long long post, but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. I was given great advice throughout my life at certain times. I would like to share a couple of them with you.
I was told when my mind was confused and had to make a decision for me to stop going back and forth. Just make a decision whether it is right or wrong.
Also if someone else can do it, so can you. Hope this helped Good luck

@mimi You have made my day, just knowing how your mind has been renewed. "God is good" This shows us the power you have when you finally feel how worthy you are of great things.. You are so much stronger than you realize if you stay focus. For you to have taken the steps you have from just the other day is amazing grace. Plus you can see yourself as being an instrument to help your mom and others.
Thank you for your keen insight and mentioning about my "Light'. About my statement that I'm not religious but I have God in me and etc. I just didn't want to overdue it, like I'm teaching/preaching in my posts. I'm just a person who Loves the Lord. As a matter of fact I wrote a post tonight about "Sex and hang-ups before & after surgery". I don't think God was in that one LOL

@Clarks4willie First keep reading these posts because there is so much support and advice that will help you through. God will walk with you, but you have to put the work in too. He will give you the strength that you need to jump over some hurdles, go under some hurdles and knock down some hurdles. He's walking with you now, you were lead to this website and you found this post. BY the way that "Doubt" you had after believing you can do this surgery, was nothing but you and Gods "enemy". Wanting you to take a "U" turn from the direction that is best for you, which is your Good. Don't let him win

I was married for 19 yrs during most of my "fat yrs". My husband died 4 yrs ago unexpectedly. 2 1/2 yrs ago I got the band placed. I started dating when I had lost about 50 lbs (was still about 60 lbs overweight). Had sex for the first time in 3 yrs after losing about 70. When I met my current husband (we've now been married 5 mths) 18 mths ago, I weighed about 25 lbs more than I do now. While I thought about my body, I'm definately not one to have sex in the dark - I like to look at his face ! (Sorry if tmi). And while I do have some dimpled skin on my stomach, losing it slowly sure did help with the skin sagging! If I had an extra $8,000 lying around, I'd probably get a Tummy Tuck, but the only people who see it is me and my husband who doesn't care.
My husband calls me "skinny mini", cuz my legs are stick thin. I think I look like a marshmallow held up by 2 toothpicks. He says to tell you that most men don't care about saggy skin either. If he's interested enough to date you, he's interested enough to sleep with you. Like you said, if he wants you in his life, he probably doesn't care. I'm so glad that real men aren't like the ones depicted on tv as only liking waif type girls. Most women wouldn't have a chance!
Good luck!
Marci

I just wasn't ready back in '08 when I attended a seminar but now, now I am. Yes, I will admit, I am a bit nervous but I've got my faith and family and that's all I need. It won't be easy I know this, but I am determined to make it thru and work the program and lose the weight for good. Keep your attitude and keep looking towards God and He will keep your doubts away.

@Clarks4willie First keep reading these posts because there is so much support and advice that will help you through. God will walk with you, but you have to put the work in too. He will give you the strength that you need to jump over some hurdles, go under some hurdles and knock down some hurdles. He's walking with you now, you were lead to this website and you found this post. BY the way that "Doubt" you had after believing you can do this surgery, was nothing but you and Gods "enemy". Wanting you to take a "U" turn from the direction that is best for you, which is your Good. Don't let him win

So, I feel a little better today. I finally told my mom and my sister about my plans (I didn't tell my sister, but she asked me because she saw the LBT app on my iPad, so I didn't lie). They are both really supportive and I was able to talk about some of my fears with my mom who's a nurse and a good candidate for the surgery herself. It really helped to talk about it and mom reassured me that I'm making the right decision. She's seen how unhappy I've been the last 3 years and knows that I must make a change. Who knows, my decision may inspire her to do something too.
Eyewonder, your light shines through the Internet. Don't ever feel the need to explain your belief in God. It is a beautiful part of who you are you you should continue to share it with others....

@mimi I decided a year ago to take this journey because i knew i needed it. But something kept nagging at me. It was fear of the unknown. Doubts if I can actually stop eating all the things I love to eat. I said if I do surgery it would be the lapband because it is less invasive. But it is still surgery with possible complications, as with any surgery. Further down the line a thought creeped in my head to just do the bypass surgery and I would look slim and trim really fast. But that thought was shot down fast.
I let a few months go by before I went back for an appointment and said ok this is it I'm going to follow through and complete the test required. Then I slacked off again. Mimi I just wasn't at peace in my spirit about the surgery. I had all the if's and but's about the surgery. Images of all kinds of happenings.
It wasn't until 3 months ago that I made up my mind as I looked at my health condition which was getting worst. What I did was first made up my mind, Pray and turned it over to God. I know that praying sometimes is not the answer some look for, because they need a spoken voice to soothe them and assure them. But in reality nothing is sure.But if you sit still and listen to that quite still voice God will give you direction. If you can't hear Him, then he will order your steps and lead you in the right direction.
As for me I finally have a Peace in my spirit about my surgery coming up, and everytime a negative thought creep in my head, I quickly cast that thought down. Then I think of something else. I'm not going to lie to you and say just because I have a Peace I'm 100% not nervous. I'm excited and sort of nervous at the same time. Only because it is life changing. The Peace I speak of is a settling in my Spirit that I know this is best for me, my mind is no longer undecided.
What really helped me is this website, it's not a day go by that I'm not reading these post and searching for answers. People on here are very supportive, and I appreciate everyone with the courage to ask and give support.
I know this is a long long post, but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. I was given great advice throughout my life at certain times. I would like to share a couple of them with you.
I was told when my mind was confused and had to make a decision for me to stop going back and forth. Just make a decision whether it is right or wrong.
Also if someone else can do it, so can you. Hope this helped Good luck

@mimi Keep me/us posted and message me anytime. You will have a peace because Prayers has already went forth for you from people reading your post. So be it

I felt the exact same...I finally turned it over to God. I went to a Lap Band seminar in '08 but I just wasn't ready back then but now, now I'm ready. I'm tired of hurting knees, back hurting, getting out of breath and furthermore, I do not have children so if I were to ever get in the situation of not being able to take care of myself I would be in a nursing home and my obesity has robbed me of so many things in life.
My obesity has robbed me of fun activities throughout my adulthood, being self-conscious, it eventually ended my marriage (guess he was tired of me being fat) and now, well now I'm at my witts end of getting around. I watched my dad die of heart disease at age 67 and I certainly do not want to die an early age like that and if I keep going like this, I'm headed down the same road, death's door.
Thank you for your words of wisdom, they are powerful. May God bless you on your journey. I'm just starting mine. I do not see the surgeon until the 24th, just had my Psych Eval Friday and I am hoping to have surgery by the end of June. The rush, well, my BCBS ins expires as I have Cobra from my divorce and it runs out June 30th and I told my surgeon so they are doing all they can to rush things along. If I can't have it by then, I am looking at doing a self-pay because I will have to wait months maybe almost a year before I can have surgery with the insurance I have to pick up come July 1 and I can no longer wait. I'm tired of waiting, now is the time for me to be a better me, a healthier me. As stated above, send all your worries to God, He listens and He will rest your soul. Put all your trust in Him.
Donna

Thank you Christina, eyewonder and cnewme
Eyewonder, it's like you know exactly what's in my heart. I've been struggling with my weight my whole life, but it wasn't until 3 years ago that I really started feeling like this was a life or death situation. I had other things going on health wise so surgery was not an option then. Now that my neurological health has stabilized some --- it is finally the right time. I know I NEED to do this because nothing else has worked.
I just wish that I could have made the decision then have the surgery within the same week. That way I'd have less time to doubt my decision.
Thank you all for your advice and wisdom. I will keep going through my appointments and hopefully by the time I'm approved and have a surgery date, I'll be at peace with my decision.
I really love this forum.

That was such a wonderful post eyewonder, I felt exactly as you did. I will have to admit that I was nervous even after I had prayed and turned it over to God, but I know that we are human and its ok to be nervous. But I know that if I didn't do something that my health would be in jeopardy. I know that I am going to give this my best shot because if not then what else is there left for us to do. I will pray for peace in your spirit Mimi1980 and that you will have a successful surgery and a successful lapband journey -

@ Pattygirl I just came across Syntrax nectar Protein on youtube. The website is www. si03.com. They have a sample packet for 14.00 12 or 13 different fruit flavors in the pack. call this number 1 866 333 7403. no taxes no shipping.
Everywhere else the packets are 18.00-26.00. Only one order per household on the packets.
you can google Syntraz nectar Protein and compare prices on the sample packs. They sale the 2lb tubs on Amazon, diet direct , Vitamin shoppe and quite a few places. All different prices. I haven't tasted them yet but I'm ordering Monday because they are close for the weekend. Don't forget to check out youtube

Hello everyone! My name is Wanda and I'm new to the group and this site for that matter I was banded on May 2nd so I'm officially one week out! I think I had a really easy post-op experience and haven't had any pain meds since Friday morning. I also never had gas pains that some complain about. Just feeling very fortunate that things went smoothly.
I live in NY and have a 6 year old daughter named Catherine. My husband is a Major in the US Army and we are stationed at the West Point Military Academy for one more year. I'm a stay at home mom that homeschools and so my days are busy teaching my daughter. Which scares me that I won't find the time to exercise the way I should.
Excited for the future and especially excited to share my journey with everyone that started this path at the same. I have alot of faith that this will help me achive my goals. My husband and I have been struggling with infertillity and this is the last thing that I can think to do. Hoping that weight loss will give my body enough of a kick that the unthinkable could happen.
Can't wait to get to know all of you!!! Wanda

Thank you for sharing, You said the magic words: " if you believe in your heart that this is the only way you can lose the weight and you are ready to give up your old habits, then you can do it. It will save your life."

May God Bless all having surgery today and beyond. Please know that if any of us in our group "May Blooming Bandsters" forgot to acknowledge your surgery day. Just know that Prayers were already sent forth for all in our group and others. Good luck and Be Blessed.
May,7 2012
Tanieya
lulvamonte
May 8,2012
whymomwhy
daisychains7
JIR218
Kbliss78
Divine_swoman
May 9, 2012
buffalogyrl
laulau2199
Sandrie
Realestatemom

May God Bless all having surgery today and beyond. Please know that if any of us in our group "May Blooming Bandsters" forgot to acknowledge your surgery day. Just know that Prayers were already sent forth for all in our group and others. Good luck and Be Blessed.
May,7 2012
Tanieya
lulvamonte
May 8,2012
whymomwhy
daisychains7
JIR218
Kbliss78
Divine_swoman
May 9, 2012
buffalogyrl
laulau2199
Sandrie
Realestatemom

Here is a great place to share your surgery day experience so those getting banded later in the month will know what to expect. Come here after your surgery and let us know how it went.

My Prayers are going out for all having surgery tomorrow. Be Blessed

Good luck on your upcoming surgery and all that you do

I can't believe this, but I'm down 26 pounds???? In only 3 weeks? I lost 12 during the pre-op liquids, and now 14lbs in the 8 days since surgery? I'm shocked, and THRILLED!!!! I can't believe it. I didn't know that was even possible. And, at 8-days post-op, I finally feel really really good, like I'm over the worst of the recovery...
AND I'm officially cleared to start mushies! Though I'm going to take that suuuuuper slow. Start with yogurt and fish and see how I do...
Anyway, I cannot tell you guys how absolutely dumbfounded and happy I am. I could cry.