I hope somebody (many somebodies) can weigh in here with some advice. I have talked myself into and out of this surgery about 5 times in the last 3 or 4 months (I'm self pay). I'm just so unsure about making it work with my lifestyle. My story is a little bit unique. Hubby is an airline pilot, no kids, living in & loving Hong Kong (we're American expats), and travelling alot. We sometimes spend 2-4 months at a time away from home. I'm just scared to death about all the things it sounds like we can't eat - can I make this work if we're spending 2 months in Italy? Or Thailand? What are my food choices going to be? Oh yeah, and I NEVER cook at home even when I am home - I'm guessing that's soo gonna be a problem.

I'm really sorry if this all comes across the wrong way, but this is the one forum where you guys all seem to be pretty cool, so take the piss out of me if you must but, please, please help me out with this one. I so want to do this for myself, but I'm just really worried about whether or not I'll be able to do this.....

Thanks in advance.

I hope somebody (many somebodies) can weigh in here with some advice. I have talked myself into and out of this surgery about 5 times in the last 3 or 4 months (I'm self pay). I'm just so unsure about making it work with my lifestyle. My story is a little bit unique. Hubby is an airline pilot, no kids, living in & loving Hong Kong (we're American expats), and travelling alot. We sometimes spend 2-4 months at a time away from home. I'm just scared to death about all the things it sounds like we can't eat - can I make this work if we're spending 2 months in Italy? Or Thailand? What are my food choices going to be? Oh yeah, and I NEVER cook at home even when I am home - I'm guessing that's soo gonna be a problem.

I'm really sorry if this all comes across the wrong way, but this is the one forum where you guys all seem to be pretty cool, so take the piss out of me if you must but, please, please help me out with this one. I so want to do this for myself, but I'm just really worried about whether or not I'll be able to do this.....

Thanks in advance.

I live in the US, but I don't cook much either, we eat out a lot. And so far, I've found something I can have on pretty much any menu. When I do cook, it's something simple, from scrambled eggs to salmon, and a steamed veggie.

The food restrictions aren't as bad as I thought they might be, and usually you can find protien and veggies in some form. For me, Pasta and softer bread is a problem. Rice can be, depends on how much I eat.

I think you can do this, you will just have to be flexible and creative. It's worth it!

I thlnk it will be important to keep in touch with your surgeon to make sure you have the correct fill level prior to travel. The band will do its job with the restriction. Just make sure you eat your protein first, vegies 2nd and so on.

I found a poem that seemed appropriate for this question.

The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win but you think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost,

For out of the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will -

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;

You've got to think high to rise;

You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life's battle doesn't always go

To stronger or faster men;

But sooner or later the man who wins,

Is the one who thinks he can.

-- Walter D. Wintle

Thanks guys! I still think I'd be alot less nervous if I were doing this from the U.S., but I think I can make it work from here - I'm just going to count on you guys for support. On a positive note, I already eat relatively healthily - I just eat really large portions, which is where I'm hoping the band will help. I don't like sweets, I'm not a huge snacker, and I do already go for a pretty strenuous (uphill) 50 minute walk 4x/week. Is there hope?

there is always hope

To be perfectly honest it's the whole PBing and sliming thing that has nearly been a stopper for me. The whole idea terrifies me. I don't know how to get around that.

The best way to get around it is to educate yourself and listen to what others tell about there experiences.

I have ran across a couple of threads of folks that travel a lot and are banded. Many use this as a place for support... when down this is where to go to for a pick me up... when up.. here is to go to share and bring someone else up.. when scared/nervous.. the information and experinces of those who have come before help.

Good luck on your journey and decision. Research a hand full of docs to find the best one for you.

The PB-ing thing is a learning process. For me, it was avoiding hard crunchy things and chewing well. Once a "slime" has been experienced, with its pain and inconvienience, believe me, you will learn how to avoid one.

I agree with the comment about making sur you are not too restricted before leaving home. I would imagine that changes in air pressure when flying would have some effect too. BUT, just imagine doing all that traveling and having tons of energy to walk in your lovely new clothes? (no more hiding when the camera comes out) Visiting Paris without feeling like an alien from Jupitor? Priceless.

I hope somebody (many somebodies) can weigh in here with some advice. I have talked myself into and out of this surgery about 5 times in the last 3 or 4 months (I'm self pay). I'm just so unsure about making it work with my lifestyle. My story is a little bit unique. Hubby is an airline pilot, no kids, living in & loving Hong Kong (we're American expats), and travelling alot.

Thanks in advance.

welcome Lost ...

i think you would be fine going out to eat, though you will eat a considerable amount less than you do now or you risk doing the PB and sliming... you will get to know 'your sign' that you've had enough. some people it is a hiccup, my nose runs a tad, pretty much everyone has A SIGN that 1 more bite and i'm in trouble ...

my DD/DH and I do dim sum on Sundays - here is what i usually have:

2 maybe 3 shu mai

1 small piece of shrimp wrapped in rice noodles w/ soy sauce - dunno the name of it

maybe ha gau (sp?)

1/2 - 1 egg custard tart

and i am then satisfied ...

i also work for a major airline and love to travel and have not found it too difficult. sometimes my band is a bit tighter right after a flight, but not too bad.

good luck!

Dear Lost

I travel a lot, and eat out often. Here's a few thoughts. Proten first. You can almost always find a good piece of fish or chicken on most menus. I hand my butter plate to my husband and children and take a bit of each of theirs:

1. cheap date- I tell DH that in a few years of sharing we will more than pay off the cost of the surgery

2. variety- I get to sample a few different Entrees

3. portion control for husband and kids- They usually don't miss the 2 -3 bites I took from them. Reminds them often that there really is far too much food on their plates.

The band just makes it easier to be satisfied with less. You can eat anywhere. It's about the choices we make... knowing what to look out for...and making the changes. You can definately do this!

Good luck

Keep in touch

Kim :kiss2:

223ps/217s/202t/135g

banded 1/30/07

first fill 3/09/07