Hi. I'm 38, married, mom to one. I live in Illinois and am a secretary. I've been approved for a band, my surgery date is 1/21/14 and I'm excited and nervous. One day I think this is the best thing I'll ever do and the next I'm worried it will be the biggest mistake ever. I have SO far to go and have failed so many times before I just want to be successful. When they asked me what my goal was I said to be able to buy clothes that aren't plus size. It's not too much to ask for and such a simple thing, but I feel like it's SO far away.

Anyway, I'd love a buddy in this process.

Welcome! We are all your buddies here on this site. We'll help any way we can. I know many of the posters here have helped me in my journey and we'll be happy to help you too. Your excitement and worry are very normal...most of us have gone through the same questioning of our decision. Most of us are very happy we've been banded and I'm sure you will be too.

Your goal is certainly not too much to ask for and many others have the same goal as you. For me, I have medical issues that made weight loss critical for my quality of life but I can tell you for sure that I was pretty darn excited when I recently posted about buying new clothes in the misses department and not in the 'women's' section.

I was banded in January of this year so you will be one year behind me. I don't know how much you want to lose but I've come such a long way in less than a year so know that you may well do the same and find yourself in a much better place a year from now same as I am.

Good luck and keep us posted both before and after your surgery.

My name is Rosemary and I had my surgery 12 days ago. I feel like I am doing well but also have a long way to go, like about 135 lbs. But I try not to think about that, I am trying one day at a time. We all do better with a buddy and I am enjoying this website. This is my email if you or anyone wants to email and we can talk more: granniero@bellsouth.net. Hugs, Ro

Welcome!!! I'm Lynn and I was banded October 4th, 2013. I am a newbie!! This is a great site to be on for the support that you are wanting. I was also one that had tried every diet out there and failed. I was also one that questioned whether or not this was the right thing to do. I have lost 26 lbs and already have more energy and less aches and pains than I did before, so now I can honestly say, I would do it again in a heartbeat!! If you have any questions, ask. Best of luck to you in your journey!!

Hi there and welcome! I'm glad you found this forum. I joined in June and was banded in November. I learned so much here just reading people's stories and I felt fully prepared when my surgery date finally arrived. Today is my three-week anniversary and I am so happy. Not just the weight loss, which is great, but for me I feel like I have been released from food jail. I'm not thinking about food, planning for it, wondering what there is to eat, etc. And I am exercising every day and enjoying it. Amazing!

In addition to reading lots of posts and asking questions, etc., I am glad I took the time to step up my exercise prior to being banded just so I'd have that in place. I just increased a little as I was my resistant self, unable to get it together, etc. But I'm glad I tried as post-band that has been a major life change for me. Being a walker. I also started a journal so I could track all my many appointments and I made a calendar in the journal, wrote out my goals -- what I look forward to being able to do, etc. And I got a therapist to help me with the process and to identify the weaknesses for food, when I was eating and why. Just so I could be aware of all that "head hunger." Now that I'm banded I have not had the return of hunger yet -- differs for every one -- so I do notice if my thoughts are turning to eating just out of habit.

Best wishes to you! 2014 is going to be a great year!

Hi. I'm 38, married, mom to one. I live in Illinois and am a secretary. I've been approved for a band, my surgery date is 1/21/14 and I'm excited and nervous. One day I think this is the best thing I'll ever do and the next I'm worried it will be the biggest mistake ever. I have SO far to go and have failed so many times before I just want to be successful. When they asked me what my goal was I said to be able to buy clothes that aren't plus size. It's not too much to ask for and such a simple thing, but I feel like it's SO far away.

Anyway, I'd love a buddy in this process.

I definately know how you feel.. I cant wait to be able to by clothes tht arent plus. I live in Illinois also, and my surgery date is Dec 5th..I start my liquid diet Saturday after Thanksgiving. I love this site and alot of the people on it. Stay on this site and you will feel super prepared by your surgery date..

Hi, I just began my journey to my TrueLife, and I need my your support. I'm in the 6 month phase prior to be scheduled for surgery. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm in research phase and started my 1500 calories diet in preparation of my new lifestyle

I start my liquid diet tomorrow...Any suggestions of fluids i should drink besides water...

I add the liquid water enhances to my water. The powders have 10 calories a pack.

Thanks all for the replies! It will be so nice to do this with the support of others. I don't really know anyone in real life who's had the band in real life so I feel like I'm going this alone. I'm looking forward to changing but just really nervous and don't want to fail yet again!

Can I ask how you all decided who you would tell? My extended family will be pretty judgmental if previous comments about others are any indication. Although they have no problem telling me I'm too fat and should go on a diet. My husband and a few of my really close friends are very supportive though. I'm not sure what to tell work people. I just don't think they would all be supportive, but it's one of those places that if you tell one you may as well tell them all.

I didn't tell many but afterwards I didn't care.

Welcome to all the newbies who have responded to lovemyabbie! It is great that you all are here to support each other. Please be supportive without giving medical advice! Medical advice is for our surgeons, only! Tahnsk. Karen