LiveStrong41

You look amazing. I know I'm kinda weird, but I can't wait for my hiding muscles to come popping through my fat layers. Lol! Awesome job. I sure hope I gain the confidence you have in relation to talking openly about your wls decision. I'm still at the "only telling who I must" stage. But imagine your decision is a lot more liberating.

Great news! I can understand your hubby's concern. I would have been scared too! I'm so envious of you and your new hot bod (in a good way! Ha!) Welcome to your year... 2013!!

You must feel fabulous!! You certainly look it.

Congrats to you... what a fabulous climb you'll be making!!

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your words of wisdom. I can totally see what you all are saying about hurting others feelings. I guess I just feel so good that I want everyone I love, and know is hurting due to weight, to have the chance to feel like this.

There are 2 people in particular I wanted to speak to about this. One is my younger sister and the other a best friend. I didn't mention that my older sister passed away 3 years ago due to weight. Well she had a heart attack, but it was due to type 2 diabetes and her weight. I had to have a stint in my heart 10 years ago and I'm only 46 now. So I just don't feel like talking to my younger sister is a matter of being mean or nice, it's a matter of life or death.

And my girlfriend. The reason I was thinking about talking to her is because when I began this journey I was talking to her and told her about how I was changing my eating and I was determined to get the weight off this time. I didn't mention I was having surgery. She agreed and said she was going to try to lose weight too. So the other day when I spoke to her and mentioned I had lost a little over 40lbs I could hear the sadness in her voice. Not that she was sad for me but, I could kinda tell she was thinking, **** if I really started when she did I could be 40 lbs down by now too. All this while knowing that if I didn't have the surgery there is NO WAY I would be down 40 by now. I feel guilty. I feel like I should tell her i had the surgery and if its something she might be interested in, she shouldn't be afraid, it's the best thing I ever did.

Still not sure if I will even tell anyone. In one way I think it's no ones business but in another way I think if I tell people it may be easier for them to consider it for themselves. I'm not really concerned about my skinny friends and family because I know it's not something they will ever understand.

Thanks for listening,

Lisa

Lisa, I can TOTALLY relate to your story! I don't doubt your sincerity for a minute! And know this, no matter what you decide you know your heart is in the right place, just like Dee's was, and that's what matters most. Maybe as more time passes your sister and friend will come to you with questions and you can tell them as much as they would like to know. Best wishes!!! And, if you're like me, sometimes I feel guilty about my friend who is struggling too (although she does know about my wls). Her sister had lapband and also the sleeve, but gained back a lot of weight. So between her fear of surgery and different negative experiences she's heard about she is not interested in surgery at this time. However she also tells me how jealous she is that I'm "getting skinny." Her idea that I will lose all my excess weight makes her both sad and jealous (this is what she told me), but I know she is also happy for me. I keep telling myself that I HAVE TO remember how important my continued weight loss is. I love her, but I know that I cannot let her conflicted feelings change my attitude. Before having this surgery I honestly felt like my life was not worthy. Obviously that is a mental health issue too, but the fact of the matter is my family suffered right along with me because my morbid obesity only amplified my bouts with depression. Long story short (sorry for the random rambling), you do what you need to do for YOU. And if that means talking to your sister and best friend (or not) then so be it. It's not like you're approaching strangers or co-workers and talking to them about losing weight. ha. You'll know if the time is right, if ever. I wish you the very best!!! ❤

For me in the begining I kept it all to myself...just my hub and twin sister...after banding and the weight started dropping a told just a very few friends.....then one day I decided to tell a friend who is very over weight...my reason was I wanted her to know...LOOK I DID IT...SO CAN YOU !!!...well didn't go that way at all...she belittled me...my efforts...told me..to be ready to start dumping...and being sick....needless to say I was hurt...mad...and very sad that I bothered to tell her when I really didn't want many to know....just to have her hurt me...since that day I have not told any one else....and mind you I'm down 107 lbs...she has never accknolaged {SP} any of my weight loss.....sighs......

That is exactly what I would be afraid of! I really don't wish to telly anyone because I honestly don't think it's their business, unless they truly care about me. The only reason I would encourage an overweight friend or family member is because if they have struggled like I have, I want them to know it can end. When I asked a friend of mine who had lapband about their success I tried SOO VERY hard to convey that my curiosity was sincere because I was unhealthy, deeply depressed, and wanted my future back. I would be so hurt if I shared my intimate journey with someone who reacted in the way your friend did. Sad and disheartening. I'm so sorry and disappointed that you had that experience, Dee! I think for now I'm going to continue keeping my mouth shut. Your heart was in the right place tho... :]

I would love to hear from others regarding this too. I haven't any desire to approach anyone and advocate for Lapband but I don't want anyone who has struggled as I have to think I did it on my own. I have worked very hard in my life to lose weight and keep it off, but without weight loss surgery I just don't believe I could do it. I have a very close friend who has been trying to lose weight dieting and she already knows about my having wls, but I find it so hard to help motivate her because I just don't believe she can do it without this tool. Absolutely no offense to her, just that I gave up all hope on myself before this surgery, so it's really really difficult for me to have hope for others my age and up who have struggled all their lives. Really looking forward to helpful comments from the people who have dealt with this and really care about the people they have spoken to about this.

Hope you're feeling better soon! Best wishes!!

One more suggestion: When I was on clear diet I could drink the Protein Drink, Isopure. It comes in a few flavors, all of which I didn't like very much but they are extremely high in Protein with no carbs. You mentioned not being able to have Protein Drinks yet, but maybe you're dr. means portein shakes. I was actually given this drink in the hospital after surgery and before my release. Again, I didn't love it, but I was fine with it knowing I was getting in much needed protein. Good luck with your recovery - in no time, you're going to love the improved you!

Thanks! Learn something new everyday... makes more sense now.

You definitely don't want to deal with dehydration (often times that will send you back to the hospital), but just continue to drink what you can. Lots of little sips. Maybe set your timer for every 15-30 minutes...sip. Doesn't have to be just broth does it? Protein drinks, Crystal Light...? Cheer up pretty lady. This gets much easier and... you're never alone on LBT! I found a lot of folks on this site to be amazingly supportive and caring. ((little hug bc you're still sore. Ha))

Interesting. I would not have guessed a banx without a fill would also be temperamental -(I was told by my surgeon's nurse that i have nothing inside my band yet). Anyway, good to know. Thanks elcee!

I have not had a fill, but seem to have experienced a "stuck" episode. From reading g what others experience I'm quite sure it was a mild episode, but one nonetheless. As I was eating chicken tonight I had this tightening in my chest. It felt like I swallowed a massive bite of Peanut Butter that didn't want to pass. It was uncomfortable enough to stop me from finishing my dinner, but I wouldn't call my experience tonight painful, just very unpleasant. Anyway...

My question goes back to wondering if my menstrual cycle plays into this at all. Or, could it have been from some stress I experienced earlier in the day. It was an I tense stress (fight or flight situation). Thoughts??

I must be living under a rock because I had not seen your post until just now... CONGRATULATIONS!! Mis, your encouragement and words of wisdom inspire us all, but your positive outlook and raw determination are the actions that speak loudest. You are instrumental to this site. Sincere thanks to you and all you give us. Keep doing what you're doing ... it obviously works. <3

You are so right!! You've got this.

We feel your pain. Believe me, we do, but YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS! PROMISE!!

Your post made me smile -what a great nsv!

Thanks everyone I will be banded on the 25th and have OD'ed on reading everything I could find. One thing is for certain you gotta exercise, I love to exercise and I think I will be more motivated once this tool is in place. Thanks for the motivation.

Goldenlife

Best wishes... you'll do great! To all who read this: I'm not saying this journey will be easy, but for me, so far, I've put in the same amount of will/wantpower and dedication as I have in my pre-banded life WITH FAR BETTER RESULTS. I don't expect the rest of my weightloss to be free of hiccups, and knowing myself as I do, I'm sure there will also be a little whining along the way, but I also know without my band I just wasn't able to do it. Lack of faith in my former self? Maybe. Probably. But, not this time around. Post band is a whole different game! Best wishes to everyone.... newbies and success stories!!! Love you all.

Sunshyne: I wrote you this big long reply and it got deleted. Arg! Anyway, I'm typing on my Kindle which is seriously labor intensive for me, so I'm going to have to be brief now... ha. Anyway, yes I incorporate both cardio and strength training. I was finally given a full release for all/any exercise of choice this week. Every surgeon is different with regard to how much food you can eat and when, but ive been on solids for awhile so I'm eating about a half cup of food per meal (5 times a day). This is what ive been told to do. Obviously most of that portion is lean Protein. Hope my answers are helpful. Keep up the good work!!

I'm sorry I forgot to add the most important tidbit... it took me 8 MONTHS to lose the 25 lbs. before surgery... and I swear I was at the gym working hard consistently. After surgery, in less than 2 MONTHS ive lost 33 lbs. Yes, both times ive worked hard, but c'mon in six months less time ive lost more. What I'm saying is there really is hope!

About two years ago I decided to change my way of eating. Eating "clean" is how it's been described. Fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain, complex carbs, low fat Proteins, zero refined sugar, etc., etc. Basically prepackaged foods/meals were a no go. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, and be mindful of how your food is cooked/prepared. In addition to eating healthier I worked out for 2-3 hours 5-6 days a week. Cardio for 60-90 minutes and strength training for about a hour. In eight months I lost 25 lbs. Well, good... right? I looked better. I felt better.

Now fast forward to today... two weeks shy of two months post-op. Still "eating clean", finally up 90 minutes at the gym 4-5 days a week, eating smaller portions, but with lapband (no fill yet) I've dropped 33 lbs.! Don't tell me this is only a tool. It's my fricken LIFELINE!!!

For anyone feeling anxious, doubtful, or scared... YOU CAN DO IT!! Best wishes.

Very nice!!

Very excited for you!! "The time has come, the time is now... Duncanrum, you can. you must. you will!" Believe it!

Oh, bless her heart. Your post made me tear up... what a brave/ tough little girl. You're all in my prayers tonight!!

Love this!!!