I have only posted on here a couple of times so I know most of you don't know me. My name is Amber and I am having lap-band surgery next Wednsday. I am excited but getting a little scared. I guess mostly I am scared of failure because I am on this 10 day pre-op diet and tonight had such strong cravings and hunger pangs. I allowed myself to cheat (just a very small peice of lean chicken breast) and I feel so guilty about it. I keep telling myself if I can cheat like this now then what about after the surgery when swelling has went down and I am just before having a fill. Will I be able to keep from gaining weight back that I have lost in the liquid phase? I am so very scared of failure especially since we are paying out of our own pockets for this. Don't get me wrong I am very excited as well just having some of those "pre-surgery gitters" you all talk about. I have done very well on this diet until today when I cheated a little tonight. I suppose I shouldn't beat myself up about it. Does anyone on here ever get so overwhelmed by how much weight they have to lose? I just had my first child (one of the reasons for wanting to get healthy) almost seven months ago and after having him I lost thirty lbs weighing about 250lbs. Since then I have gained 30lbs although not changing my eating habbits, and still this gain. I did find out however, that I have a VERY VERY underactive thyroid for which I am now on medication (have been for almost a month now). I just wish I hadn't gained that thirty lbs because it is going to be so hard to lose. Gosh I am so glad there is a board like this that I can use to vent. I really appreciate anyone who reads this post. I know you guys hear a lot of what I am saying over and over so thanks again.

My surgeon also did not place any restrictions on climbing stairs after surgery, but did say to absolutely NOT carry anything up or down the stairs for six to eight weeks after.

Hi there Ezzysmom,

After reading your first post, I thought I was reading the one I posted here about 2 weeks before surgery. I had the same feelings as you about failure and nervousness, but someone I work with, who had the band explained to me, we spent all our lives on other diet's, food plans and failed at those, so why wouldn't we have the same feelings now! She is a very wise woman who has lost over 98lbs with the lapband, she reminds me every day, this is a tool to help us on our journey and we are not perfect.

I'm 10 days post op and see my surgeon on Wednesday 3/30 to remove my stiches. I was very very sore the day after surgery, but everone is different!

Good luck and before you know it, you will be on the other side....

Corgi

Amber--

So today was your big day! I'm anxious to know how your surgery went. My surgery is one week from today, April 6 (Dr. Horgan, Chicago). I started my 10 day liquid diet on Easter Sunday, so I can relate to your Easter story.

I am handling the liquid diet better than I expected. A few of my friends (skinnies) have suggested that if I can stay on this liquid diet, then I shouldn't need the band. I've only told a few close friends that I'm doing this, and this kind of comment is the reason why. I don't want my friends and coworkers judging me, thinking I took "the easy way out" instead of putting in hard time at the gym and eating twigs and berries. I told my friends that yes, I can lose weight without the band. I've lost weight before, many times, but I've always gained it back and then some. Losing weigh with the band will not be quick or easy, but it will keep the weight off for good if I stick to the rules.

With only a week till my surgery, I admit I've been having some second thoughts. Perhaps I'm just mourning the loss of my "eat whatever whenever" lifestyle. It feels good to eat, but I have to believe being thin will feel even better.

--smellycat

Smellycat, I added you to the April 2005 Bandsters thread in the Support Forum...go look, there's lots of us!!

Happy BandDay Ezzysmom! Post when you can and let us know how it went. WOOOHOOOO!