Wow - Okay well I'm new to this forum, not really sure what I'm doing. I am 38 yrs old, and have 7 1/2 weeks until I am banded. I have read everything I can find on Lap Band surgery, and feel prepared medically............ but mentally - I am scared!! I am scared that if I put myself and my family through all of this, and it doesn't work - what then??? I am 114kgs (sorry not good with pounds - I'm Aussie) and am not very tall at 5ft 4....... putting my BMI at 45. I have waited 10 months for my insurance period to expire, so I can get this done, I have tried every other weightloss plan/diet known to man, and I have researched every detail............... why then do I feel like screaming or crying half the time, and excited the rest...................I feel lonely, and scared! I can't see myself losing the weight, and changing my life like so many of you have....... it does not seem real.

I don't have many close friends I can talk with, and the ones I do have don't understand.................. I'm hoping for support and motivation from this forum, and I look forward to getting to know you all - Cheers Karen

I was on an 800-calorie-a-day diet if you can believe that! I thought I was going to starve but the receptionist at the doctor's office gave me a website CalorieKing - Diet and weight loss. Calorie Counter and more. that lists calories of just about anything you want--including restaurant food. On that site I found out that hard boiled eggs are only 13 calories each!! Pickled asparagus has 10 calories in 3 spears and dill pickles have 0 calories! I stocked up on these 3 items and never felt hungry the entire week.

you didn't just eat eggs, pickles, and asparagus did you????? omg don't think i could do that................... xxKaren

No, no--I found a vanilla protein shake mix that only had 90 calories in it and used half water and half milk. I didn't like the taste, so I added a single serving of crystal light (any flavor works but orange made it taste like an orangecicle ice cream--yummy). I had those twice a day and then for dinner ate a Lean Cuisine (you have to look at the calories on the box and try just to buy the ones that are 200 calories or less). With all that and the eggs and pickles I was able to make it through the week without feeling like I was starving.

I would like to give a big thank you to everyone who makes comments on this forum. I've just joined and I've found this site very helpful and sometimes scary. I go in on Monday to meet with the surgeon to talk about the operation and have come up with a lot of questions I would like to ask my doc when I go in thanks to everyone's comments and concerns about the lapband!

what is crystal light? is it a softdrink, a jelly crystal??? no idea - i haven't heard of it in Australia - but we may have something similar.................... xxK

It is a powder that is sugar free that you add to water--it comes in all sorts of flavors, the most popular is probably lemonade. It just flavors water. Do you have something similar?

I don't think so...........but I think it's a groovy idea!! will see if I can find anything similar............... have a great day - K

hey Janey - I am in Queensland, Australia....we don't have quaker oatmeal - but I'm thinking that must be the same as porridge?? we don't have spelt or flax bread? wild blueberries - I tried some when we were on holidays down south....not readily available here though - too warm! and as for little lunch packs of applesauce - I don't think so, but we do sell it in big jars to have with roast pork!! Man - 21/2 hrs a day of exercise..............geez, when I'm being good, I'm lucky to get in 1/2 an hour...........crikeys - I hope thats going to be enough??....... xx Karen

Ah! the #1 place in the world I want to visit. But after going to Italy last year, my husband said he would never again take a long flight, and told me to take Australia off the list! :cry

And you come from the home of the LapBand, too! Do you know people who have had it done?

janey

sure do, possum! a few of us are getting together on Sunday for coffee, 2 of the ladies have lost 37kgs each (81.4 lbs) and one has just started she has lost over 20lbs, another is scheduled for Sept 24, and of course me booked for Oct 29........... I have read the book by Prof. P.O'Brien the big wig lapbandy doctor.........it's good! have you guys got books and stuff to refer to??? xxKaren

Hi Karen,

I understand your being scared. I was a little scared 2 days before I had my surgery. The lap band surgery was July 24th. I'm happy to say everything went fine. I stayed in the hospital over night. I was a little sore, but, was able to get up and walk just a couple of hours after surgery. I came home and took it easy for the weekend. Then, back to work on Monday. I was glad I only had to go to a 6 hour workshop for school. I am completely fine now. The big thing to remember is to stick with your clear liquids the first week. The second I went on to puddings, soups, and yogarts. Now, I'm eating real food. I go back to see my doctor in 1 & 1/2 weeks. I think I'll be getting my first fill then.

I also worried about this not working...after all, nothing else every worked...but, I'm happy to tell you it is working. I have to be careful what I eat...but, that's part of the life changing for better health. Hang in there...it will be worth it!!! Jane

thanks for sharing and caring Jane - are you doing much exercise during your day now? xxKaren

oh wow, I thought I would be the only one from oz here.

Nice to know I'm not alone.

Lovely to meet you all - have spent a couple of hours reading the forum Im really pleased with the info presented here.

kind regards M

hi striver, have you been banded yet? what state are you in? nice to meet cha............. Karen

Cooooeeeee, Janet are you there?? How did your Gall Bladder op go? haven't heard from you in a few days now.....are you safe and well?? Cheers Karen

Hi Karen,

To answer your question...I ride on my bike 20 miniutes a day. I usually try to do it in the morning before my shower. It helps to put on the TV to pass the time. Or, I just look out my window to watch the birds, deer, or groundhogs in the back yard. When I started riding I just did it for 10 minutes and worked my way up to 20 minutes.

I teach at Fort Dix Elementary School. Most days, when I get home I'm not in the mood to bike ride for 20 minutes. All I want to do is sit down and relax for a few minutes before cooing diner.

I found it harder to loose weight if I didn't excersise. I think the trick is to start off slow and work with your body. If you don't have a bike try walking. As a kid I never was much into playing sports.

But, I really want to make this work. I guess they call it work for a reason. Anyway, hang in there! Have a great day. Jane