Okay, so I'm on a modified Optifast because I have to have Gall Bladder surgery (my doctor doesn't do it together). As you can see from my ticker, I've lost some weight. I know that in the past I have not been able to keep it off, yet I am second guessing myself. I basically stay very strict with myself for 5 days during the week and do my own thing on the weekends (which doesn't feel too good afterward) and I go to the gym 5 days a week. So (please) tell me someone else has vascillated like this. This second guessing..it's driving me batty. So many emotions going on!!

:cry :cool: :faint: :help: :phanvan :heh: :embarassed: :rolleyes :whoo: :huytsao :cry :omg: :paranoid :biggrin1: :guess :tired :hungry: :nervous :nervous :think

I think most of us have had second thoughts, in the decision making stage, about...maybe I can do this on my own. I looked back at how "on my own" has worked for me and decided I needed help.

Hi Sula, thanks for the wake up call. I, too, have seen what doing it on my own has availed and the end result is what I weigh now!! Thank you for your input.

Regards,

Alfie

Can you do Optifast five days a week for the rest of your life? If so, go for it! But the emotional thing is normal. I tend to think we all go through that.

actually, wasa, no way. I am faltering even now after 3 or 4 weeks. It's getting more difficult and I am starting to realize that I am not going to let this opportunity pass me by.

Alfie,

Smart decision moving forward.

Initially I find I can lose weight when I am under the doc's supervision and I know I am going to be getting weighed in. That seems to make all the difference...just knowing you have to get on that scale and be weighed by someone else.

Keep up the good work. You will be shrinking that gallbladder!!

The more you lose right now the better.

I know how you feel. I lost about 15 lbs on the Protein shake diet before my surgery. I was so pleased with myself, and proud! The thought kept occurring..."if I can do this, why do I need the band?" Then I realized that if it wasn't for the fear of messing up the liver shrinking process thus delaying my surgery, I TOTALLY would have cheated on the shake diet and TOTALLY would have "fallen off the wagon". As I have done many, many, many times before - hence my ever increasing weight problem.

And yes, I had this argument several times a day in the weeks leading up to my surgery, including the night before. I am SO glad I had it done. My willpower has about a 2-3 week shelf life and I just had to keep reminding myself of that.

Good luck to you and whatever decision you make!!!

Jenne

would you care to explain how you really feel? how are you adjusting to the eating patterns? what are you eating? I'm planning to have the surgery before the end of the year and I must admit that i'm a little scared. however, i've lost 23lbs. on my own but even I know that eventually it will come back. The problem that I am having is that every doctor that I discuss the procedure with has mixed opinions.

thanks Jenne, It's nice to know that others went through the same thing. It makes you realize that you're not so strange or alone. I am moving forward with the surgery. I have just the psych dr left. I had an appointment but canceled it because I didn't want to spend the $175 to tell him that I had second thoughts. The office told me to hold off until I was sure, as this could cause the psych to tell them that I wasn't ready. So now, I've been spending a lot of time on the boards and in chat with others. I've also been struggling with staying on the optifast although I've been doing okay with that. In a way that part is good as it is showing me flashes from the past of not being able to do it on my own, which I needed a reality check. Thanks for all the comments.:whoo:

lap2007, not sure if you were talking to me or not, but I will answer your question anyway. I am only 6 days post op, so it's hard to say how I will adjust ultimately, but so far I am not really hungry at all. I am currently on full liquids right now which includes: skim milk, strained cream Soup, juice/water/popcicles, soupy oatmeal, sf Jello and pudding. I have a hard time getting it all in actually. The only pain I have now is some in the main incision where the port is. THe surgery was a breeze and I am recovering nicely, I think.

I don't know how much of this board you have read, but there are alot of people who can give better info on long term adjustment since they have been banded much longer than me.

I can just say that I feel a change in how I see food already, and judging by my past failures at weight loss and my skyrocketing weight, this was the best choice for me. Good luck to you and feel free to message me anytime!

Jenne