auntlucy

Honestly, that was one of my biggest fears before the surgery...that people would be watching me and talking about me behind my back. Because I sabotaged myself in the past after I started losing weight and people started talking about it, this was something I had to come to terms with before my surgery. I also was VERY selective in who I told that I had the surgery. I understand that some people are very open about it, and if that works for them, that's great. But, I knew that wouldn't work for me. So, only a select few people that I felt absolutely had to know (at work and in my personal life) know. I've also been very open before and after the surgery about what I needed from those select few in order to be successful. Some of them have been a little "over excited" for me, but I know that is just their way of showing support. Some have started asking how much I've lost, and for me, I'm not really comfortable sharing that number...so I just tell them I'm doing great, feeling great, and trying not to focus on the number. No one has seemed offended by that answer so far. At some point I may be more open about the fact that I had surgery, but for now, I'm telling people who don't know (when they ask) that I'm working very hard--diet and exercise...as we all know on this forum, that is definitely true. So, MSTRINA, I'd like to encourage you today. Continue to do this for you and not for everyone else. You have already had a lot of success! Along the way, people will turn to you as a role model. I say embrace that because sometimes people need to see that someone else was able to succeed! But, at the same time, you should feel very comfortable in telling people what kind of support you need from them. Most people are going to respond well to that. Let them know they are part of your support team in this, and that in order to be successful, you need certain things from them.

I used Dr. Hamn, and I've been very pleased! His office has been wonderful and patient with me as I've asked a lot of questions. Good luck in your choice. What I will tell you is that you need to be comfortable with your surgeon. This will be a long relationship, and you need to feel a connection with him/her.:cursing:

Hi wombat712! I'm also a TX girl who lives in McKinney. I'm so encouraged to find this thread. I was banded in March, and I feel like I'm doing very well. But, I struggled with the decision to do this for a few years. I actually had a surgery date two years ago but backed out b/c my insurance wasn't going to cover it and I felt like God was telling me it was too big of a rish to take without insurance. Looking back on it, I really believe I wasn't ready for it and God knew that. This time I was ready and God paved the way for me. I was approved in less than 2 weeks. So far, everything has gone well. Like many, I had more pain post-op than I anticipated. We all need tools to help us accomplish things. In my book, the sin is not taking advantage of the tools God gives us. I'm saying a prayer right now for all of you tonight!

Here is typically what I'm eating in a day: Breakfast - 21 g protein supplement (New Whey Protein Bullet) mixed with crystal light Lunch - 2 oz chicken, 1 cup salad (lettuce, carrots, fat free dressing, and sometimes I add low fat cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries, etc.), small piece of fruit if I'm still hungry Dinner - 2 to 3 oz fish or chicken and 1 c veggies (1/2 c if cooked) Snack - maybe a sf pudding or yogurt or piece of fruit or low fat string cheese So far, so good!

Hi everyone! I'm from McKinney, Texas. I work for an airline as a Senior Director of Strategic Planning. So far, so good with my surgery! I was banded 3/10 and have lost 37 pounds. :leaving:

I too was very private (and still am) about my decision to have the lap band. I had my surgery on 3/10/08, and I'm very glad that I had it. I've already lost 37 pounds and I feel great. Try to let go of the "shame" that you mentioned, but know that this is a very personal thing. Noone needs to know about it. People have started noticing that I'm losing weight, and I just tell them I'm working very hard and eating healthy...all true. You can do it!