Need Lap Band Buddy / Mentor On the road to being banded...need a mentor!!

[Megg40 0]

Hi. I am Meg, 40, in Florida. I am looking for a mentor/buddy that I can talk to and also who I can give support to as well. I have never met anyone personally that has been through this. I am looking to all websites I can find for support. I have been to my surgeons seminar, sent in all of my paperwork, and now have my first appoinment with my surgeon on the 15th. I see the psychologist on the 16th. Not sure how fast the process will move, but I'm hoping to be banded by the end of March '10. I have a wonderful partner, 2 dogs and 2 cats. My Mom and my partner are both very supportive. I plan to do everything the doctor tells me to do...I am willing to do whatever it takes. I am in pain 24/7 due to BAD arthritic knees and ankles. My current weight is 335 and would LOVE to get down to 200. I am 5'3" and know that my surgeon will probably want me to go further down....I am having a bit of anxiety, but again, I am WILLING!! This by no means is going to be easy....I truely believe I am a food addict!! But the band will help to limit how much I can eat and therefore, not eat near as much as I do now....

I have no idea what will happen on my first visit, but I do know they have all of the records that they needed in order to see me....Any suggestions, advice, word of wisdom and words of comfort are appreciated.....I hope YOU are well too!!

Thank You,

Meg

[sandi2004 2]

Hi. I am Meg, 40, in Florida. I am looking for a mentor/buddy that I can talk to and also who I can give support to as well. I have never met anyone personally that has been through this. I am looking to all websites I can find for support. I have been to my surgeons seminar, sent in all of my paperwork, and now have my first appoinment with my surgeon on the 15th. I see the psychologist on the 16th. Not sure how fast the process will move, but I'm hoping to be banded by the end of March '10. I have a wonderful partner, 2 dogs and 2 cats. My Mom and my partner are both very supportive. I plan to do everything the doctor tells me to do...I am willing to do whatever it takes. I am in pain 24/7 due to BAD arthritic knees and ankles. My current weight is 335 and would LOVE to get down to 200. I am 5'3" and know that my surgeon will probably want me to go further down....I am having a bit of anxiety, but again, I am WILLING!! This by no means is going to be easy....I truely believe I am a food addict!! But the band will help to limit how much I can eat and therefore, not eat near as much as I do now....

I have no idea what will happen on my first visit, but I do know they have all of the records that they needed in order to see me....Any suggestions, advice, word of wisdom and words of comfort are appreciated.....I hope YOU are well too!!

Thank You,

Meg

Hi Meg: Believe me I understand your pain. I used to suffer from severe arthritis pain in my knee before I lost my weight. You are taking the first step to the rest of your life, and you are so right, it will not be easy, but you can do it. You are approaching this with your eyes wide open which is the first step towards success. Youy are not expecting miracles, you know that YOU control how much this tool can do for you. I would love to mentor you and offer any support and help and hope that I can. Having gone from 424 to 175 lbs I had a long journey and it continues every day.

You may find some really useful information on my blog which you can find at Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story

Be sure to download the "7 things I wish I knew before iIhad lapband surgery" I know there is information that you will find useful there. Stay in touch and let me know what happens after your visit to the surgeon. It's exciting, isn't it?

[Megg40 0]

Hi there Sandi....

Thank you for replying to my post. This is exciting and confusing and stressful and emotional and hopefully, in the end, there will be some physical healing. I get scared of having the surgery ( all the changes, emotions, ) and I get scared to not have the surgery ( how will I continue to exist with all this pain ) Yes, I said exist because I am in no way living life right now. I don't know how I would cope without having this surgery. I'm so afraid they will find a reason to not do it....My head the last few days is not my friend. I have lots of screwed up thoughts. But then I remember to just breathe....and I feel less tense and can be more rational about all of this. I am going to attend some support groups in my area this week. I meant to look on my surgeons website to find out when and where they are but I forgot til now...I've been busy doing school work. When you first were banded, how long was it before you felt less pain and could walk a distance? My plan is to use the pool in the beginning. I have a pool in my apartment complex that is less than 100 yards away from my front door I plan to get in it and walk, and maybe learn some other pool exercises. Here in Florida, I should be able to use the pool by late March. I'm really not concerned at this point with the pre-op diet. Although, when I get there, I will probably no like it. I am determined to make the best use of this "tool". I'm am in the fight for my life...I know what is ahead of me if I don't do the right things for myself.

I did visit your website last night and read some of you blog posts. I liked it....Maybe the more I learn in this week, the less anxious I will feel at my first appointment. I hope you are well and having a great day. I would love to hear from you again....

Take Care,

Meg

[sandi2004 2]

Hi there Sandi....

Thank you for replying to my post. This is exciting and confusing and stressful and emotional and hopefully, in the end, there will be some physical healing. I get scared of having the surgery ( all the changes, emotions, ) and I get scared to not have the surgery ( how will I continue to exist with all this pain ) Yes, I said exist because I am in no way living life right now. I don't know how I would cope without having this surgery. I'm so afraid they will find a reason to not do it....My head the last few days is not my friend. I have lots of screwed up thoughts. But then I remember to just breathe....and I feel less tense and can be more rational about all of this. I am going to attend some support groups in my area this week. I meant to look on my surgeons website to find out when and where they are but I forgot til now...I've been busy doing school work. When you first were banded, how long was it before you felt less pain and could walk a distance? My plan is to use the pool in the beginning. I have a pool in my apartment complex that is less than 100 yards away from my front door I plan to get in it and walk, and maybe learn some other pool exercises. Here in Florida, I should be able to use the pool by late March. I'm really not concerned at this point with the pre-op diet. Although, when I get there, I will probably no like it. I am determined to make the best use of this "tool". I'm am in the fight for my life...I know what is ahead of me if I don't do the right things for myself.

I did visit your website last night and read some of you blog posts. I liked it....Maybe the more I learn in this week, the less anxious I will feel at my first appointment. I hope you are well and having a great day. I would love to hear from you again....

Take Care,

Meg

The more you can learn, the more prepared you will be so you are on the right track. Instead of getting "inside your head" keep reaching out for more information. Did you download the 7 things I wish I knew before having lapband surgery from my site? If not, go back and do it. There is some good information there. And be sure to go to your doctor's support group meetings. successful patients use ALL the support they can gather, and you WILL be successful since you are approaching everything with a really healthy attitude. The swimming pool is where I started exercising and I didn't start there until I was down to about 320 lbs.- before that my "exercise" was just getting around more- like going inside the supermarket instead of giving my husband a list, etc..Every day got easier to move, but it didn't happen instantly. Be patient and stay in touch.

[finallyncontrol 1]

Hi Megg! I am also from Florida..Tampa area! I was banded in November 09. This was the best decision I have ever made. I would love to go thru this with you! I am not a pro like Sandi...but I am have been very successful so far. I have had to learn some things the hard way but the key word is learn! You can contact me directly at michele.bardo@gd-ots.com I would love to hear from you! Let's get that nay sayer out of your head so that you can get a healthy mind set and prepare for surgery!!!

[lpglarry 1]

hi meg

i understand your problems i was banded 12/7/2009. lets be friends i need support too I am larri i ;ive in mass, what u say girl, i have bad knees ankles, and i am feeling same as u

[Megg40 0]

Hi Larri...

Congrats on your surgery. I will be there soon...what are you doing for exercise? I plan on doing some chair exercises, and walking as best I can in the beginning. Then when I get the ok...I'm off to the pool!!

I lived in Mass for a bit. I lived in Fitchburg. But now, I reside in Florida. I can not tolerate the cold anymore. Here in Florida, the temp is like 65 and that's cold for me.

How has your journey been? What was the whole process like for you? I am trying to get educated as much as possible...I am reading everything I can, and my surgeons office called yesterday. If everything goes well, I will be banded on 3/24. I am very excited and I will keep posting on the process...

Take Care,

Meg

[lpglarry 1]

I am doing ok,, i had my first fill 1/28/2010, 2 cc, it isn/t really doing much , i think my doctor wants me to learn to eat the right foods before he tightens it up, i have lost weight don/t get me wrong since dec 7 i lost 20 lb, i had lost 34 before the surgery,, I am walking slowly, biking, i need to get into a pool,can/t afford it at moment. i hate mass i want to go to warm climate ..hey girl i am here if you need anything,, larry

[sandi2004 2]

I am doing ok,, i had my first fill 1/28/2010, 2 cc, it isn/t really doing much , i think my doctor wants me to learn to eat the right foods before he tightens it up, i have lost weight don/t get me wrong since dec 7 i lost 20 lb, i had lost 34 before the surgery,, I am walking slowly, biking, i need to get into a pool,can/t afford it at moment. i hate mass i want to go to warm climate ..hey girl i am here if you need anything,, larry

It is so great to see all ofyou reach out to Megg and each other. We are truly a unique community that works together to help each other succeed. Way to go guys. You know I'm here for all of you....Larry- spring will come....and a couple of cc's for a first fill is ok- don't worry about the amount- be concerned with how you feel after you finish the portion of food you have put on your plate with each meal- are you still hungry? Not, can I eat more, but AM I HUNGRY? There's a big difference and that difference is hard to learn. You may need another fill to get to your sweet spot- or more, but it is up to you to learn how to eat and use this tool to it's best advantage. You'll get there!

Sandi

[Megg40 0]

Hey Larri and Sandi....

You guys are terrific. I am feeling positive about the whole experience. I have been doing lots of research and the more I learn the less anxious I feel. Sandi, I did register at your website...the info or blogs are great!! Larri, I don't know about in Mass, but down here you can get "scholarships" to the YMCA if you have a limited income or are just barely making it financially. Luckily, I have a pool at my apartment complex that is right next door to my building... I believe that was done by my Higher Power. I believe my HP has his hand in this whole thing.

I have noticed in the last few days I have been having more pain. Turns out, I weighed today and I am up even more...I can't believe this. I just keep gaining like there's no tomorrow.

I know its because I can't walk much. I truely love to walk and I love how I feel afterwords. I just can't do it like I used to at all. 6 months ago, I could walk a mile or so. My knees after would burn, but I would just ice them down. Now, I can hardly walk all around my building and when I stand up straight, and don't move, I can't lock my knees so I'm kinda bending forward slightly at the knees. I know I need a knee replacement but my last ortho doc said not until I lose weight. it's a double edged sword. I want to walk, to reduce weight, but I can't because it huts and then I just gain more weight. :biggrin:

I am hoping and praying there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I can kinda see it, it's just not very bright right now....I made a post it note to self to google chair exercises tomorrow. I'm gonna try to learn a few and get a resistance band. Maybe if I can drop 10 lbs I could walk more. I also know the pre op diet will help me lose some weight, hopefully.

Larri, I hope you are feeling better and you can message me anytime, my friend!!:thumbup:

Take Care Yall....

Meg

[sandi2004 2]

Hey Larri and Sandi....

You guys are terrific. I am feeling positive about the whole experience. I have been doing lots of research and the more I learn the less anxious I feel. Sandi, I did register at your website...the info or blogs are great!! Larri, I don't know about in Mass, but down here you can get "scholarships" to the YMCA if you have a limited income or are just barely making it financially. Luckily, I have a pool at my apartment complex that is right next door to my building... I believe that was done by my Higher Power. I believe my HP has his hand in this whole thing.

I have noticed in the last few days I have been having more pain. Turns out, I weighed today and I am up even more...I can't believe this. I just keep gaining like there's no tomorrow.

I know its because I can't walk much. I truely love to walk and I love how I feel afterwords. I just can't do it like I used to at all. 6 months ago, I could walk a mile or so. My knees after would burn, but I would just ice them down. Now, I can hardly walk all around my building and when I stand up straight, and don't move, I can't lock my knees so I'm kinda bending forward slightly at the knees. I know I need a knee replacement but my last ortho doc said not until I lose weight. it's a double edged sword. I want to walk, to reduce weight, but I can't because it huts and then I just gain more weight. :biggrin:

I am hoping and praying there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I can kinda see it, it's just not very bright right now....I made a post it note to self to google chair exercises tomorrow. I'm gonna try to learn a few and get a resistance band. Maybe if I can drop 10 lbs I could walk more. I also know the pre op diet will help me lose some weight, hopefully.

Larri, I hope you are feeling better and you can message me anytime, my friend!!:thumbup:

Take Care Yall....

Meg

There is a llight..keep the faith - if I got my life back, you will too. If thereis any way you can start writing down what you eat and make some minor adjustments in it you will probably be able to lose some weight and help your knees out. I know how hard it is, but I also know how hard it is to not be able to get around. Since you have decided that you want to get banded it will just make everything easier, for you too since you will have started journaling your foods and feelings. I know it's a stressful time for you right now, but if you can try to substitute some of that hi car, hi calorie comfort food with something like apiece of fruit or even a piece of grilled chicken I bet you start dropping pounds. Chair exercises, what a great idea! You are doing everything to get yourself in the right mindset...I'm proud of you.

Sandi