Newly banded and feeling a bit alone in the world...

[deedee81 5]

Hello all!

I was banded almost 6 weeks ago and had my first fill today.

Most of my friends and family are unaware that I've had surgery at all. I started telling a select few people, and received a lot of push back - people thought it was drastic, unnecessary, they didn't think I was all that big (but I had a BMI of 39!) and felt like it was dangerous.

I already made up my mind and realized my circle of people would ultimately cause me stress - they didn't realize I wasn't asking for their opinion, just their support!

I have struggled with weight since I was about 10 years old, but worked really hard from 14-28 to keep most of it off. I used to think I was fat, but now what I would give to be "fat" at 150. After having 2 kids back to back I peaked at 245 after the "baby weight" fell off.

In a year, I lost about 20 pounds on my own, but it wasn't enough. I made the decision to get banded and six weeks later I'm down 30 pounds, today at my first fill weighing 197. I am feeling a bit sick to my stomach today - wasn't expecting that - but I'm getting down some liquids ok.

Anyway, I'm glad to have found this forum and I hope to make some new internet friends who understand!

Thanks for all the information and support!

[KAATNS 1,473]

Welcome and best wishes to you!

[Irishflower79 183]

Welcome! I am in the same boat as you! I am pre banded, but hope to be banded by the end of Sept. I have only told a select few( aunt and kids) as I don't want or need the negativity the others would bring!

Glad to meet you! Please keep us posted on your journey

Heather

[readysetg070113 1,476]

Welcome this forum is a great place for support and encouragement

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

Welcome DeeDee,

We will support you every step of the way. If it is love you need, you got it! If it is a kick in the ass, you got it! Whatever you need we are here for you. Feel free to PM me anytime if you need or just post questions, concerns, whatever we will reply and be there for you!

Welcome & best of luck to you!

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

Welcome to LBT and congrats on your decision to get the band. It is very difficult for people who do not struggle with being overweight to empathize or fully understand your condition/issues. They simply chalk it up to a lack of self control and don't realize it goes much further than that. It will really serve you to be on lbt as frequently as you can. Not only do we all relate to being overweight but we all made the like choice to get banded as our last ditch efforts. Plus we have all the insider info on what to expect, what to do if things go awry, and neat tricks to get you to goal.

Never doubt yourself, you made the right decision.

[deedee81 5]

Thanks guys! So first question - I had my first fill and I feel a bit sick to my stomach. He said he did less b/c he knew I was afraid of overfill and only did 2cc's.

Is it normal to fill a bit of nausea? I'm only drinking low calorie gatorade and Water today.

I am so glad to have someone to talk to!

[Vblount 0]

You are going to ok, it is so hard to start out. You have to be dedicated to losing weight and a change in life style. Give yourself some time and you will start to feel better. Unfortunately the weight does not disappear over night! U can do this!!

[2muchfun 8,928]

Sometimes we feel nausea after a fill due to lack of solid food. If your doctor allows it, drink a Protein Shake to ward off that hunger/nausea feeling.

[SillyAuntDi 1,610]

Hi and CONGRATS! I'm scheduled to be banded on September 11. I'm so excited. But, I've been very careful who I have told about my decision. I've only told a very few friends...ones I knew would be supportive. I've started telling some of my family members as well, as the date gets closer. So far, thankfully, the response has been..."WOW! I'm so happy for you!" This will make it better for me when I finally find that person who won't have that reaction. So, I totally understand being selective in who you tell. I wish you continued success on your journey.

[Sharpie 3,306]

You will get lots of support here and motivation.. I was told by the nurse that was checking me in before my surgery that she didn't think I needed it.. can you imagine how I felt? well at close to 200 lbs and only 5' tall on a good day it wasn't healthy.. I told her I thought she was being unprofessional and that my decision was my business.. Of course she was fat and apparently jelous.. just do what is best for you and ask questions..we are all here to help you. And after my first fill I felt a little nausea .. I drank a little Protein Shake after asking my Dr. it helped..

[3mommy 52]

I feel the same way as you. I haven't told anyone with the exception of my parents and my hubby. My mom told my sis without asking me. I have also struggled with weight putting it on when I was 6 and struggling ever since. I also always say how I wish I looked like what I did in my teens. I finally lost a lot of weight when I was 16 and lost it the unhealthy way by use of laxatives. I got down to 130 and kept it off until I got preg at 19 with my first I just kept putting on weight after him and despite diet and exercise I could never get on track. After my 3rd child which I gave birth in oct 2012 I weighed my worst 240. I couldn't get under that number and decided enough was enough. Despite my husbands negative reaction and views of the lapband I decided this wasn't for him but for me and I'm doing this. I am 8 days post op and already at 223. It feels good to finally see the scale move. I am soooo excited to be healed get my first fill and really jump start this weight loss. Good luck to you and this forum is great for support and questions.

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi there, congratulations on the under two hundred -- you have worked hard for that! The other night I went to an info session at the place where I hope to be banded soon and one of the topics addressed was how sometimes people have an assigned role (like as the overweight person) and others become nervous when that person steps out of their role by getting healthy and losing a lot of weight. It can be as simple as, "will she still love me?" Whatever it is, keep yourself safe. I am trying to think of what to say when the inevitable comments begin. I hate to be discussed even if it's well-meant and I don't want very many people to know. I know i am overcomplicating things in my head and way in advance, too -- sort of banking anxiety. Very grateful for this community of people who really do understand the array of feelings.

[Terry Poperszky 2,784]

Welcome to the family

[JOANNE M HOLL 388]

I do not discuss Lap Bands with anyone. Most friends my age don't know what they are for. I use my lapbandtalk.com and my sparkpeople.com to satisfy my questions and feelings. Thanks for your positive and healthy responses! You are all just so kind & considerate. . . . . . today is going to be a good day. :wub: