Hi everone

My first post. Ive been reading this site for weeks now and everones experiences are inspirational. Just got the courage to introduce myself.

I am 9 days from changing my life forever(January 29th surgery.) I do have a few concerns that I think can be addressed here.

My wife hopes I dont trade one obsession for another. In other words will I become obsessed with losing weight and the scale like I was with overeating and in general not caring about my health? I think I have done enough "soul searching" to avoid that. Does anyone have these thoughts?

I am a Chef so working with food all day was a huge sticking point for me. How can I make all this great tasting food everyday and resist? I just decided that I have access to any kind of food that I want, good or bad, I would just have to choose the good stuff. I think I'm over that now!

I started my liquids yesterday and it went well. I bet this gets old real quick though.

One last thing. How does everyone explain to people they have not seen in awhile what happened? I cant wait for the questions! How much weight have you lost? How did you do it? I know there will be plenty of pats on the back but sharing that I had WLS to some people that dont understand is a bit unnerving. We've all seen the posts "this is the easy way out" and so on. People that have not done the reasearch might look down their nose at the thought of having the band. Im surely not insecure or anything I know Im doing it for all the right reasons but wonder how others adderss these questions.

O.K. one more thing- I have an 11 year old and a 4 month old and being to play with them and teaching them the healthy way to live in moderation is the greatest joy of all. I cant wait!!

Thank you to everyone who shares on this forum it has helped me greatly.

God Bless you all.

It sounds like you've done a good amount of soul-searching and have found good answers for yourself! Don't worry about being around food all day -- you can still enjoy cooking with the band. Just don't make a concerted effort to overeat and you will be fine!

You asked "How does everyone explain to people they have not seen in awhile what happened?"

I usually just tell them about my crazy boot camp workout and tell them that I've been dieting for 15 months and that what I'm doing boils down to portion control and paying attention to when I am full.

Some people I tell about the surgery, but not most. When people how much I've lost, I usually tell them the number (68.8 lbs as of this morning . . 6.2 pounds from goal!!! WOO-HOO!!). :biggrin:

This is a great tool, and I am happy for you to have found it and to be thinking out ways to help yourself succeed with your band. One thing I recommend doing is writing down a Post-Op Plan for Success (just a list of things you'll do to help yourself succeed). I wrote one out and posted it in my blog a few months ago -- feel free to take a look if you like!

Best wishes for your success,

Catherine