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

Very Excited, Scared, And A Lot Of Other Emotions



Recommended Posts

Hi to all :) and thank you for taking the time to read this. I just found this site and have read a lot of the threads...liked what I saw, so I enrolled. I would like to share a little of my journey... I have been thinking of the lap band for a couple of years, but I knew my insurance wouldn't pay for it unless I went to a Center of Excellence, which was over 400 miles away and I didn't feel comfortable traveling that far, and or going to a physician I didn't know. I wanted to stay in my own environment and have the Dr. that I was very familiar with do the surgery. With that said, I really don't think I was as ready as I thought I was, two years ago......and was making excuses. Well, I reconsidered and looked into the lap band again in July. I was sent papers and completed them and went to the Dr. visit at the other side of the state. He said it was a go, and I started the preliminaries for the lap band. My insurance required me to go through a four month nutrition course here, so I did that, and about 3 months into the nutrition course, my insurance said they would pay for the surgery here in my home town. Yahoo!!!! I am so happy!!!!

I started on the pre-op diet two days ago, Tuesday, November 26. The Opti-Fast hasn't been too bad, I have two more today and then done with the 2nd day. I enjoyed fixing Thanksgiving today but I have to admit, it did take some restraint not to eat. I have a choice of a shake, chicken or Tomato Soup, and a chocolate bar. I wouldn't want to be on the preop diet for long.....but I think I can handle 10 days. :o My surgery is December 6th, and I am very, very excited!!

I am an "older" banner. But doctor said that it still doesn't make a difference...it is a minimal risk surgery, and doesn't take as long to recoup. I am 67 years old with bad hips, back, RA, fibromyalgia and had a stroke. So this is a necessity. I have around 45-50 pounds to lose, which I know isn't as much as it could be, but for me and my health problems, it is a matter of quality of life, and not so much less pain every day. I must say, I am quite nervous but I really believe this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Wish me luck.... a week till surgery...yikes!!!

I didn't mean to go on and on so will close. Thanks you for reading this, and I wish only the best to all who has started this journey, or who has completed it and are so happy with the joys that your new life has brought you.

:rolleyes: ,

EVH

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there and welcome! Thanks for your great intro post. I am 52, banded 11/05. Very happy with this decision. It's not just the weight loss but also the mental/emotional improvement. I feel greet, am exercising and just so happy. Good luck to you -- glad you're here on the forum.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for your welcomes. This site is a little overwhelming....I think I already messed up. I think I should have put my journey message on about me or something. Oh well, thanks so much for the replies. I like this site already.

^_^

EVH

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome. I'm 55 and was banded in January. Like you, I also did this for health reasons way more than vanity. Was very successful in losing enough weight to move forward with my much needed hip replacement surgery. I went from incredibly crippling pain to just dealing now with post op pain as surgery was seven weeks ago. I can see my mobility coming back which is like a miracle to me and the lap band helped to make that possible. Good luck and keep us posted and let us know how you are doing once you 'make it to the other side'.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome!

I host 3 coffee groups a month for "bandsters".

We have people in there 60's and 70's that have been banded and have all have had GREAT success.

Listen to you doctor and take it one day at a time... don't compare yourself to other bandsters because everyones journey is different.

This is a great site for information. Feel free to ask any questions.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

EM: tomander@bell.net

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i am 56 and was banded may 29, 2013. i have lost 40 lbs but do go on dec. 2nd for weigh in. hoping i lost a few more. i did the band because i just wasn't successful with diets. i tried for over 2 years with nutri system, weight watchers, south beach diet, counting calories, and no carb diets. my blood sugar remained in the high 200's to 350's. so this surgery was a life saving one. i am glad that i had it and have no regrets. this web site is the best. the ppl on here are so very helpful and will help get you through your first couple of months. so good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi evh,

I'm 58, and was banded with plication in March. I'm eight months out, and I've dropped 57 pounds. I'm still so happy with my decision to do this, and haven't looked back. It's certainly not easy, but the band is the best tool I've ever had to control my portion size and hunger. I'm off blood pressure medication, my knees no longer hurt, and my other lab issues have normalized. I have a few more pounds to go, to get to the (reasonable) goal I set for myself, and I feel very positive that I will get there.

I'm glad you registered on this site. There are many wonderful people here, and you will get a lot of support. Ask anything that comes up, and feel free to private message me…..if you want :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi to all :) and thank you for taking the time to read this. I just found this site and have read a lot of the threads...liked what I saw, so I enrolled. I would like to share a little of my journey... I have been thinking of the lap band for a couple of years, but I knew my insurance wouldn't pay for it unless I went to a Center of Excellence, which was over 400 miles away and I didn't feel comfortable traveling that far, and or going to a physician I didn't know. I wanted to stay in my own environment and have the Dr. that I was very familiar with do the surgery. With that said, I really don't think I was as ready as I thought I was, two years ago......and was making excuses. Well, I reconsidered and looked into the lap band again in July. I was sent papers and completed them and went to the Dr. visit at the other side of the state. He said it was a go, and I started the preliminaries for the lap band. My insurance required me to go through a four month nutrition course here, so I did that, and about 3 months into the nutrition course, my insurance said they would pay for the surgery here in my home town. Yahoo!!!! I am so happy!!!!

I started on the pre-op diet two days ago, Tuesday, November 26. The Opti-Fast hasn't been too bad, I have two more today and then done with the 2nd day. I enjoyed fixing Thanksgiving today but I have to admit, it did take some restraint not to eat. I have a choice of a shake, chicken or Tomato Soup, and a chocolate bar. I wouldn't want to be on the preop diet for long.....but I think I can handle 10 days. :o My surgery is December 6th, and I am very, very excited!!

I am an "older" banner. But doctor said that it still doesn't make a difference...it is a minimal risk surgery, and doesn't take as long to recoup. I am 67 years old with bad hips, back, RA, fibromyalgia and had a stroke. So this is a necessity. I have around 45-50 pounds to lose, which I know isn't as much as it could be, but for me and my health problems, it is a matter of quality of life, and not so much less pain every day. I must say, I am quite nervous but I really believe this is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Wish me luck.... a week till surgery...yikes!!!

I didn't mean to go on and on so will close. Thanks you for reading this, and I wish only the best to all who has started this journey, or who has completed it and are so happy with the joys that your new life has brought you.

:rolleyes: ,

EVH

Welcome I am 52 will be 53 in ten days. I am hoping to be banded in January. I also have medical issues. I have been the chubby kid since 4th grade. So believe me I understand weight issues. I know you do great

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone for the replies. I so appreciate it.... I am going in Friday for surgery, so that means I can quit drinking Optifast Thursday night. OMG....not good stuff at all, but am drinking it, as it is a small thing compared to what this banding is going to do for me. ;)

Take care all, and I will be chatting again after surgery.

:) ,

EVH

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi again to all,

Well, at 5:30 AM Friday MT time....I will having lap band surgery. It is really here, wow. I am so excited, and if I can figure out to get around on this site, LOL, I will post within the next few days. Wish me luck...I know this is such the right decision. Good nite everyone, I have an early morning :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wishing you much success on your journey to a new life! Take it one day at a time....you're gonna do great! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi again to all,

Well, at 5:30 AM Friday MT time....I will having lap band surgery. It is really here, wow. I am so excited, and if I can figure out to get around on this site, LOL, I will post within the next few days. Wish me luck...I know this is such the right decision. Good nite everyone, I have an early morning :)

Good luck on you surgery, tried to rest all you can and start walking when you feel ready at least 4 times at day 10 minutes at time , just take it easy for a speed recovery do not overdo it and follow your doctor instructions,

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Today is the day. Wishing you a successful surgery and a blessed recovery.

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

    • 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. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

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

    • 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. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do 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

    ×