Hi guys - I'm Laura, new to the forum, and not banded yet. They could schedule me within a couple of weeks if I want. I keep putting it off day after day because I'm scared! It seems like the first few months are so rocky. My sweetie and I enjoy eating together, and I'm concerned about that. I'm about 70 pounds overweight. How did you guys work up the nerve? I'm excited about the outcome, and everyone sounds so positive, but it's so easy to put off doing it. Any suggestions? Thoughts?

If you're not sure, you may need to have more time to process things. I decided within a couple of weeks to go ahead, and scheduled it for about 1.5 months after I first started thinking about it. But, I was sure. If you're having doubts, there's no rush to wait another couple of weeks, do more research, or really consider how your life will change. Yes, eating out is definitely different. And I have pb'd in more restaurant bathrooms than I would like! But, for the most part I'm glad I had this done.

I discussed it with my honey before hand. We both liked to eat and liked to indulge. After my hubby went with me to the info session he decided he wanted to get healthier to. Even though I am the only one with the band, he is eating smaller portions and drinking less soda. If your hubby/sweetie is willing to be supportive it will not be a big deal. You don't have to be eating to talk. I don't put food on the talbe (family style) I help our plates from the stove and take them to the table. Once we are finished eating we will sometimes just sit and talk. So my advice is have a real heart to heart with your sweetie.

I agree with shauna...u might need to think longer untill u are 100% sure..best wishes in ur decision.?

If you are undecided, and feeling like you need to overcome being scared about the surgery, it tells me that you are not 100% committed to making the life style changes required to be successful with using the band as a weight loss tool.

For a bandster to be successful with weight loss, it requires daily compliance with your diet, a commitment for regular exercise, and letting go of the maladaptive eating patterns which contributed to your weight gain.

If you don't have that level of commitment for change, then I believe you will likely set yourself up for negative feelings about you, your band, and may even label yourself as a failure. It's a better choice to wait until emotionally you are ready for these required changes.

Best wishes...

Hi Laura!

I am 3 months post op so new to the bandster lifestyle. Yes, there are bad days sometimes and there are sacrifices. I am still trying to work through some of the emotional stuff that comes with weight loss. Your relationship with food will change, and your relationship with your significant other might too. If you are not 100% sure, that's ok. Talk to your surgeon and bring a list of questions. You may want to go to a support group or therapist. Why not start making small changes now (regular exercise, portion controlled healthy meals) and see where your head is at in a month or two? Personally I have no regrets whatsoever because I feel healthier and better about myself than I ever have. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you for your input, guys. I appreciate it.

Laura

Yes the first month is hard. Clear liquids for one week and full liquids for a second. SUCKS!!! I won't lie to you. Once healed however it's really not bad. Have I been really lucky, knock on wood, no vomitting and very limited stuck episodes, Sure. Having the band doesn't mean never enjoying chocolate cake again, it means having it once a year instead of daily/weekly. It's not a torture device.