The reason Im posting this is because I felt totally different when i started this process. So much so that i looked for reasons to postpone surgery dates which I regretfully did once!

This is not the hell I thought it was going to be(hell might be too strong). I wanted to do this to lose weight and get healthy even if it meant "depriving" myself of the one comfort I knew I could count on to make me happy, food! I even scheduled my surgery for March(2010) because I wanted to enjoy the holidays. At that time food is what made me most happy and satisfied, dont get me wrong I still love to eat but Enjoyment meant being able to eat 2 full plates of turkey at thanksgiving, Eating what I wanted at Christmas and so-on. Actually most things I do today pretty much involve food, I just dont eat as much and the better choice thing is still a work in progress!

Well Im here to tell you I feel like a real idiot now! Enjoyment to me is not eating until Im sick, gorging myself. Its seeing results when I look in the mirror, its buying new clothes at "normal" stores(still borderline, depending on brand of clothing), its taking food home in doggy bags, its hearing people tell me how good I look, its thinking about how I wont have to worry about gaining weight over the holidays, its not having to make excuses to justify my bad food choices, its being off my meds, and most of all its me feeling much, much better about myself as a husband, father, and person.

Im not at goal yet, not even close. That changes by the day. My point is I dont feel deprived at all. This is the best decision I have ever made(it ranks near the top). I just want people who are still deciding to know, all the feelings I felt(most negative) before surgery where for nothing because I can still eat what i want(that might change when I have more restriction)and I actually feel more normal now than I ever have! I still have a long way to go(Id like to lose about 50-70 more pounds, Ive lost about 50 so far)but I wish I would have scheduled it last Aughust(2009) instead of last March(2010)!

I hope this helps people who are having a hard time deciding, but as always everyone is different and research is the most important thing you can do to help in your decision.

Good luck to all of you in whatever your decision is!

Edited October 30, 201015 yr by loserbob

Bob, thank you for this post. I am in the beginning stages of deciding if this is the right choice for me, and your post makes me feel a little less scared.

I DO NOT want to have surgery, however, when it comes to eating I can't seem to stop. More than not wanting to have surgery, I want to LIVE to watch my children grow up.

thank you for this positive message and post.

Congrats to everyone. I too waited a long time to get my band I looked into it for about 2 years, I was scared about the surgery that I use to all was chicken out from going to the seminars. I know chicken but now I have lost over 200 lbs and I feel great, It has by far the best decision I ever made. I would tell anyone the Lap band saved my life.

Good Luck to everyone on their journey of healthier living 4 more pounds to goal.

Jon

:thumbup:

I will not be banded until tomorrow and I think we all fear the unknown but everyone seems to be so positive about the change. I look forward to going shopping at normal stores soon.

I totally agree with Bob...getting the lap band is the best thing that I have ever done for myself! I was banded almost 6 months ago and I have lost 84 of the 124 pounds that I need to lose to reach my goal!

It has been so much easier than I expected. Even on my surgery day I had doubts and questioned if getting the lap band was the right decision. Of all of my fears, the biggest is that it just would not work for me and I would fail at the lap band just like I had failed at losing weight in the past. I wasn't sure that I could give up soft drinks and bread, but it has not been a struggle. I simply don't desire those things anymore!

I feel like the lap band is a wonderful gift and my only regret is not giving it myself sooner! My advice, do your research, find a good doctor, and then go for it!

Michelle

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have not been banded yet. I am going through the insurance process but I have had thoughts of whether this is the right choice for me. I think that your post says it all. :thumbup::thumbup:

i feel the same, this site helps a lot. i hope to be banded in 1/11

Thank you for your insight. Like you, I have been on the fence for months! I just received the news yesterday that my surgery has been approved and set for December 3rd. I have been trying to diet myself hoping that I would not have to proceed with surgery however I know it is the right choice for me. Can you tell me if you did the realize or LAP-BAND®? and how did you feel after surgery? I am scheduled for the 4 hour class next week to go over these questions however can you fell me in for now?

Thank you for your insight. Like you, I have been on the fence for months! I just received the news yesterday that my surgery has been approved and set for December 3rd. I have been trying to diet myself hoping that I would not have to proceed with surgery however I know it is the right choice for me. Can you tell me if you did the realize or LAP-BAND®®? and how did you feel after surgery? I am scheduled for the 4 hour class next week to go over these questions however can you fell me in for now?

Im not sure who your asking but Ill answer. I had an 11cc realize band on March 10 of this year. I went back to work in 2 1/2 weeks(plumber). I felt like I could have gone back after the first week. I felt a little discomfort the first and second day, I think it was mostly from the meds and gas pains but the 3rd day was totally different, I felt much better the 3rd day. The actual surgery was what scared me most but it was a breeze. Theres really nothing to worry about.

This was an encouraging post. I am very happy for you. It was perfect timing as I band on Thursday. (Today is Tuesday) Best wishes for reaching your goal and keep in mind, your positive posts will mean something to someone.....possibly for years to come.

Thanks Bob...very inspiring and insightful!! Congrats and Good Luck!!

Thank you, its just what I needed to hear!!!!!!!!

I remember your posts from the beginning Bob (we were banded around the same time) and i have to admit they were a bit hard to take sometimes......but what a dramatic change! It's so great to see that you are emerging out of that dark place you were in. Keep moving towards the light!

Im not sure what dark place your talking about.