DynamoMini

I am scheduled for surgery April 16th. We could be the April Fools group. I am getting excited.

Body image is a huge thing, also feeling very exposed after the layers are gone. It is great that you are reaching out to others for support, instead of eating to comfort yourself. Your recent breakup has triggered your worst fears is my guess. Of course you will meet someone who will love you, but first you have to love yourself. The guy is a jerk! Attraction is tricky business. I have seen great looking men with ugly women they think are gorgeous. So you know, it is in the eyes of the beholder. Back to you --- have you noticed that more people are looking at you now that you have lost so much weight? For me, a basically shy person, this is really hard to take. It is easier to blend into the scenery than be on center stage. But, not really. Otherwise, I wouldn't want to look good. So this time I am really concentrating on the concept of I deserve to live a healthy life. I will cope with discomfort (feelings of exposure) by acknowledging the feeling and talking about it. I hope that will help. Keep on journaling and realize the guy is a creep.

Sometimes it is really helpful to think of the little things that will get easier as I lose weight. I can't wait for the time where I don't have to awkwardly bend over to tie my shoe, prop my foot up so I can reach the laces, sit in one special step in my house so I can reach the ties..... but the day I can easily crouch down and just tie away without tremendous loss of breath. Hee...hee... Happy thought. Congrats on losing the extender! No more cutting lines around your bustline either when things are too tight. Good for you and thanks for sharing! :clap2:

It sounds like the doc needs to be more supportive and concerned. It is important that you are able to stay hydrated. Was acid reflux something that happened before banding? Is there another doc you can ask? I hope it gets better soon. Good luck.

Congratulations! I'll love hearing how you are doing. I don't plan to get banded until April. Keep us informed and good luck.

Cascadian - I totally agree with your argument supporting the obesity conumdrum. It is frustrating to have "normals" complaining that WLS is the easy way out. I'm angry that I have to get banded, but I think it is the only chance I now have to get to a normal weight and stay there. Just like you, I was an Optifast All Star and went down to a normal weight. Within a year I had gained 60 pounds back, and within two years I had gained the other 20 and 40 more. Would this ever happen to a thin person. No way! My goal is the weight loss, but more than that, it is staying in the zone where I am healthy. Thanks for telling it like it is. I also believe in former lives, I survived without food for long periods of time, during times of famine. Good thoughts,

I know that off topic stuff does make for longer reading, but sometimes it is the process "stuff" that needs the work. So, I don't mind. I am so glad to hear that you have lost your excess weight and have maintained. What have been your challenges? What seems simple? Perhaps I need a little more of the sharing from your experience. I want to learn through your experience, too.

Hi, I think it is great to get hooked up with a program as extensive as the one you have described. I'm in Colorado, i don't think there will be that kind of support here, but I am using the internet for support. This is a great website and B2G is a great website. Welcome and good luck. i plan to have surgery in April, I'm self paying which is hard, but I'm worth it.

I have to say that I don't have a band yet, however, I did get to goal and felt totally naked. I didn't know how to move in my new body. I am basically shy and felt very exposed and vulnerable. I really understand what you mean by not feeling like yourself. Basically, you are you, but really the outside is totally different. This time I have some things in place to help me cope. I have been going to therapy for four years, working out for two and will continue as I lose weight, get banded, etc. I know it will feel really raw and painful, but I have chosen to feel my feelings and allow them to wear themselves out. I won't need to overeat to "cover" up again. But I am finally beginning to understand why I felt what I did every time I lost weight. With the band, this time it's a one way trip. I hope sharing this helped, write me privately if this is close to your experience.

Thanks for all the support and information. I think it is wonderful to have this website to ask these questions. I already work out 4 -5 times a week at the gym, so part of my journey is underway. I deserve to have a healthy life, at whatever age! Thanks again,

I am considering surgery in April due to a trip planned in March. Are there any other "older" patients out there? :phanvan Am I crazy at 57 to be considering this surgery? I have 100 pounds to lose to be a "normal" weight and have other issues like Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I feel like the band is the perfect tool to support my weight loss process, and not regain the weight. Which has been a lifelong pattern. I'll be watching and hope to hear from you. Thanks,