So today I took another first step towards the rest of my life and my goal to be healthy fit and mobile. (The true first step happened 4mts ago when i first walked through the doors of the True-results facility.) I started my pre-op diet I look forward to meeting that energetic fun loving person I was 15 plus years in the past. I'm not sure how I lost her but now I have not only a plan and a map but will have the tool in less than 13days to help me on my journey, not to who I was but rather to who I know I can be. A slightly older not necessarily wiser healthier version of ME…

Things I need to over come.

• Self doubt - I know I can do this.. Mantra of the century just to keep repeating
  
• Hunger - accept and realize that to be hungry is ok. I do not have to fill that gap with the first thing I find… usually something from the gas station.
  

• Self doubt - did I mention self doubt some where along my travels over the last 15yrs I have lost my confidence… looking back I can see it slowly slip away as the pounds increase…. I KNOW I CAN DO THIS….
  

• Ignoring public commentary - I have not kept it quite that I'm 13days from being banded.. When asked why on earth… can't you just diet etc… I respond with if you god forbid where diagnosed with some disease and where offered a surgical remedy would you not say yes?
  
• Remembering obesity is a disease - .. The impacts on my life both physical health and mental health are serious.. Action must be taken.
  
• Self doubt ---- see above…
  

What things are you having to overcome? I am my own worst downfall I pay way to much attention to the small spiteful voice in there going you did this to your self.. Well yes I did but what has been done can be undone through discipline. Something I have truly lacked nothing holding me accountable..

On 9/16/13 through the careful placement of the lapband I will be forever more accountable to myself and to no other. This is my pledge to myself.

Awe - I think that you are in the right place! Most people that have not been overweight really don't understand the struggles. I wish you the best of luck - I understand what you are going through and everything is going to be ok! My surgery is scheduled for sept 12. I wish you a speedy recovery! Take good care!

All the very best to both of you. This is the start of the rest of your life as a fitter, healthier person.

Good Luck

What a great post! I can really identify with those feelings of losing a self that I once was. In my case it happened very quickly; it was like a switch had been thrown and there has been no going back. Like every one here, I tried so many things but to no avail (down up on the scale, down down, up up up). It's hard to recognize myself and I don't feel comfortable in this body. The band is the missing tool in the arsenal I am bringing to this reinvention and my return to good health. That includes a lot I have learned in this twenty years of overweight -- not about weight management (obviously) but about who I am and what I want in my life, what my priotities are. The overweight is preventing so much and I'm so looking forward to shedding it along with the low self esteem that has been a companion on this journey.

Good luck on the pre-op diet and all good things ahead. Thanks for an inspiring read on this Friday evening. Best wishes!

You will do well because you have done your homework and the LapBand is the very best tool! Walk, walk & walk and listen to your bariatric people. Good health & happiness are in your future.