DivaStyleCoach

Hi Sha0717!
I applaud you - you have made what I feel is a positive and productive decision to have WLS and change your life and your health for the better.
I'm 51 yrs old, had the lap band surgery in 2008. I lost 85 lbs in 14 months and then 'relaxed' a bit too much and gained a little back. I'm losing the regained weight now and am determined not to stop until I hit my goal.
You've got a great plus going for you - you've lived life at a normal weight! Revisit that time in your life, feel those feelings, remember what it felt like to be healthier and stronger, and hang on to those feelings when it gets tough. Congrats again on your decision, and I wish you nothing but the best!

Hi Bobomarge!
I completely understand your excitement - you're on your way to a new, healthier you! I agree with Weightogo123 that you should definitely follow doctor's orders. The more you can do to get used to your new eating plan, the better.
Think about what you put in your mouth and your body - the pre-op diet is just to give you a better foundation for the surgery. Whether it's liquids, mushies, or whatever your doctor recommends, try to stick with it completely. He's giving you the instructions for your benefit.
When I had my surgery in 2008, I was on liquids for a week prior to surgery - your instructions may be different. Read other people's success stories, think about how you'll prepare for the great positive changes that will be required of you.
Give yourself some time to get used to the new eating plan - it takes 21 to 28 days to create a new, positive habit. Don't beat yourself up too badly if you slip up, but get right back on track. You've set an awesome goal for yourself - think of how good you'll feel when you reach that goal!
I'm pulling for you - you CAN do this!

I'm SO excited about this! I've taught courses in the community college system and am an experienced public speaker. I have experience with facilitating a weight loss surgery support group (with my original surgeon). I currently work part-time as a Registrar of Voters for my hometown, and have a pretty flexible schedule. I could run meetings on Monday or Tuesday (pretty much anytime), Thursday and Friday (Wednesday is more difficult) and have availability on some weekends as well.

Hi jpinnyc,
Congrats on your first week in Bandland! :-)
Don't worry about quantities right now except remembering to not overdo it. Right now you're healing and you may not have any Fluid (fill) in your band. When my band was placed, there was no Fluid in it. The act of placing the band might give you the impression of restriction, but after surgery-related swelling goes down, you'll realize there isn't much of a change in your capacity from pre-band days.
This is what's known as "Bandster Hell" - having a band but not really feeling very different. For now, concentrate on healing, follow doctor's orders regarding what you are eating and your level of physical activity, and you'll have a great banded life. Congrats on your weight loss so far, and your determination to follow your post op diet perfectly.

Hi jpinnyc,
Congrats on your first week in Bandland! :-)
Don't worry about quantities right now except remembering to not overdo it. Right now you're healing and you may not have any Fluid (fill) in your band. When my band was placed, there was no Fluid in it. The act of placing the band might give you the impression of restriction, but after surgery-related swelling goes down, you'll realize there isn't much of a change in your capacity from pre-band days.
This is what's known as "Bandster Hell" - having a band but not really feeling very different. For now, concentrate on healing, follow doctor's orders regarding what you are eating and your level of physical activity, and you'll have a great banded life. Congrats on your weight loss so far, and your determination to follow your post op diet perfectly.

Love this story! Thank you so much for sharing it! I'm 5 1/2 years out, working to lose my 'rebound gain' after I got complacent with my success (banded Nov 2008, lost 85 lbs in 14 mths), and you have given me additional motivation to keep on truckin'! You're an inspiration! :-)

OMG - I am praying that you are able to get your service dog soon, or barring that, hopefully there will be a solution to your blood sugar issues. Can they reverse-engineer an insulin pump to do the opposite and help stabilize you by pumping glucose into your system to help your levels? I cannot even imagine dealing with all you've had to go through.
Your case should be detailed in the medical journals and used as a teaching point for EVERY bariatric surgeon - heck, every Emergency Room across the country! How could they not see that the band had slipped badly and was now cutting off the blood supply to your stomach? I'm sitting here shaking my head sadly - I know hindsight is 20/20, but dang...someone should have seen this.
I'm happy I haven't had any complications from my lap band (banded in 2008), but I'm so sorry all of this has happened to you.

I would LOVE to help out by leading or co-leading a Bariatric Pal group in my local area. I used to attend support group meetings in a small city about 20 min from me, but they were all bypass patients and the group wasn't very band-friendly. There is a local support group (new surgery center at our local hospital), but they don't deal much with post-surgery life. They do have good sessions on cooking, etc, but deal mostly with that subject and sometimes Q&A.
I am VERY interested in the certification program as well - I believe that would help others in the support community take us more seriously.
Here are the more organized answers to your questions:
Would you be interested in attending regular local chapter meetings in person? Absolutely YES Would you be interested in being a leader (or co-leader)? Yes - I believe I can be helpful Would you like BariatricPal to provide agendas for meetings? Yes - a framework can be very valuable What additional support could BariatricPal provide to encourage your participation and/or leadership? I love the idea of the certification program Should there be limits on the minimum and maximum numbers of members that each Local Chapter can have? Minimum - perhaps 5, built up over a specified period of time. It would be helpful to have the Chapters promoted here, and possibly through the surgeons in the area. Certification would help with their comfort level on this. What other ideas do you have? Incorporate activities like a Clothing Swap within each group; Shopping trips or having someone come in to discuss where to find clothing while transitioning; coaching / training on how to discuss your decision with family and friends; role-playing to help patients deal with bullies, saboteurs, etc; alternatives and plans for exercise based on patient's current physical condition - often standard "gyms" and trainers can be very intimidating; alternatives to grocery shopping (one of my local grocery stores has a delivery service and a pick up service - could be very helpful for avoiding temptation in the stores).

Good morning!
What a terrific story - I'm sitting here cheering for you and for your lovely Mom who's helping you. Yes, we are definitely here for you, and willing to help in any way.
I was banded in Nov 2008 and lost 85 lbs in 14 months. Got a little cocky and thought I'd 'relax' a bit and regained some of it, but I'm back on the losing side again. It's been 4.5 years since my surgery, and I wouldn't do anything differently. I researched the lap band before undergoing the surgery and was blessed that my employer at the time covered the entire cost. In fact, I was able to have the surgery at THEIR facility. It's listed among the Centers of Excellence, so I felt very confident. They took very good care of me physically, but at the time there wasn't really any training / counseling / coaching on the mental and emotional side of the process.
Good luck to you!

Good morning!
What a terrific story - I'm sitting here cheering for you and for your lovely Mom who's helping you. Yes, we are definitely here for you, and willing to help in any way.
I was banded in Nov 2008 and lost 85 lbs in 14 months. Got a little cocky and thought I'd 'relax' a bit and regained some of it, but I'm back on the losing side again. It's been 4.5 years since my surgery, and I wouldn't do anything differently. I researched the lap band before undergoing the surgery and was blessed that my employer at the time covered the entire cost. In fact, I was able to have the surgery at THEIR facility. It's listed among the Centers of Excellence, so I felt very confident. They took very good care of me physically, but at the time there wasn't really any training / counseling / coaching on the mental and emotional side of the process.
Good luck to you!

Good morning!
What a terrific story - I'm sitting here cheering for you and for your lovely Mom who's helping you. Yes, we are definitely here for you, and willing to help in any way.
I was banded in Nov 2008 and lost 85 lbs in 14 months. Got a little cocky and thought I'd 'relax' a bit and regained some of it, but I'm back on the losing side again. It's been 4.5 years since my surgery, and I wouldn't do anything differently. I researched the lap band before undergoing the surgery and was blessed that my employer at the time covered the entire cost. In fact, I was able to have the surgery at THEIR facility. It's listed among the Centers of Excellence, so I felt very confident. They took very good care of me physically, but at the time there wasn't really any training / counseling / coaching on the mental and emotional side of the process.
Good luck to you!

Good morning!
What a terrific story - I'm sitting here cheering for you and for your lovely Mom who's helping you. Yes, we are definitely here for you, and willing to help in any way.
I was banded in Nov 2008 and lost 85 lbs in 14 months. Got a little cocky and thought I'd 'relax' a bit and regained some of it, but I'm back on the losing side again. It's been 4.5 years since my surgery, and I wouldn't do anything differently. I researched the lap band before undergoing the surgery and was blessed that my employer at the time covered the entire cost. In fact, I was able to have the surgery at THEIR facility. It's listed among the Centers of Excellence, so I felt very confident. They took very good care of me physically, but at the time there wasn't really any training / counseling / coaching on the mental and emotional side of the process.
Good luck to you!

Like you, I told very few people about my surgery - only my family and a couple of trusted friends. I had my surgery in Nov 2008 and now, over 5 years later, I still am not speaking to some of the people I knew "before". It's as if they had placed me in the category of "fat, safe girlfriend" and when I moved out of the "fat" category, I was no longer "safe".
Don't you let ANYONE stop you on your journey to better health! It sounds like you have your head on straight, and that you are strong enough to survive the loss of former 'friends' and keep on stepping. If you had cancer (God forbid) those same people would be encouraging you to do whatever was necessary to prolong your life and to maintain your quality of life. Since your drastic change came about in the form of weight loss, their attitudes now need adjusting.
It's that old truth - people don't mind you doing better...as long as you're not doing better than THEY are! Your accomplishment takes away their excuses - once they know someone who has conquered the 'weight problem' they no longer have an excuse for NOT doing the same thing.
Hang in there - I know very well the road you are traveling...keep on going until you reach YOUR goal. Don't listen to those who tell you that "You're getting too skinny", or "Haven't you lost enough weight?". Unless you are endangering your health, don't stop until you reach your goal!:-)

I would LOVE to help out by leading or co-leading a Bariatric Pal group in my local area. I used to attend support group meetings in a small city about 20 min from me, but they were all bypass patients and the group wasn't very band-friendly. There is a local support group (new surgery center at our local hospital), but they don't deal much with post-surgery life. They do have good sessions on cooking, etc, but deal mostly with that subject and sometimes Q&A.
I am VERY interested in the certification program as well - I believe that would help others in the support community take us more seriously.
Here are the more organized answers to your questions:
Would you be interested in attending regular local chapter meetings in person? Absolutely YES Would you be interested in being a leader (or co-leader)? Yes - I believe I can be helpful Would you like BariatricPal to provide agendas for meetings? Yes - a framework can be very valuable What additional support could BariatricPal provide to encourage your participation and/or leadership? I love the idea of the certification program Should there be limits on the minimum and maximum numbers of members that each Local Chapter can have? Minimum - perhaps 5, built up over a specified period of time. It would be helpful to have the Chapters promoted here, and possibly through the surgeons in the area. Certification would help with their comfort level on this. What other ideas do you have? Incorporate activities like a Clothing Swap within each group; Shopping trips or having someone come in to discuss where to find clothing while transitioning; coaching / training on how to discuss your decision with family and friends; role-playing to help patients deal with bullies, saboteurs, etc; alternatives and plans for exercise based on patient's current physical condition - often standard "gyms" and trainers can be very intimidating; alternatives to grocery shopping (one of my local grocery stores has a delivery service and a pick up service - could be very helpful for avoiding temptation in the stores).

Good morning!
What a terrific story - I'm sitting here cheering for you and for your lovely Mom who's helping you. Yes, we are definitely here for you, and willing to help in any way.
I was banded in Nov 2008 and lost 85 lbs in 14 months. Got a little cocky and thought I'd 'relax' a bit and regained some of it, but I'm back on the losing side again. It's been 4.5 years since my surgery, and I wouldn't do anything differently. I researched the lap band before undergoing the surgery and was blessed that my employer at the time covered the entire cost. In fact, I was able to have the surgery at THEIR facility. It's listed among the Centers of Excellence, so I felt very confident. They took very good care of me physically, but at the time there wasn't really any training / counseling / coaching on the mental and emotional side of the process.
Good luck to you!

I would LOVE to help out by leading or co-leading a Bariatric Pal group in my local area. I used to attend support group meetings in a small city about 20 min from me, but they were all bypass patients and the group wasn't very band-friendly. There is a local support group (new surgery center at our local hospital), but they don't deal much with post-surgery life. They do have good sessions on cooking, etc, but deal mostly with that subject and sometimes Q&A.
I am VERY interested in the certification program as well - I believe that would help others in the support community take us more seriously.
Here are the more organized answers to your questions:
Would you be interested in attending regular local chapter meetings in person? Absolutely YES Would you be interested in being a leader (or co-leader)? Yes - I believe I can be helpful Would you like BariatricPal to provide agendas for meetings? Yes - a framework can be very valuable What additional support could BariatricPal provide to encourage your participation and/or leadership? I love the idea of the certification program Should there be limits on the minimum and maximum numbers of members that each Local Chapter can have? Minimum - perhaps 5, built up over a specified period of time. It would be helpful to have the Chapters promoted here, and possibly through the surgeons in the area. Certification would help with their comfort level on this. What other ideas do you have? Incorporate activities like a Clothing Swap within each group; Shopping trips or having someone come in to discuss where to find clothing while transitioning; coaching / training on how to discuss your decision with family and friends; role-playing to help patients deal with bullies, saboteurs, etc; alternatives and plans for exercise based on patient's current physical condition - often standard "gyms" and trainers can be very intimidating; alternatives to grocery shopping (one of my local grocery stores has a delivery service and a pick up service - could be very helpful for avoiding temptation in the stores).

Hi nuttynettyp (cute screen name, by the way!)
I agree with the rest of the bandsters who have chimed in...check your notes from your pre-surgery days - I'm sure there were lots of suggestions on preparing to live a banded life, your mindset, and what you'd be eating after surgery. Since you are likely eating "regular" food, go slowly. Bulkier foods may or may not go down easy. If you're finding that you can eat more and more (quantity) then I'd suggest calling your doc's office and scheduling a fill. If you're still having trouble getting down the foods you used to eat (solids) then re-evaluate what you are eating.
Try a new food (especially fruit and veggies) every week or two so you don't get bored. Have you investigated alternative Protein sources? Tried a new fish dish?
When my weight loss slowed down and I was hungry all the time, I knew for ME it was time for a fill. Start noticing (and maybe journaling) your feelings and what you're able to eat. You'll develop a feel for when your body is telling you a fill is in order. Try to occupy your time with things other than food. Are you working out? If not, start to develop an exercise routine (walking, videotapes, exercise classes) that works for you. If you are working out, shake up that workout by trying something new and different to help keep you occupied, burning calories, and thinking about something besides food!
Definitely check in with your doctor - maybe a repeat visit to the nutritionist is in order to help you develop a plan for the next month or so regarding your eating. Then, as long as you are following the bandster rules (in part - chew, chew, chew!) and losing at a satisfactory rate, you could go a little longer between fills.
Don't hesitate to use the resources at your doctor's office as others have suggested. You've lost 34 pounds - that's great! Perhaps it's time to reward yourself with a new pair of cross trainers for your exercise routine, walking shoes if you're a walker, new workout gear to show off your slimmer self, or perhaps a new outfit that you can mix and match with existing clothes in your closet that will also show off your loss so far.
Keep going - you're on the right track!

Hi Terry! (waving)
I LOVE the idea of a custom journal with places to check off what you've eaten, your supplements, activities and feelings. I've also been a journaler for a long time...I think it started with those little locked diaries that I recieved as Christmas presents! I still have journals that I kept during my husband's deployments (he's retired Navy), during tough times and good times throughout my life, and during times of change.
I think there are even companies that will let you design your own pages and bind them into a book or looseleaf binder for you - a great way to set things up to match your personality and your preferences.
Congrats on your progress so far with your surgery - keep doing what you are doing, because it seems to be working well for you.
For someone looking to start journaling, check into the Moleskine line of notebooks - very silky smooth paper and a great set of colors for the binding and covers. They come in multiple sizes and are generally available at Staples. I also use my iPad for journaling (though I love notebooks) with the application called Evernote. They even have a function that allows you to take photos of your meals, scan QR codes for calorie counts and recipes (you can also do this with a smartphone), and it can help keep the information current if you don't carry your journal everywhere.
Have a terrific week ahead, everyone!

Hi nuttynettyp (cute screen name, by the way!)
I agree with the rest of the bandsters who have chimed in...check your notes from your pre-surgery days - I'm sure there were lots of suggestions on preparing to live a banded life, your mindset, and what you'd be eating after surgery. Since you are likely eating "regular" food, go slowly. Bulkier foods may or may not go down easy. If you're finding that you can eat more and more (quantity) then I'd suggest calling your doc's office and scheduling a fill. If you're still having trouble getting down the foods you used to eat (solids) then re-evaluate what you are eating.
Try a new food (especially fruit and veggies) every week or two so you don't get bored. Have you investigated alternative Protein sources? Tried a new fish dish?
When my weight loss slowed down and I was hungry all the time, I knew for ME it was time for a fill. Start noticing (and maybe journaling) your feelings and what you're able to eat. You'll develop a feel for when your body is telling you a fill is in order. Try to occupy your time with things other than food. Are you working out? If not, start to develop an exercise routine (walking, videotapes, exercise classes) that works for you. If you are working out, shake up that workout by trying something new and different to help keep you occupied, burning calories, and thinking about something besides food!
Definitely check in with your doctor - maybe a repeat visit to the nutritionist is in order to help you develop a plan for the next month or so regarding your eating. Then, as long as you are following the bandster rules (in part - chew, chew, chew!) and losing at a satisfactory rate, you could go a little longer between fills.
Don't hesitate to use the resources at your doctor's office as others have suggested. You've lost 34 pounds - that's great! Perhaps it's time to reward yourself with a new pair of cross trainers for your exercise routine, walking shoes if you're a walker, new workout gear to show off your slimmer self, or perhaps a new outfit that you can mix and match with existing clothes in your closet that will also show off your loss so far.
Keep going - you're on the right track!

Hi Thea,
I was on the fence about WLS for a while - I'd seen success stories, but I wasn't sure this was truly for me. I had been through all the typical methods: liquid Protein, fasting, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Weight Watchers, you name it. It hadn't worked - any of it, because I hadn't make the LIFESTYLE and MINDSET changes that are truly necessary for success.
I want to urge you to take your own advice, darling - "Stay strong and believe in Yourself". I'm also an emotional eater - but that can be worked on! I'm also a Type 2 Diabetic, but you can also stay in compliance with that and continue to work on it while you are banded - but you know that...
Time with a counselor is a great idea - and you can do it before and after being banded! No, the band isn't a cure-all, WE still have to do some of the work, but all of this can be done together! We are not "fixed" entities - human beings are forever growing and changing...so start the process of getting qualified for your lap-band (if you haven't done this already) and while you are awaiting surgery, keep working on the other mental and emotional issues that you want resolved.
Sometimes getting a surgery date "forces" us to pay attention and focus our efforts on being as ready as we can be for the surgery and the lifestyle changes to come afterwards. Its as if the deadline (surgery day) puts the motivation into the situation and we use the deadline to force ourselves to move...I know it was like that for me.
I can say that losing weight via the lap-band, at a moderate but steady pace, will help other health issues to resolve - they did for me!
I've also seen people who have had other surgeries (what worked for THEM) and the rapid loss can cause some challenges with their physical appearance (just my opinion).
I've read studies that indicate that once an individual is 50 lbs overweight or more, willpower is just NOT enough. There are chemical systems in our bodies that literally PREVENT us from doing the right thing where food is concerned. "Diets" or "eating plans" often do NOT incorporate the WHOLE person - physical, mental and emotional. Start the work on your mindset and emotions, follow the path toward your lap-band, and see it as a TOOL - a process and a physical aid that will help you reach your goals.
Please let us know how you are doing, and if I can be of further assistance, I'm willing. This forum and the people on it were there for me when I started investigating my lap band (I was banded in Nov 2008) and I wouldn't change a thing - except maybe to work on ME more before surgery.
Blessings,

Do you feel like your emotions are complicated and confusing – especially since you started on your lap-band journey? If you’ve struggled to understand why you feel or react the ways you do, even before your lap band surgery, then you might benefit from using a journal. Journaling can help you to identify and express your feelings throughout your journey, and will help to increase self-understanding, which can help you to increase your success before, during and after surgery.
Once you learn to identify and deal with your feelings in positive and productive ways, you have opened the door to greater self-understanding. Jotting down what's going on with you and how you feel about it can help you to get a handle on your emotions.
Writing (or typing) your feelings into a journal (physical or electronic) will help to increase self-understanding in four ways:
1. Journaling enables you to think about and process a particular situation or occurrence with clarity after your emotions have calmed down. When you write about an event, you are processing the event via your words and the description of the event. Recording the situation in writing can help you to notice details you might have missed when the event took place because you were “in” your emotions. The journal entry can thus increase your insight about the situation because your emotions will be calmer after some times has passed.

· While journaling, try to put aside other thoughts and just focus on the situation.

2. Journaling can allow you time to clearly identify your feelings about the situation. Chances are you may not have had time to analyze the event as it occurred. If you pledge to journal, however, you know that you'll take time to reflect on important occurrences and consider how you felt about them.
· Labeling your feelings leads to a better understanding of how you respond in certain situations.

· Use "feeling" words when describing your emotions about an event. Examples of feeling words are, "pumped," "annoyed," "ecstatic," and "angry."

· A helpful sentence structure to use when writing in your journal is, "I felt __________ when ________ happened."

3. Journaling can help you see more clearly why you felt the way you that did. Journaling provides an opportunity to fully explore your emotions about events and come to a conclusion about your feelings. Writing about your feelings can even assist you in handling or heading off negative feelings in the future.
· Knowing why you responded in a certain manner increases self-understanding and also allows opportunities for positive change.

· When completing a journal entry, consider all the reasons why you may have felt or responded in the way you did – include all of this information for future reflection and analysis.

· Theorize and decide which theory best fits to explain your feelings about the situation and your behavior.

4. Re-reading your journal can help to shed light on your journey. When you process events and your feelings about them through journal writing and read about them after a little time has passed, you'll likely see patterns of emotions and responses that recur in similar situations.
· You might see a pattern of behavior that encourages you to work on more openly expressing your emotions once you’ve identified the pattern. Or maybe you want to work to change your pattern of responding – to be more assertive and defend yourself against those who might question your decision to have surgery, or who try to sabotage your efforts.

· Re-reading your journal might help to reveal a pattern of unhealthy reactions to certain situations. Reviewing your entries could help you to take minor setbacks with a more positive attitude – encouraging a commitment toward positive reactions while building a series of successes that will help propel you forward on your journey.

· Take notice of your progress over time in how you respond to situations in positive ways – the way you reacted a few months ago will likely not be the same as your reactions in more recent times. Recognize the strength you’ve built, the successes great and small, and Celebrate your persistence in sticking with the changes you need to make to create a new, healthier life.

· Regardless of whether you choose to accept your feelings (positive or negative),or make changes in your feelings and your reactions, you still increase your self-understanding through reviewing entries in your journal.
You might feel confused at times and be at a loss to explain why you responded in a certain way. You can increase your level of personal insight by reflecting not only about these situations, but also about the feelings you experienced. Note when you see patterns of similar reactions and what triggers them – personal conflict, situational stress, or a perceived slight by a stranger.
Sometimes your feelings are deep-rooted, and could be related to an incident that happened many years ago. Similar situations in present time can trigger those old feelings and reactions. Writing and reflecting on your journal entries may help you remember previous incidents so you can understand your feelings and decide if they benefit you now or if you wish to pursue more positive outcomes in the future.
Try starting a physical (or electronic) journal to begin exploring how you feel and respond to life events – especially those involving your decision to have lap-band surgery. When you do, you'll increase self-understanding, build strength and self-confidence to overcome challenges on your journey to a healthier, fulfilling life.

Hi Thea,
I was on the fence about WLS for a while - I'd seen success stories, but I wasn't sure this was truly for me. I had been through all the typical methods: liquid Protein, fasting, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Weight Watchers, you name it. It hadn't worked - any of it, because I hadn't make the LIFESTYLE and MINDSET changes that are truly necessary for success.
I want to urge you to take your own advice, darling - "Stay strong and believe in Yourself". I'm also an emotional eater - but that can be worked on! I'm also a Type 2 Diabetic, but you can also stay in compliance with that and continue to work on it while you are banded - but you know that...
Time with a counselor is a great idea - and you can do it before and after being banded! No, the band isn't a cure-all, WE still have to do some of the work, but all of this can be done together! We are not "fixed" entities - human beings are forever growing and changing...so start the process of getting qualified for your lap-band (if you haven't done this already) and while you are awaiting surgery, keep working on the other mental and emotional issues that you want resolved.
Sometimes getting a surgery date "forces" us to pay attention and focus our efforts on being as ready as we can be for the surgery and the lifestyle changes to come afterwards. Its as if the deadline (surgery day) puts the motivation into the situation and we use the deadline to force ourselves to move...I know it was like that for me.
I can say that losing weight via the lap-band, at a moderate but steady pace, will help other health issues to resolve - they did for me!
I've also seen people who have had other surgeries (what worked for THEM) and the rapid loss can cause some challenges with their physical appearance (just my opinion).
I've read studies that indicate that once an individual is 50 lbs overweight or more, willpower is just NOT enough. There are chemical systems in our bodies that literally PREVENT us from doing the right thing where food is concerned. "Diets" or "eating plans" often do NOT incorporate the WHOLE person - physical, mental and emotional. Start the work on your mindset and emotions, follow the path toward your lap-band, and see it as a TOOL - a process and a physical aid that will help you reach your goals.
Please let us know how you are doing, and if I can be of further assistance, I'm willing. This forum and the people on it were there for me when I started investigating my lap band (I was banded in Nov 2008) and I wouldn't change a thing - except maybe to work on ME more before surgery.
Blessings,

Hi Thea,
I was on the fence about WLS for a while - I'd seen success stories, but I wasn't sure this was truly for me. I had been through all the typical methods: liquid Protein, fasting, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), Weight Watchers, you name it. It hadn't worked - any of it, because I hadn't make the LIFESTYLE and MINDSET changes that are truly necessary for success.
I want to urge you to take your own advice, darling - "Stay strong and believe in Yourself". I'm also an emotional eater - but that can be worked on! I'm also a Type 2 Diabetic, but you can also stay in compliance with that and continue to work on it while you are banded - but you know that...
Time with a counselor is a great idea - and you can do it before and after being banded! No, the band isn't a cure-all, WE still have to do some of the work, but all of this can be done together! We are not "fixed" entities - human beings are forever growing and changing...so start the process of getting qualified for your lap-band (if you haven't done this already) and while you are awaiting surgery, keep working on the other mental and emotional issues that you want resolved.
Sometimes getting a surgery date "forces" us to pay attention and focus our efforts on being as ready as we can be for the surgery and the lifestyle changes to come afterwards. Its as if the deadline (surgery day) puts the motivation into the situation and we use the deadline to force ourselves to move...I know it was like that for me.
I can say that losing weight via the lap-band, at a moderate but steady pace, will help other health issues to resolve - they did for me!
I've also seen people who have had other surgeries (what worked for THEM) and the rapid loss can cause some challenges with their physical appearance (just my opinion).
I've read studies that indicate that once an individual is 50 lbs overweight or more, willpower is just NOT enough. There are chemical systems in our bodies that literally PREVENT us from doing the right thing where food is concerned. "Diets" or "eating plans" often do NOT incorporate the WHOLE person - physical, mental and emotional. Start the work on your mindset and emotions, follow the path toward your lap-band, and see it as a TOOL - a process and a physical aid that will help you reach your goals.
Please let us know how you are doing, and if I can be of further assistance, I'm willing. This forum and the people on it were there for me when I started investigating my lap band (I was banded in Nov 2008) and I wouldn't change a thing - except maybe to work on ME more before surgery.
Blessings,

Hi Terry! (waving)
I LOVE the idea of a custom journal with places to check off what you've eaten, your supplements, activities and feelings. I've also been a journaler for a long time...I think it started with those little locked diaries that I recieved as Christmas presents! I still have journals that I kept during my husband's deployments (he's retired Navy), during tough times and good times throughout my life, and during times of change.
I think there are even companies that will let you design your own pages and bind them into a book or looseleaf binder for you - a great way to set things up to match your personality and your preferences.
Congrats on your progress so far with your surgery - keep doing what you are doing, because it seems to be working well for you.
For someone looking to start journaling, check into the Moleskine line of notebooks - very silky smooth paper and a great set of colors for the binding and covers. They come in multiple sizes and are generally available at Staples. I also use my iPad for journaling (though I love notebooks) with the application called Evernote. They even have a function that allows you to take photos of your meals, scan QR codes for calorie counts and recipes (you can also do this with a smartphone), and it can help keep the information current if you don't carry your journal everywhere.
Have a terrific week ahead, everyone!

Do you feel like your emotions are complicated and confusing – especially since you started on your lap-band journey? If you’ve struggled to understand why you feel or react the ways you do, even before your lap band surgery, then you might benefit from using a journal. Journaling can help you to identify and express your feelings throughout your journey, and will help to increase self-understanding, which can help you to increase your success before, during and after surgery.
Once you learn to identify and deal with your feelings in positive and productive ways, you have opened the door to greater self-understanding. Jotting down what's going on with you and how you feel about it can help you to get a handle on your emotions.
Writing (or typing) your feelings into a journal (physical or electronic) will help to increase self-understanding in four ways:
1. Journaling enables you to think about and process a particular situation or occurrence with clarity after your emotions have calmed down. When you write about an event, you are processing the event via your words and the description of the event. Recording the situation in writing can help you to notice details you might have missed when the event took place because you were “in” your emotions. The journal entry can thus increase your insight about the situation because your emotions will be calmer after some times has passed.

· While journaling, try to put aside other thoughts and just focus on the situation.

2. Journaling can allow you time to clearly identify your feelings about the situation. Chances are you may not have had time to analyze the event as it occurred. If you pledge to journal, however, you know that you'll take time to reflect on important occurrences and consider how you felt about them.
· Labeling your feelings leads to a better understanding of how you respond in certain situations.

· Use "feeling" words when describing your emotions about an event. Examples of feeling words are, "pumped," "annoyed," "ecstatic," and "angry."

· A helpful sentence structure to use when writing in your journal is, "I felt __________ when ________ happened."

3. Journaling can help you see more clearly why you felt the way you that did. Journaling provides an opportunity to fully explore your emotions about events and come to a conclusion about your feelings. Writing about your feelings can even assist you in handling or heading off negative feelings in the future.
· Knowing why you responded in a certain manner increases self-understanding and also allows opportunities for positive change.

· When completing a journal entry, consider all the reasons why you may have felt or responded in the way you did – include all of this information for future reflection and analysis.

· Theorize and decide which theory best fits to explain your feelings about the situation and your behavior.

4. Re-reading your journal can help to shed light on your journey. When you process events and your feelings about them through journal writing and read about them after a little time has passed, you'll likely see patterns of emotions and responses that recur in similar situations.
· You might see a pattern of behavior that encourages you to work on more openly expressing your emotions once you’ve identified the pattern. Or maybe you want to work to change your pattern of responding – to be more assertive and defend yourself against those who might question your decision to have surgery, or who try to sabotage your efforts.

· Re-reading your journal might help to reveal a pattern of unhealthy reactions to certain situations. Reviewing your entries could help you to take minor setbacks with a more positive attitude – encouraging a commitment toward positive reactions while building a series of successes that will help propel you forward on your journey.

· Take notice of your progress over time in how you respond to situations in positive ways – the way you reacted a few months ago will likely not be the same as your reactions in more recent times. Recognize the strength you’ve built, the successes great and small, and Celebrate your persistence in sticking with the changes you need to make to create a new, healthier life.

· Regardless of whether you choose to accept your feelings (positive or negative),or make changes in your feelings and your reactions, you still increase your self-understanding through reviewing entries in your journal.
You might feel confused at times and be at a loss to explain why you responded in a certain way. You can increase your level of personal insight by reflecting not only about these situations, but also about the feelings you experienced. Note when you see patterns of similar reactions and what triggers them – personal conflict, situational stress, or a perceived slight by a stranger.
Sometimes your feelings are deep-rooted, and could be related to an incident that happened many years ago. Similar situations in present time can trigger those old feelings and reactions. Writing and reflecting on your journal entries may help you remember previous incidents so you can understand your feelings and decide if they benefit you now or if you wish to pursue more positive outcomes in the future.
Try starting a physical (or electronic) journal to begin exploring how you feel and respond to life events – especially those involving your decision to have lap-band surgery. When you do, you'll increase self-understanding, build strength and self-confidence to overcome challenges on your journey to a healthier, fulfilling life.