Pre Band, I had a lot of concerns that were all 'unknowns' to me. But months out, I'm learning the band. The biggest revelation for me now that I'm at a very good restriction level (could this be my sweet spot?) is that I eat out of 'necessity' to fuel my body. I don't eat because I am hungry. I'm really not even eating because I THINK I might get hungry. My tummy has actually growled at me a few times in the last few weeks! I ACTUALLY ask myself 'Sheri, are you 'really' feeling hungry'? And almost all of the time my answer is no. Now, being diabetic, I am aware that I have to eat for the sake of my blood sugars. But at this point, I may be over medicated, as I am having very low readings consistently. I have a Dr. appointment next week. **This could be 'it'…possibly no more meds!?

My PRE band worries vs. now…

Then: I can't eat sushi (like a hog)!

Now: So what! I am satified/full on just a few pieces of sashimi

Then: I can't guzzle my water!

Now: So what! I'm never thirsty, b/c I am able to get in all my required Water, and then some. Might take a little longer, but so what!

Then: I can't have fun going out to dinner with friends/family.

Now: Bull! I go out and have a blast! I am now just very careful of what I order, as to avoid any stuck issues. But I'm able to go to any resturant now as I did pre-band. The only thing different is a cheaper bill! AND - I have lunch leftovers for another day or two!

Then: I can't have any carbonation!

Now: So what! I've actually 'tried' a sip or three of some soda. The gas isn't worth it to me. I was never a huge soda drinker in the past, so I can do without. I tried the 'shake out the carbonation' trick. Eck…that healed my taste for ANY soda forever.

Then: I won't be able to enjoy the holidays!

Now: Ohhhhhhh yes I will! Now, it's 'old hat', my limited intake. Folks around me still make a fuss; "Oh what can you have…what can't you eat". I can have ANYTHING I want. I just know I won't be unzipping my pants after a thanksgiving dinner! Ha!

Then: I have nothing to wear in my big full closet (everything too tight).

Now: I have nothing to wear in my big full closet (everything too BIG!).

For everyone considering the band, and everyone newly banded - there is no fear worse than the fear itself. There is nothing, in my case, that hasn't been 'worth it'. Doing without, for some of us, is often a cure for a better self. I promise you - it won't be 'easy'. But I also promise you, you'll be happy you did it...if not for the weight loss - but for your health.

VERY well said!!!

PERFECT post!!!!

Kat

Great post...good luck at the drs. this week!

Rain

Hey, this is Great! Got a few more!

Then: Can I really do this?

Now: Yes I can!

Then: What will people think of me taking the "easy" way?

Now: Who cares! I'm improving my health.

Then: Will the operation cause me to be "laid up" for a while?

Now: A couple days, but not long before your back at it!

Then: What's the TOTAL cost?

Now: What's the cost of doing NOTHING or waiting?

The last time someone said to me, I'm taking the 'easy way out'...I said "No...the easy way 'out' is not doing anything and just dying of obesity".

I Love This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Attitude!!!

Thanks, I am in my preop diet stage and I have all those fears. I am trying to keep those nasty voices out of my head. I can't wait to get to the other side of this. I will do a then and now!

I love this. Great word of wisdom here!!:eyebrows:

This is a very timely read for me. I just posted in the general forum about how nervous I am about my oct. 1 surgery.

Your post pretty much sums up all the things I am worrying about

That was very well said! Great post

Thanks, I am in my preop diet stage and I have all those fears. I am trying to keep those nasty voices out of my head. I can't wait to get to the other side of this. I will do a then and now!

Congrats on the preop diet; we've all been through it. You will see, once you 'cross over to the banded side' you have a way of shifting focus. You'll see that it's just NOT that important that you eat the WHOLE thing (whatever it may be). I was devestated at the thought of not being able to have my sushi. Now, I just 'deal with' what I can eat. I've made alot of altered changes. But I've really not had to give up anything - that I should NOT have been living with to start!

This is a very timely read for me. I just posted in the general forum about how nervous I am about my oct. 1 surgery.

Your post pretty much sums up all the things I am worrying about

It's funny how I never worried about anything that could possibly go 'medically wrong'. Didn't think about that at all. My worries were all food based. I think that is pretty sad of me. However, I educated myself on all fronts. Congrats on your upcoming surgery! Just think; 6 months from now - when it's 'old hat' for you - you'll be giving out advice to the newbies. And you'll be sharing YOUR then vs. now thoughts. I promise you, after bandster hell...and you have good restriction - you'll be amazed at how little 'food' really does/should play in our lives.

Yeah the fact that all my worries are food related is pretty indicative of why I am in the situation I am. I look forward to being able to put that behind me and look at food as fuel and not an obsession

Fantastic post! Thanks Sherilynn!!!