Okay, so I'm getting banded June 6th! Oh I was so excited when I was scheduled! But here's the deal. It's like the closer I get to the surgery date the more scared I am! It's kinda like what I would imagine an alcoholic or drug addict might go through before being admitted to a rehabilitation center.

Food has been my comfort now forever!!!! I eat when I'm sad, happy, celebrating, depressed, hungry, bored....the list goes on....I EAT!!!

Now I'm scared about my life after surgery.

I'm a lower BMI candidate but I'm also 45 and I am definitely headed to more and more weight gain.

I'm a RN by trade and I know when people begin to talk about their experiences (i.e., surgeries, child birth etc) the vast majority tend to make them sound more and more horrible. As I'm reading this board I have to say MANY sound tremendously unhappy and miserable with the band and yet when there was a poll over 90% would do it again.

SO QUESTION? If I give this my all.....exercising, chewing, chewing, chewing, small and wise portions, never eating in a hurry(barring complications of course....).....are chances being that I will be glad I got this band?

Jane, you are totally not alone, we're all in it together. I used to be this bubbly outgoing person that loved people...now...not a chance, everytime someone is overly helpful or nice I think they want something, they couldn't possibly think something good of me. I've got such a bad self image and I know that weight isn't everything but I was not this person before I gained the weight. I gained it and secluded myself, I avoid people. I live in a small town and I couldn't imagine seeing people that I grew up with and imagine what they are all thinking. I wasn't always big, I was athletic and quite fit so this is a very large change for me (no pun intended

It's tough to imagine being someone that nobody will stare at or make nasty comments about, it's tough to imagine that we will be able to shop in the regular sizes and not be embarassed of how we look. We have to do this for us! Obesity isn't healthy and we need to do this to enjoy the rest of our lives, you will succeed if you try! We will all be here together in support for good and bad times.

We'll have to find something else besides food to satisfy our feelings...start thinking about other things that you like doing, maybe something that you loved doing and just don't do anymore. I used to love biking and swimming and the plan is to start swimming to aleviate my stress rather than to eat! What's yours?

Jetlagjane and Terranne!.....we're going to make this work because we want it so bad! We're going to think positive......message each other.....have some setbacks (i'm sure)....but progress onward!!!! YAY for our journey together!!!!!

I am the happiest I've ever been in my life! I was banded on May 15th, 2007, just shy of a month ago. I think many people have this surgery without full preparation. I was fortunate enough to have been through a liquid diet 7 weeks prior to surgery, which really prepared me. The main thing is, you have to be ready mentally for this process. If you haven't worked on the things that made you eat in the first place and haven't made up your mind to change your life completely, than of course you're going to be miserable with the band. You'd be miserable dieting too. I've found lots of people who still, even after having surgery "bend" the rules and wonder why it's not working. It's a huge commitment! It's a tool and for me the tool is no matter how much I want to cheat, I can't because my new belly will not allow me to. This is not a miracle surgery and it's not for the weak, as you see that people have gained their weight back. You still have to change your eating habits and exercise. My doctor told me himself there is always a way to cheat the system. You could suck down milkshakes all day, loaded with calories and gain the weight, etc. I've suffered with food addiction since the age of 7 and it all just finally clicked for me. Each individual is different. There are people with good stories and bad stories. My advice to you is do your homework and ask yourself if you are really ready to feel deserving of a happy, healthier you and to finally put yourself first. Are you ready to put everything you have into this? Most importantly, don't focus on the bad things people say. There is a whole lot of good! If you're scared, you may be searching for the bad to psych yourself out of this. Every single person I've talked to and networked with is happy as can be. Surround yourself with these positive people. They'll be your best inspiration, other than yourself! All my best to you! I know you can do it! Be strong, be beautiful, be you! And if you need someone to talk to, my doors always open.

Regards,

Amy

I understand food addiction. I used to eat for every emotion. I use to laugh at every serving sizebecause no one could eat such a small amount. I was amazed after my surgery (sept. 06) that didn't crave all the things I use to eat in bulk. For me it was like the surgeon put a chip in my head that blocked those urges/needs.

In mid April, my mother was diagnosed with stomach cancer and given 3 to 6 months to live. Talk about stress. She passed away on May 23, and we buried her last Saturday.

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Wow...I'm so sorry about your Mom. That is so sad and tragic. :think I hope you are finding peace at this difficult time.

Hugs,

Toni

Couldn't believe it when I logged on and the first post I look at is from someone who is getting banded the same day I am! June 6. I am having a little hard time sleeping I am so scared/excited. I am telling myself over and over that it is EXCITEMENT and not fear. I made this decision over a long period of time. I have discussed it with my family and with my doctors and a few close friends. I have been in therapy for several months dealing with, mostly, weight related issues and this surgery. I HAVE TO TRUST MYSELF and believe that I have made an informed, thoughtful decision that will benefit me and help me make a much needed change in my life.

I am sure you didn't just wake up a month ago and decide that you were going to do this. Like me, I am sure you had to wade through paperwork and insurance issues, arrange for time off work (? I did anyway) and I have had lots of time to think about this in doctor's offices, not to mention every day when I wake up and my ankles are swollen, and my knees hurt because I weigh 301.

So take a deep breath, try to relax...envision how wonderful it will be to just be in the world and not feel self conscious every minute of every day because of your weight. Think how great it will be to shop for clothing that is not from the "Women's" department! And think how happy your doctors will be...and your family. But most of all envision how good this is going to make you feel...that you did something positive FOR YOURSELF and for your (health)future.

OK, I don't know if that little lecture was for you or for me...but I hope it helps somehow.

June 6th RULES!

btw....I am having surgery in Louisville, with Dr. Lusco. I won't see you there, will I?

Relax, my fellow weight loss voyager...rest assured that WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING!

Lorna.....loved the lecture! Thank you! And yay for June 7th!!!!

Hi everone , it's so good to read all your posts it's like a mirror to my own life! Terrane, what you said is soo true i have always been outgoing and loved to socialise but now i'm the complete opposite I spend most of my time doing for others because I think somehow they will see past the fat and think of me as a good person. This has led to many conflicts! Now I have so much trouble saying no that i've put everyone before me . By having this procedure I feel I'm making a stand but a surprise outcome is the amount of support from family and friends and I know it's not just because at some stage they've depended on me, but because they love me and the fat has never been an issue it's me that made it one. This really sounds like a rant but if nothing else comes of this except talking to loved ones about how my weight has made me feel ...that has to be good? My last concern is thta my surgeon does not recommend a pre op diet ...is this normal??

Mol.....I think ALL my friends are thin and beautiful....and I also think they're all the most supportive! My family as well! I am so sorry about those that I hear about that get put down and made to feel inferior. I've never felt that. On the pre-op diet.....I have one but I hear it is much shorter than others but then my BMI may be lower.

Congratulations on June 6th.

I don't think you are so abnormal for being scared. Fear of the unknown is very common. Think of it as elevated adreneline because you are so excited about the possibilities.

Lap Dancer! I like your thinking!!!!!

I feel your pain, my surgery is scheduled for 6/19 and while for the most part I have been so excited for this change, the last few days I have been having some second thoughts. I am afraid of letting go of the eating that I have come to enjoy. Food has been a major stress outlet for me and I am trying to figure out what I am going to do without it! I am still positive I am going to go through with the surgery, but just struggling with the forever change.