Have just scheduled for 12/17/07...now going back and forth with myself. Did others do this? Thinking I should give diet and exercise one last try...thinking about foods I won't eat again...then reminding myself that I've been up and down in weight for 15 years despite some great efforts. Any tips on getting through this waiting period?

I also don't feel inclined to tell many others about what I'm doing - afraid they will be critical or try to talk me out of it. Husband is okay - "whatever you want," sister just says to weight the risks. Is it possible to do this without sharing info with coworkers, etc?

Thanks for any advice. Perhaps it's a mistake to schedule a month out...too much time to think! Going to Aceves in Mexicali, self pay.

Also facing choice of Allergan or J & J band...lots to consider.

5'6" 240# Scheduled Dr. Aceves 12/17/07:help:

Hey Mary: I wanted to let you know that you are not alone with your feelings. I too have felt this way, and so have many others on here. I would suggest you reevaluate why you are doing this, and try closing your eyes and picture you only 50-100 lbs lighter, picture all the things you will do, that you dont do now.

Also, I have attended support meetings in my area. Its great to talk to people who have had the surgery done. At my support group they vary from 2wks post op - 7 months. Can you find one in your area?

One other thing to keep in mind, keep reading on here. There have been many posts about the same thing. Remember, Knowledge is power.

btw, my surgery is nov 26th. I am day one of preop diet.

Good luck, and keep posting/reading.

Debbie:whoo:

My story

I started considering the band in January 2006, I did the research etc, but I wasn't 100 % sure if the band was right for me. I started walking every day, and then started eating vegetables every day, I stopped buying lunch out etc etc. I managed to lose about 20 pounds. Then in April 2007 I was diagnosed with diabetes. I quit smoking and decided to get serious about my health. I wanted a permanent weight loss solution, I knew I could lose weight on my own (as I have done many times before) but I didnt think I could face the part where I regain it all back, plus some extra. By July 2007 I knew the band was the right thing for me. I was banded on August 15th.

The band is about maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding the health risks associated with morbid obesity. The skinny jeans, are the bonus prize.

Good Luck on your journey

This is the post I issued a about a week ago:

Seriously Thinking About Backing Out

I am totally freaking out... I have been thinking about this for two years. When I finally decided to do it, after much reading and research, my insurance changes and I find myself able to get approved in less then a month. I am scheduled to have surgery 11/09 and have the time to take off from work.

I should be counting my blessings, but after only one day of trying to do the pre-surgery liquid diet I have failed and I am absolutely freaked out. I tried the stupid Designer whey and I literally gagged three different times. The smell and the taste were so gross. What if I can’t find a Liquid Protein that I can get down?

I guess I did not expect things to go so easily, and I should feel ashamed of myself when there are so many self-pays or people with difficult insurances who are absolutely sure this is the right thing for them. I feel that I have not had enough time to say good-bye to food. I know it really isn't a true good bye, but it could be if my body does not acclimate to the band like some others on this forum. I actually think I could live without cake the rest of my life, but the thought of never eating asparagus or broccoli or steak again, I am not sure if I can live with that.

What in the hell am I doing? Am I undermining my long term health if I back out? The idea of the surgery is freaking me out, the idea of not eating a normal diet for 6 weeks freaks me out. And ironically it sounds like when the band does not work, it makes eating those foods that got me here so much easier than eating the truly healthy foods that I like but eat to much of…Lord help me figure this thing out...

MollyBrown

Surgery Date: 11/09/07 Dr Singh-Maryland

Weight: 285lbs. Goal Weight: 170 lbs.

Age: 44

This is the support email I received from SueMagoo, and she is absolutely right.

Molly:

If you're not ready, you're not ready. Let me ask you a few questions though:

Do your feet hurt all the time?

Do you hate clothes shopping because you'll be going up a size again?

Do you get out of breath just walking ten feet?

Do you worry about sitting in a chair because you're not sure it will hold you?

Do you worry about being around in twenty years because you've carried way too many pounds for way too many years?

Do you have comorbidities that will send you to your grave early?

I'm 48 years old, so I know what it's like to be in your forties and near 300 pounds. I weighed 324 six months ago. I was banded three months ago. I feel and look like a new person and I don't regret it for a minute. My only regret is that I didn't do it two years ago.

But, you have to do what is right for you. You might just be getting cold feet, maybe not.

Good luck and I hope better health for you in the near future, whichever decision you make.

Take care.

Sue

Thanks - various responses made me realize these are normal feelings, and I do need to pursue this long term fix rather than my previous temporary weight losses.

Onward and upward -

I think that most of the bandsters think about the long term effect of the band..that is normal...now....think about the great benefits that you will get from this surgery...it will make you feel so much better...you will look great and feel great...and don't worry about the food you can't eat...NOTHING TASTE AS GOOD AS BEING THIN.....I was banded 4/6/07 and I can eat anything....well....not popcorn, but that is fine...and I can't drink cokes...so what...that is the only things I can't have...I don't eat sweets, because they are a trigger food for me..sweets would only make me hungry....I stay away from food that I know are not good for me...but I can still have anything that anyone else eats...just a very small amount....

I have emotional support from various avenues, plus I am a therapist I can talk to one or more times a week/month. I think this is one of the weeknesses in our arena...not having a therapist with the knowledge of WLS. Please email PM and I will talk more.

Sharon/Memphis

I agree with Sue. I can't face me in 10 years with another 100 lbs added...despite trying everything else.

Hi Mary, it is natural to think that you have tried dieting and it hasn't work and can you give it one last chance. You will be fine.

Hi Mary,

I was banded yesterday and really struggled too. I lost nearly 55pds about 3 years ago and this past year it slowly came back on. so i struggled with, i did a huge chunk before, and feeling like a failure working so hard to loose so much.

For me I know i CAN loose the weight, but i need help keeping it off. I think that the band is a tool to help you.

I questioned myself. I would go back and forth and feeling like i could do it alone that i just needed stonger will power, did i really need to do this. I was close to backing out just moments before they came in to put me to sleep.

I woke up and was all done before you know it. I know i dont know what the months have to offer ahead, but am very excited to give this a try.

I think if you think of it as a tool to help you and you follow what they say the majority of the people find this successful.

I have 4 co workers that have had this done and it's changed thier life, not just the vanity part, but the health part.

Being a mom I want to be healthy and active for my kids.

I encourage anyone to do lots of research and consider what's important to you.

For me I had 3 csections and this was NOTHINIG compared to that. So although surgery itself is scary, I like to encourage people that it was really easier for me than i expected.

Good luck in whatever you decide!!!