Jibbygirl

I have had so many signs that I am doing the right thing with this banding that it all seems to just be falling into place. I have felt so bad, for so long and I feel tlike the help I will get from the banding is a blessing I resisted for too long. Because I am retired at 60 and can't get insurance for health issues, we have had to finance this ourselves. I sort of came into this thru the back door. I began having cardiac issues and the cardiologist is the one who recommended I look into this, so I already had all the preliminary work ups done to rule out other causes. Took a little while to get into the bariatric center, but I met all the criteria immediately so we are good to go. By not having to deal with insurance it has been a smooth ride so far.
The worst part was getting over the failure of not being able to lose the weight or keep it off myself. I am a nurse and know HOW to do it but my addiction is food and I just can't get a handle on it. Once Dr. assured me I would NEVER be able to get more than 50 lbs off by myself and it would probably not stay off, I felt less like a failure. Fact is, the heart problems are gonna kill me if I don't do something about it and I have a lot of stuff I still want to do in life. I'm excited but trying to just take each day as it comes. Today I went shopping for all my supplies, the chewable vitamins and calcium supplements, liquid pain meds, low fat/low cal liquid and pureed options. Read lots and lots of labels. My nursing has helped a lot with that.
I've read my pamphlets over and over, I've researched on the internet, I've lined up a couple of online support groups to keep in touch with, and I've asked God to be with me thru this. We even snowbird down south and I've lined up a doctor down there who will follow me for fills while we are down there and my doc here agreed and just wants me to check back in when I get back. I have good friend from church who is ending her first year and she looks and feels great and will be a great support to me as well. I am so truly blessed.
I know my demons will be eating and drinking SLOW enough, and chewing thoroughly. If I don't feel hungry I can avoid the food aspect. I've slowly said goodby to all my favorites getting ready for this, the last Taco Bell, the last great Pizza, the last Bob Evans breakfast. I've been eating pretty healthy since all this began, and started taking 1/2 of my portions home or eating only 1/2 size portions and trying to avoid most of my beloved weaknesses. Tuesday the 13th I meet for my pre-op appt and see the dietician and probably start on the protein diet then. Surgery is Sept 29. Stay in touch, everyone and God Bless.