This was originally intended to be a reply to another topic, but I decided to make my own.

I have not been banded yet, March 20th is my day. My wife however has had the surgery for about a year.

With that said here is my standpoint.

I am a mechanic. I use tools every day. A mechanic is nothing without the proper tools, but is useless without the proper training to use them as well. I feel that the pre-op diet and videos and reading is my training for how to use the lap-band efficiently. I know the post-op period and seeking the "green zone" is going to still be a huge learning curve, but who got good at something first time out without any practice. I know I can't get to a healthy goal weight without the lap-band.

As for the discussion of who and if you share your WLS story.

I work with about 300 other mechanics, most overweight, some absolutely obese, many with diabetes, high blood pressure, and bad cholesterol problems. We all work too much overtime and have fallen into a viscous energy drink and fast/fatty food lifestyle that is accepted because "everyone" does it. Some are on the healthy side just because they hit the gym a few times a week. If one of us changes from the norm it is highly noticeable. Since I went in about a month ago to start the process of getting medically cleared and finally getting my date, I have been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and have lost over 14lbs. I have been asked about it many times. I contribute it to being sick and changing my diet (totally eliminating carbs for blood sugar reasons) per the nutritionalist.

So far my wife, kids, mother-in-law, good friend at work, and boss knows that I am having WLS. It is going to be a gradual thing for me to tell everyone. I haven't even told my dad or my best buddy that is like a brother to me. I am an open person, but the struggle of obesity throughout my life (age 8 to 35) and ridicule of not sticking to anything and succeeding in winning that battle. I was up to 275 in high school, down to 240 when we got married, up to 335 at my heaviest about 3 years ago and now pre-op at 263. The yo-yo is going to kill me not to mention the diabetes. Frankly it all has me gunshy to the point of not being as open as I want. Guess it's easier here since we are basically anonymous.

These are just a few of my thoughts swimming around while I hunger for real food on my pre-op diet.... Only 3 days in... Lol

I love your analogy comparing the band to tools you use as a mechanic. Very well said!

I think you're going to do great on your journey to health, I really do.

Hang in there for your last couple days of pre-op diet hell

good luck and welcome aboard!! I can tell I like you already!

A lot of times we are our own worst enemies. You said that you're gunshy and like that you can remain anonymous. It sounds as if you have a problem with confidence, at least in your ability to lose weight. You have to understand that you can succeed. The best part is that once the weight starts really coming off you'll develop more confidence in your self to accomplish your weight loss goals. That in turn will lead to more weight loss. It's a brilliant feedback loop. Don't let any modicum of past ridicule work its way into your mind.

Well said!! You'll do great! I understand about being gunshy too...and have already been ridiculed. I will say this...those people need to learn not to throw stones through glass houses ( as do we all occasionally). Good luck to you...I'm being banded in May!

Hey Slim or Flaco,

I too work a blue collar job where one day I work with Bubba and the next Billy Joe Jim Bob.

At first it was my secret I wanted to keep to myself. Then the weight just started to melt off and the guys were telling me I must be sick and I need to see the doctor.

I decided that for their sake, I had to tell them I e already seen the doctor.

Long story short 5 guys and 2 wives have had the surgery and all have gotten off all their meds.

I get questioned all the time by they guys at work.

I haven't told most from work. I'm a cop. Only my really really close friends. I've been banded about a year. When asked I just say, thought it was time to take it seriously and get in shape. And nobody has questioned it. And we are a tight group.

Best wishes... with an in house coach you will do well. Who you tell is a very individual decision. Do what feels right.

great

I wissh you all the best my friend

What ever your reasons health is very important.

I have not taken any meds or used my cpap breathing machine for four years.

It is a journey.

not a destination!