Am 5 days away from my banding. Opti fast is yucky but I made it through thanksgiving okay! I am 42 and at 310lbs I had to do something. I was a firefighter EMT for 10 years and then a 911 dispatch supervisor for 12. I am just so ready to start my journey, just worried I will fail... Anyone ever feel this way?

What you are feeling is 100% normal. I think everyone that has decided on weight loss surgery has tried and been unsuccessful on numerous diets, so we wonder, how is this going to be any different? However, once you get to this point, you are usually at the point of realizing, I have to do something, I have to change my life, and if I am willing to have surgery to do it, then I am finally at the point where I am ready to commit to the changes that come with it. If you are not at that point, then no, now is probably not the right time. As long as you did your research, are well educated on what you are going to have do to be successful, then you should be fine. The important thing is knowing the band is a tool, but you have to work it in order to be successful.

I failed 100's of times before being banded.....my PCP referred me for Lap Band Surgery.....so, my logic was....if the Band was suggested to me because I failed, then surley the Band must be able to do something I cannot on my own....so I put my faith in the Band, and expected it to do everything it was advertised to do.....nothing less would do......

That was three years ago...and it has not failed me yet, and has performed BEYOND my wildest expectations and exceeded any weight loss goals I set for myself...making it the easiest thing I could have ever done to loose weight......and it is still performing slendidly today without a single problem or complaint.....

Thank you to both you you. I know it's just pre surgery jitters. Feeling bummed with the holidays coming around... Went to the store earlier and was bombarded and shocked at how much holiday junk is out there!!! I know I can do this!!!

Yeah, it is definitely a tough time of year, but just keep your eye on the prize, you can do this!

Hi Wigg, you are nearly there! I am less than a month out and so happy I did this. My weight is going down but there are also all sorts of other ways that I am feeling so happy -- did not anticipate this getting out of food jail feeling. The release. I highly recommend exercise -- for me it started with walking that night in the hospital and I have not stopped. Now I'm amazing myself, truly. Who is this person? Well I started out dragging an IV pole up and down the hallway and then continuing at home around the driving circle. A year ago I could never have done this but now I'm a real exerciser. I'm pretty sure that is what helped me heal so fast -- that and not doing narcotic pain medication. Now it's helping me she'd. Good luck to you. Keep us posted!

Bandista put it so beautifully. The band released me from food jail. I am a week out from my surgery and I love that I just don't think about food. I feed myself when I feel I need food, I am no longer obsessed, watching the clock and pounding huge amounts of chow when I think it is meal time. It's freaking amazing!

Wigs, don't think fail... I have also failed many, many times. For the first time, I feel as if my band is going to be the tool to help me succeed. Don't fear failure. Look forward and be optomistic. After all, if we could all succeed alone, we wouldn't need bands, would we?

Hi lwiggins, how are you doing? Well I hope! check in when you get a chance.

Hi lwiggins ,

I am also right about at the same place you are. I have my surgery Dec. 6th, and am getting pretty nervous. I have had enough of this Optifast to last me forever. (Had to be on it for 10 days per Docs orders) I am resigned that I will lose the weight as this is not only the last resort, but the tool that will help me to help myself. Although very scared, I can't wait till I can start treating myself to some healthy living. And a life style I only dream of. This weight has my bones, joints hurting, and I pray that this will help me like I think it will. Good luck to you.

,

EVH

Hi lwiggins ,

I am also right about at the same place you are. I have my surgery Dec. 6th, and am getting pretty nervous. I have had enough of this Optifast to last me forever. (Had to be on it for 10 days per Docs orders) I am resigned that I will lose the weight as this is not only the last resort, but the tool that will help me to help myself. Although very scared, I can't wait till I can start treating myself to some healthy living. And a life style I only dream of. This weight has my bones, joints hurting, and I pray that this will help me like I think it will. Good luck to you.

,

EVH

Hi how did your surgery go today, evh?