I have just begun the process towards banding, and I think I am afraid to become "thin" again! I am concerned about the liquid phase, what people will think about me.......... I have the beginnings of diabetes (controlled with

exercise and diet) and sleep apnea. My BMI is 40. I already feel a food depression when I think about the first 6 - 8 weeks after surgery. I want this procedure, but could use some words of advise on how to overcome these feelings. Thanks.

I think it's just something we all go through. You deal with it. Find other things to do vs. eating. With restriction you don't have many choices, you can't binge on burgers and fries. So you are kinda forced to find something else to do.

It's something you'll go through and when you do you might even want your band removed. Just keep reminding yourself that you will get through it. Lots of people THINK they want it removed but when you get used to it you love the weight loss more than you miss food.

My doctor said I could have anything that fit through a straw post op. That being said, creamy soups saved me. I was hungry but with the milk as protein it really helped me a lot. Good luck to you.

I didn't realize I had a fear to be thin until the night before my surgery at 1 o'clock in the morning! You are way further ahead than I was mentally. Be grateful for that - you can start your work now.

Knowing that I have that fear has made me realize WHY I have sabotaged myself so much in the past - so now I can get a grip on it and find other things to do with my time. It's interesting that one of my hobbies used to be eating and I'm not all that interested in it right now - mostly because I know I physically cannot do that to myself anymore. I plan on going to see a counselor, but already the realization and help from the band is changing my view on the world of food. You can do this! Think of all the things you can do with your time when you're not eating. I plan on learning the guitar (getting one for Christmas) and I got a page-a-day calendar that teaches origami. Anything I could think of that would just keep me busy.

I was scared of saying goodbye to food, too. But you know, I'm already thinking of new ways to cook things or make things so that they are acceptable to my new way of eating. It's making me be creative. And with all the money I'm saving from not eating out constantly, I should be able to buy that new wardrobe as I get skinny! Heck, now that I'm thinking of it, I think that's a great idea - I'm going to put about $40/week into a savings account because that's about what I'd spend eating out...then I can take that money and buy new clothes.

Think of everything you'll be able to do in your new, healthy, skinny, easier to move body! It's exciting. We're all here for you! I know you can do this!

I just became a member of this forum yesterday. I can totally understand how someone can rely on it for support. As I read the responses to my concern this morning it made me break down and cry. People are really wonderful and care and support can come from unexpected places. Thank you!