I am sitting here, 10 days after my banding and feel the need to write. I relied heavily on these boards (lurker) prior to making my decision and even more once the decision was made and surgery was looming.

As I read the boards, they are filled with questions and some of them highlight the things that can cause discomfort and pain which is helpful because I am sure that we can all agree that we do not get enough time to ask our doctor. Also, who better to provide to give guidance than those that have walked the path in front you? These honest opinions, good and bad, are the reason that I finally made the jump into the banded way of life.

I fear that many may drop in to see what this life is like and see the many issues that come with a major operation, complete change of life and the inevitable ups and down of weight loss. I noticed that my posts were focusing on all of the 'pain' of the surgery and none of the positives so that is why I am writing.

Here is why today, I feel as good or better than I have ever felt:

• I was lucky to have the ability to self pay (sacrifice to my family but I will make it up to them)
  
• I was able to find a great surgeon
  
• I was able to be in and out of surgery and back to my home in 5 hours
  
• I was able to read all of the great posts about what to have along with me and learn to live on GAS X (thank goodness)
  
• I am able to experience the feeling of hunger - I cant remember when I ever felt this before as I was a world class grazer
  
• I was able to recover so well in 10 days that I can barely even tell that I had surgery - wonder sometimes if I even did!
  
• Walked to lunch today - unbelieveable statement, never exercised before
  
• I am able to read great posts by Jack, BOO BOO, JULIENYC, WAS Bubble, Ghost, Wheetin, TracyinKS, Chickie and many more, who show me that there is more to life than food, cravings will pass, weight loss is possible and exercise can be fun. (not to mention that Plastic Surgery is doable)
  
• I was able to read peoples posts who are very close in date to mine, AMY, RAINER, and others who made the process more real and not so scary.
  
• I am able to choose to quit complaining about the minimal discomfort that has come from what will be a life changing operation. This was hard, boy was I whining yesterday!
  
• I am able to make it thru a work day not obsessing about dinner (even when I am hungry!) not falling asleep at my desk from carb overload, nor eating a drawer full of candy...who da thunk it?
  
• I am able to experience weightloss with the hope that I am doing this sensibly and in a way that can be permanent.

In the end, you posters have solved every concern that I had and helped through this doorway into a new life. I should have done this long ago, but now that I have, I will continue to look to you all for support as I am sure to stumble along the way.

Those of you considering it or on your way to surgery - Do it! Don't get sidetracked by the complaints of the actual surgery and look to the future!

Thanks,

Tina

Congratulations on your surgery. I am glad it has gone smoothly so far! And am blushing at the thanks. Lord knows I have failed so many times in my "banded life" but then I pick myself up and try to start all over again, and isn't that what life is really about. Picking yourself up after your failures as opposed to being so perfect they never happen? Or am I just excusing my behaviour? Who knows/cares? I'm happy for you. Keep posting. Sometimes you will be right, sometimes you will be wrong but wether you ever know it or not you WILL be an inspiration to someone else. Some of my biggest heros and inspirations have actually started this journey after me and are wonderful reminders to me of how I need to stay (or get back on) track each day.