laughingatlilies

First of all' date=' congratulations! I also got my approval call today and I am SO excited! I'm scheduled for February 6. Secondly, your feelings and concerns are normal... at least I hope so! LOL.. I feel the same way you do. I'm scared to death of failing on this diet as I have always been unsuccessful long term on other diets so how will this be any different? What I've learned from the amazing people on this board is that the band is a very personal tool. Many do well and some do not. It is very person dependent. It is there to help control your hunger and tell you when you're eating too fast or too much. When used correctly, it will save your/our lives! I've also asked if people felt that this helped prevent them from falling back into their old ways and most people said yes, which for me was very comforting.

All in all, I think any and all of your emotions are completely normal and justified. People are scared of the unknown.. and something this drastic and life changing is scary! Luckily, we all have amazing support systems, including this board, which is very helpful!

I wish you nothing but success on your journey and can't wait to share in your joys![/quote']

Ireallywannabthin, I know this was a response to someone else, but it's such an encouragement! I haven't been on here in a day or two, & was starting to get a little nervous & thinking a thousand thoughts, fears, & questions about getting banded (mainly the actual surgery). Then I hop back on here and see all of you guys & all the excitement & positivity! It's rubbed off on me! I'm so excited now, that I feel jittery! I'm happy for each one of you, & can't wait to see how everyone's journey down a new path goes. I'm sure we'll all have ups & downs, but it helps to know that there are others on here who know exactly what you're dealing with, & may even be able to give you some pointers.

Oh, & I'm making a list of the Protein shakes that were mentioned, & that I haven't tried. Thanks to all who shared.

Yay! I'm so happy for you! =D

Thank you! I'm so excited. Nervous also c is a jog change.. And nervous because what if I'm making the wrong choice?! Ahhh

You're welcome. I know what you mean! Actually, right after I got the date set, I got sick to my stomach. I really started to question my choice too, but then I spent a little time reading on here. Success stories & knowing what to expect, has started to make me excited & reminded me why I'm doing it. Being healthy, more energy, a more active life, & looking better to top it off. I think being nervous & questioning it all is probably normal. If you just jumped in without thinking, it could be a red flag, but you're taking it seriously. With big change comes risks, but with great rewards! Now, when the surgery gets closer, I may have to get a refresher, bc going under the anesthesia scares the bajeezes (sp?) out of me!

Tentative for 2/7!

Great! Keep us posted, & maybe we Febs. can cheer each other on and share what we're going through.

Yay! I hope you get the good news soon! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let me know when you get your date, & I'll cheer you on.

Are there any others set to get banded in February? My doctor's office called to tell me my insurance approved me & set my surgery date for the first! After going back & forth for a couple years & now just completing the 6 months (well technically 7 months) weight loss consultations, it's going to happen. I'm not so sure how to feel about it. Nervous? Excited? Worried? Happy? I thought I'd see if anyone else is getting ready for it all, & see how they're dealing with it. Input from veteran bandsters would be great too! Tips on what to expect, need, & advice would be greatly appreciated.

That's AWESOME! Congrats!!!

@Jennifer1: I have a friend who had it done almost three years ago. She was one of the few I told. As soon as I told her, I could tell it made her feel like she had to get back on track. Which if it encourages her to be healthier then that's great, but I really didn't expect to get a few rude comments on my weight from her. I thought of all the people I knew, she would understand more than anyone. I guess I'll have to just stay close to my great support team & try to let those things go. Plus, now I have all of you guys on here to turn to for advice & encouragement. I've only been on here since yesterday, & already feel less lost & alone in it all.

Thanks guys! After poking around on here, I'm defenantly seeing that it's a good idea to have everything ready for post op. I think I'll start a list in the progress journal the physical therapist suggested to make.

Thank God I won't have to worry about what to tell at work. I'm sure that was an uncomfortable situation to deal with. I really like the idea of answering the question of how you lost weight with the high Protein, low cal, & more exercise answer. =) Thanks!

I haven't been banded yet, but am in the process of doing the 6 month doctor visits/diet. I've been to a seminar about the surgery, a seminar with a nutritionist, a seminar with a physical therapist, my 1st monthy visit, a consultation with the doctor, and the psychological consult. I have an EKG scheduled this coming week. After that, it's just the monthly doc visits to weigh in until preop stuff. Now, I'm nervous. I'm excited to lose the weight & start a healthier lifestyle, but I'm nervous about the surgery & although it may sound silly, I'm nervous about people's reaction. I've only told 5 people that I'm having it done & that includes my parents & of course my husband. I'm a private person when it comes to my weight, & I've already noticed that as soon as I tell some people that I'm having it done, they think it gives them the okay to discuss how I look & everything about my weight & image. Has anyone else felt this way? Any tips on how to deal with it? I'm feeling myself getting a bit down from the negative spotlight from just a few close people, & I haven't even had the surgery yet.