Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I go in for my consult in August and it looks like things will move pretty fast from there. I'm starting to doubt things and wonder if I should do this at all! I have 70 lbs to lose. I'm 28 and have been 220+ lbs since I was 20 and have struggled with weight my whole life. After 3 kids and numerous failed diets and gym memberships I've started seriously considering wls. Up until the last few days I've been sure of it. Now I'm wondering if I want to deal with the side effects of having a band. My husband would like me to lose some weight but doesn't understand why I can't just do it on my own. It's so frustrating that I can't. I'm scared to lose the ability to binge or rely on food for comfort. I love to cook and show my love for others with food. I know I want to be healthier and look better but I'm not sure if I can achieve it even w a band! Has anyone else struggled w these thoughts on wls?? Just feeling down, depressed, and somewhat of a failure and needed to vent some of it out before I throw in the towel on the band all together.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can relate to the "having second thoughts" part of your concern. I know I did! Second, third, fourth, etc.... even after discussing it with my PCP and then eventually meeting my surgeon/staff at the seminar. It's certainly not something to rush into without being sure. Get lots of information, and discuss your concerns.

For me, I took a good look at my history....I was continuing to fail at dieting and getting to the point where my failure would lead me to SERIOUS health issues. And being tired, exhausted all the time. I've lost a lot of weight in the past....then said just one piece of bread, one donut, one bag of chips, etc. I'm sure you know what I'm referring to. Those diets have one goal in mind....to reach the END of them because they suck.

Then what??? What do we do after the diet? For me, it was back to the same old, same old...even more because I was in deprivation mode during that diet.

So after much research and talking with people who actually had the band...some successful, some not, I decided it was my best chance at changing paths on that road I was on. I knew I had to try something besides dieting for the rest of my life.

I'll say this...I've been frustrated, mad, depressed, and Hungry along my trip down this road. But once you get to a good spot with your band.....it works! There is no question in my mind about that. It won't necessarily be easy to change your eating habits...at least from my experience. Being morbidly obese wasnt easy either. Think about that...MORBIDLY obese. The experts use that term for a reason.

I have my life back, thanks to my band and a wonderful team of professionals at my surgeons office, who NEVER told me it would be easy....just that it would work! I wish you much success in whatever your decision is. Never, Ever give up.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for your response! I also lost a lot of weight before(85lbs) and yet here I am again. That's also why I feel so frustrated with myself. I worked so hard before and still ended up in the same boat. I push myself and can do a 5k but I just don't stick with anything and make it part of a routine. That's my main reason in considering a band to have the daily reminder and a tool to curb the eating. My main concerns are scarring, gurgling, and excess skin. I'm def doing research and soul searching. I have 3 kids that I don't want to be embarrassed of me or even worse lose me because I may start to have health related issues as I get older and heavier. I guess I'm just at a crossroads of should I try it on my own again or go ahead and get a band. I know I'm the only one that can decide that, but it helps to hear from others.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes...only you can decide. Hopefully, with lots of good information to help you make your decision.

I've told several people recently, I don't get on here to try and sell anyone on getting the band. The companies that manufacture/own the band have plenty of public relations folks to sell/promote the band....thats what they get paid for. They don't need me to do that....although I would IF ASKED, because it has been nothing short of lifechanging for me.

Almost four years after getting banded, I get on here to still learn what works and what doesn't for successful bandsters...also what to avoid from folks who aren't successful. And just share my experience...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can relate to lots of those feelings! The first time I considered surgery, the thought of giving up my security blanket (aka FOOD!!) terrified me! What would I do if I got stressed?? How would I deal with my mom's over the top family dinners?? What about all my favorite foods...could I really give them up??? I couldn't handle the thought! I decided to give it one last try 'on my own' (<---I seriously dislike that expression now!!). I did, and lost 60lbs in just over a year. Ended up with some unexpected health problems, and gained that 60lbs back in less than 5 months. So depressing. I knew at that point I needed some help!! I researched all the different options for wls, and decided that the band offered exactly what I was looking for. I'm now 6 months out of surgery, and couldn't be happier!

As for some of the things you mentioned...I too love to cook, and share food with others. Only now I enjoy tweaking my favorite meals, and making them healthier. As far as scarring, my incisions are teeny tiny and I can hardly see them anymore! My biggest one is where my port is located, but it's only about an inch long. Excess skin...yes, I have it, but it doesn't bother me. My clothes hide it, and frankly, I'd rather have excess skin than fat underneath there to fill it out!! I don't have any issues with gurgling, only right after surgery (like maybe the first week or so??).

My best advice to you, is you have to be ready to make and accept the changes that come with the band. I'm not going to lie it's not always easy, and YOU will have to do the work...this is why I now dislike the whole 'do it on my own'. you don't go in for surgery and magically come out 100lbs lighter (wouldn't that be fabulous?!) The band is a wonderful TOOL, but only YOU can control what you're feeding your body, and how much. You are still doing all the work, the band will just help you along in your journey.

Wishing you all the luck you need to make your decision. Just take time to think things through, and do what you feel would be best for YOU!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's so good to hear and see everyone's success! Thank you for taking the time to reply. I'm continuing with my process of getting the band and am continuing to research. I know that it will require a life change that I am ready for and scared of at the same time. It feels kind if like trying to find excuses to stay in a bad relationship. Lol. I know I would rather deal with a little skin and some tummy aches over dealing with lugging around all the baggage I'm carrying around. It's just hard to deal with my mental food issues but I will have to face them sooner or later.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×