Hi Everyone,

While I have been considering this for a while, this week began the beginning of the process for me. I had my first appointment with the surgeon on Monday, (9/24), met with the nutritionist Wednesday, and started my food journal Thursday. To say I am a little overwhelmed would be the understatement of the year. To hear the reality of my weight, my BMI and all this entails, brought me to tears. Add to this other medical condistions that I have thismuch control over, I worry that I am jumping in over my head. I know that this is something I have to do to live. I have a 2 1/2 year-old beautiful daughter that I want to see grow up and have a family over her own. Prior to gaining all the weight I have gained, I weighed 126 pounds and was a gymnast. At the age of 13 (20 years ago today), I was in the hospital being diagnosed with adolescent endometriosis. I was put on Lupron for the next seven years, and ballooned to about 20 pounds less than I weigh now. Having tried everything I could think of, I think this is the best hope. I know I can do this, but so far, I am completely overwhelmed by the nutrition piece- journaling everything, not drinking 30 minutes before, during or 30 minutes after meals. I hope that I can do this, but I am fearful of failing.

Can anyone provide some ways of getting through the beginning piece of the nutrition part? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

Katie

Hi, I too at the start of my journey and the more I read the more scared I become. I would love to become friends and follow each other for support! I live in Mississippi and I'm scheduled for surgery 10/24. Do you have a date yet?

I would say read all you can and be informed but take the negatives with precaution. You DO have to have your mind set for it and set for a new way of life!

Hi Laura,

I don't have a date yet, but we are looking at December/January if everything goes well. I wish you the best of luck on 10/24. I wish mine were that soon so it would be over with. I know that sounds a little pessimistic, but I am one that given time will worry more and more and doubt more and more. SIGH.... A friend of mine said to take it one day at a time, and if that doesn't work, an hour at a time. I am at the hour at a time moment...

I am having my surgery on 10-18 and the stress is starting. am I making the right decision? will I be able to do this? I know it's not going to be easy but I am thinking of me. your friend is right, one day at a time. Would also love to become friends with both to follow and support as well.

ok, so lets get the hard stuff out of the way

back when i met with my surgeon, i ws the highest i ever weighed in my life

my bmi was over 60

i was about as wide was i was tall (am 5'2)

yeah that number through me for a loop but you know what

it was reality. that was my starting point. we all got one of those.

i didnt go to the dr because i needed a check up. i went because i was obese, could hardly walk

and needed help and so i got it. just like you are.

what we are today is not who we will be in the future

the band will help you if you help yourself

stay posiitve and just do what the dr instructs you to do

its not easy but if losing weight was, we wouldnt be having wls.

all the best to you. it'll be okay

I think we all feel this way. There is a ton of info to learn. I has my surgery 9/11/12 and I still keep referring to my dietary packet to remind myself what I can, and cannot eat. That is why this site comes in handy. There are a bunch of people here who've had the surgery and been super successful, and they kindly share their knowledge they've learned along the way.

What helped me not feel so overwhelmed was attending support groups prior to surgery. Also, I had to do a 6 month preop diet so I implemented better eating and exercising habits already before I even had the surgery. This really helped so I wasn't blasted with so many changes at once when it came time for surgery. I cut out caffeine, pop, straws, started exercising 3-6 times a week, and lost 31 lbs preop by eating better. Anyway, what I'm saying is I encourage you to start with the changes now to make it easier in the long run. You guys will be fine.

I think we all feel this way. There is a ton of info to learn. I has my surgery 9/11/12 and I still keep referring to my dietary packet to remind myself what I can' date=' and cannot eat. That is why this site comes in handy. There are a bunch of people here who've had the surgery and been super successful, and they kindly share their knowledge they've learned along the way.

What helped me not feel so overwhelmed was attending support groups prior to surgery. Also, I had to do a 6 month preop diet so I implemented better eating and exercising habits already before I even had the surgery. This really helped so I wasn't blasted with so many changes at once when it came time for surgery. I cut out caffeine, pop, straws, started exercising 3-6 times a week, and lost 31 lbs preop by eating better. Anyway, what I'm saying is I encourage you to start with the changes now to make it easier in the long run. You guys will be fine.[/quote']

Great advice!!!!