SillyAuntDi

I've been scheduled for September 11, 2013 since the middle of July. I needed to get past a planned vacation and a few other schedule barriers and then I would be banded. Somehow, until those things passed it seemed so far away. Now, vacation is over and the other scheduled items are finishing up this week. WOW..this just got real! One week from tomorrow! I have my pre-op appointment tomorrow and I have a feeling my head will be spinning with the reality of it all. I'm not second-guessing or even scared. I'm ready and excited. I just can't believe it's so close!!!!

I had to say my own good bye to milk many years ago. I don't like the hives it gives me It was a hard break-up.

I'm also scheduled for September 11. I'm so ready and excited!

I'm scheduled for September 11. So, we can be buddies I'm excited and terrified all at the same time. But, this forum is awesome. I've learned so much here. So, while I'm scared, I'm confident that I can do it. We can handle this

I've told my story on a similar thread. I'm being very careful who I tell. I have fingers left over when I count the friends/family that I've told. I have more anxiety about people judging me and watching me than I do about the actual procedure. I've always had issues with people knowing/judging what I eat...from childhood. I'm scheduled for surgery on September 11. My counselor and I are working on my issues and she and I have agreed that for now, I don't have to tell people. I don't have to lie, either. When asked, if I'm comfortable telling the person the WHOLE story, then I will. If not, then I just have to say, I'm watching what I eat and trying to exercise more. That's not a lie. Funny thing, though...I have absolutely no problem telling complete strangers I'll never see again exactly what I'm doing. The guy who delievered and set up the new treadmill in the house..told him. The lady at the grocery store giving me a rain check for the protein powder on sale...told her. The lady at the plus-size clothing store...told her. But, the lady in the office next to me...NO WAY. LOL. I realize my issues are not rational. My counselor says that's a good sign...we'll see. I did slip up while talking to a co-worker yesterday and it just came out of my mouth. He smiled and said "good for you." I have a feeling I'm eventually not going to keep secrets. I may be so damn proud of myself for taking control of my life again that I want to sing it from the rooftops...but for now, I'm just humming.

I have been the "fat friend" my whole life! I also decided to "own" myself, but it was in my thirties instead of my twenties. I've decided that who I am has nothing to do with the number on the scale. BUT...I need to be healthy. And if any of my "friends" end up feeling cheated because they lost their "fat friend" and find no place for the real me in their life...so be it. I've vowed to be true to myself. It's all about me, baby!!!! (LOL...I'm not really that selfish, but it's fun to say that!)

Oh..and before you ask...yes. My counselor and I are discussing why I worry about other's opinions of what I choose to eat .

I have only chosen a few people to tell. Maybe 5 family members and 7 coworkers/friends. I have had issues all my life with feeling like I'm judged based on what I put in my mouth. Not so much the weight on my body, but the food that literally enters my mouth. I've lost a significant amount of weight in the past that drew a lot of unwanted attention from people that never gave me the time of day before. They suddenly felt the need to discuss their meals and exercise plans with me. Then, when the weight started to creep back on (due to medical issues and a new food allergy), they started commenting on my food choices. Instead of asking me why the sudden change happened...they passed judgement on my food intake. So, when I finally came to the decision to pursue the banded life, I immediately made an appointment with my counselor to discuss my anxiety. I'm terrified of what people will say when I start losing weight again...and who will pop out of the woodwork to become my new buddy. I don't want to feel like people are watching my food choices. I don't want to feel like I have to explain anything to anybody. So, she empowered me with the permission to not tell. No, I don't have to lie, but I can simply say I'm working hard and making changes. I don't have to go into detail. And, I have permission to say I don't want to discuss it since it's a personal matter. My family members that know are already familiar with the procedure and have committed to helping me stay "on track" and my friends who know are thrilled. They know how I struggle and they understand my "issues." So, yes...I want to be of service to others who are curious about the process and I can do that here with my virtual friends . And, I want to eventually share with anyone who asks. But for now, I don't have to. And, that's OK.

I was what you would call a "thick" child up until the age of 9. I wasn't fat, but I wasn't thin. Then I had some medical stuff happen and I heard a surgeon say "she will probably have trouble with her weight now." Well, that was when I stopped thinking of myself as thick and started thinking of myself as fat. Then, after some more humiliation at the hands of an adult in charge (no one in my family, but a teacher of sorts), I just decided that I would be fat. I see pictures of myself from high school and I wonder why I couldn't see how perfect I was back then...but that was then. Now, as a 40-something adult, it's clear I'm fat. Not just fat, but morbidly obese. (I still cringe at that term.) I've got arthritis in my knees and feet. My blood pressure ticked upwards for a few years until I was put on meds. About a year ago, I tried yet another attempt at Weight Watchers (which is a fantastic program and has taught me all about great food choices but something is just missing for me). When it became clear that WW wasn't going to be enough, I heard my PCP's voice in my head. Then I heard my knee doctor's voice in my head. Then, my foot doctor's voice joined the ruckus. The band is not a lazy way out, they said. The band is a great choice, they said. I finally listened. And now I'm scheduled for surgery on September 11. I'm so excited and ready! I have all my ducks in a row...all my expectations are in check. I'm ready to put in the work and change my life!

I'm so glad I found this group. I'm excited and scared as hell about my upcoming surgery date (11SEP13). I've found comfort here...as well as uncomfortable truths. I am not very open with the people that know me. I have issues...I have a counselor who is helping me with those issues. Progress is being made So, you all have been my peeps...I've come to you (whether you know it or not) for answers, encouragement, and truth. I've posted a few times. I've shared some of my story. I want to share more. And I want you to respond...with truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. So, here is my promise. I promise not to be offended when you tell me the uncomfortable truth about my ramblings. I won't get all moody and start calling names. I will value your opinions and your experiences. I may pout in front of my computer screen...but not on here where you can see it. I also promise to share...the comfy and the uncomfy parts. I know it's not going to be a bed of roses, or an instant fix. It's going to be hard work and require a full committment on my part. There is no miracle weight loss. I know people have complications. I want to learn from them. I promise to take responsibility for my actions on here. If I screw up...I'm going to own it. And I ask you to remind me of that I know there are consequences for when I make mistakes. And I accept that you are going to let me know about them! I write this because I've seen a few posts lately where the initial poster gets offended when the comments aren't all "warm and fuzzy." Well...as some of you have pointed out...truth isn't always warm and fuzzy. So, thank you for letting me learn from you. Thank you for being that shoulder I may need to lean on. And thank you for keeping me in check.

Great job! I'm expecting a slow weight loss, but totally expect a certain amount of frustration that I won't be "supermodel thin" by next summer...lol (I wasn't that thin even at birth...) But, I hope to show permanent improvement just as you have! Keep up the good work and remember attitude is more than half the battle...if you think you can, then you will. Good luck!

I'm still a bit new to the forum. I have a surgery date of 11SEP13. This group is great and I've learned so much since joining. Good luck to you on your journey!

My uppper GI shows a hiatal hernia as well. The jerk who did my procedure and told me about the hernia went on a tirade when he figured out I was going to do the Band. He stood there at the foot of my bed in the recovery area and blasted me for my decision basically calling me stupid. Said that people with the band end up getting the bypass so I should just go ahead and to the bypass first. I just gritted my teeth, took deep breaths, smiled at him nicely and said "thank you for the information." He is NOT my surgeon. Two days later I was cleared for surgery by my insurance. The surgeon's office called me to schedule my date. I told the lady there about the experience and she was horrified. Yes, when my surgeon gets in there and sees the hernia, he will fix it when he places the band. No, I'm not stupid for making the choice I've made...it's MY CHOICE. She calmed down my anger and made me feel much better about the situation...especially when she said that everyone in that office would pay to be in the room if the jerk ever spoke to me again like that. Yes, the jerk is part of the practice where I am going, and nobody likes him very much. But, I'm sure now it's in my chart to not put us together for any visits in the future. Stand up for your choice. We all have reasons for the choices we make. I'm very comfortable with my decision. And, I'm three weeks away from seeing it come to be...and very excited!

I went through a period of hair loss last summer. My dermatologist told me it was from a change in meds and a weight loss (that didn't last, of course). She told me that I could use the nioxin treatments. But she also suggested including Biotin in my Vitamins. So, I switched Multivitamins to one with biotin and I noticed a change. So, maybe you could visit a dermatologist to make sure nothing else is going on. That is what my primary care provider suggested last summer. I did not choose to use the nioxin treatments. Instead, i've been using a new Redkin line of hair care products called Intra Force. It's aimed at women with thinning hair. I LOVE it. My hair stylist gets it for me, but I first bought it at Ulta (if you have one of those nearby). My hair is doing very well. Of course, my surgery date is next month, so I'm prepared for another round of hair loss. But, this time I have tools to battle it Good luck!

Raleigh, NC

I have a few items that I "loaned" to a friend with the understanding that when I could get back in them, she had to give them back. I can't wait to collect them from her!

I've been on vacation, so I missed this thread until now. I'm scheduled for September 11. I'm so EXCITED! My nervousness has settled and I'm READY! Let's do this!

Hi and CONGRATS! I'm scheduled to be banded on September 11. I'm so excited. But, I've been very careful who I have told about my decision. I've only told a very few friends...ones I knew would be supportive. I've started telling some of my family members as well, as the date gets closer. So far, thankfully, the response has been..."WOW! I'm so happy for you!" This will make it better for me when I finally find that person who won't have that reaction. So, I totally understand being selective in who you tell. I wish you continued success on your journey.

Congrats! Thanks for sharing. I'm eager to be banded and get started on my journey You gave me that little dose of inspiration I needed today.

Congrats! Well done. I'm so inspired Cannot wait to be banded!

Being mindful of ourselves and our surroundings is one of the toughest things to accomplish. And, I'd say you are well on your way to being mindful of your eating. You recognized your situation and you took a step to change it. That's awesome! Kudos to you!

Well done! Congrats!

I've been lurking here for awhile and I've decided you all are wonderful. I'm scheduled to be banded September 11, 2013. I'm so excited...and terrified at the same time. It's been so helpful seeing people on here talk about all the issues that scare me. How you support each other is so awesome. I've struggled with weight issues since I was a kid. I've done all the diets with temporary successes. It's frustrating. I've struggled with the decision to have a bariatric surgery. "It's cheating. I can do it on my own. blah blah blah...." But, somewhere deep in my mind, it clicked. And, I started reading. It's not the easy way out. It's not cheating...and clearly I cannot do it on my own. So, to the complete shock of my primary care provider...I started the process. She's thrilled. I'm thrilled. My friends who know what's going on are thrilled! I'm surrounded by supportive people. I'm ready. So, here's to a new "banded" life. Here's to no blood pressure meds, lower doses of pain meds for my arthritis, better sleep, more energy, and happier days! Let the fun begin. Thanks for being here to answer questions the past few weeks...even if you didn't know you were doing it. I hope you'll continue to be around...I will Have a great day!