Hi,

I am booked for a lapband on Monday 27 June. I have been very postive and strong about my decision but last night I had my first appointment with the dietitian and now I am wondering whether I should go ahead...

I have no problem with the interim liquid diet/ mushy food diet etc. My concern is with the long term implications. I understand that sacrifices have to be made but I am keen to know how people cope with the smaller portions. How much can you REALLY eat? What about going out for dinner? Special occasions?

Any comments, feedback welcome as I am feeling rising panic and realise that I really don't know enough about what my life/ lifstyle will be like in the future.

Thanks

Kristen

Melb, Australia.

My husband has a tape worm and can and does eat huge portions - one thing that I fear is going to annoy me is sitting there waiting for him to finish huge meals while I eat a deck of cards?? Lucky &%#@&*! Why couldn't that be me???

I have never actually heard of anyone with a real tape worm- except third world people on TV. WOW a real tapeworm- I remember in school studing them & seeing how disgusting they look. Also I remember dreaming that I so wish i could have one just for a month or so & than get rid of it.-LOL

Where did he get his tape worm???- I know its no laughing matter- its serious & can be lethal. I hope he is able to be rid of it soon & hope he feel better quickly. I am so sorry.

Best wishes!

Although not really a tapeworm - you would think so!!

Trus me, if it were a real tapeworm, I may be tempted to pull that thing out and wash it down with a glass of wine!!! LOL!!

Kristen,

I have an extremely judgemental extended family in regards to weight....Their all thin...as a matter of fact I had anerexic tendences in high school...but I could not keep it up...and gained soooo much wieght over the last 15 years...I went through the SHOULD I TELL OR NOT...However I felt it would be too dificult to conceal it, and I figured that hiding it would look like I felt ashamed then they would react that way...I have had some negativity from an aunt and cousin..I just respond very positively to their negative comments...and it seems to shut them up.But I can't even image how they'd react if I had kept it a secret and it came out...which I belief it would eventually....I also had/have really good support from some relatives that I thought would be critical.

Also,some of my friends and neighbors thought I was really really ill. When I had surgery and didn't say what it was for...so I was honest and they have been very thoughtful, and supportive...

With all the lifestyle adjustments...I just don't think I'd have the energy or creativity to keep this a secret.

I was very emotional and scared the last 2 weeks. i was thrilled when I was given a surgery date but as the days crept by I was down right terrified by the end of the second week. I creid alot. I did do the "last supper" thing about 20 times. We ate in every restaurant in town that I loved. I guess I had to say goodbye. LOL. My jeans ended up not fitting(too tight!) between the day i was scheduled til the day before surgery!!! Now those jeans still don't fit, they fall off!! I am 4 week post op and have lost 22 pounds!!! I think what you are feeling is normal. The first 2 weeks or so post op are the worst then it improves dramatically. I cried some the first week or so after and I was told that was normal for up to 8 weeks or so. During the first and second week I was even thinking my dogs and cats food smelled good and was a bit jealous, no kidding. Type in Alpo in the search box, I am not the only one....lol. Everyone reacts differently and I hope I didn't scare you. It really is worth it, at least I think so.

I am still nervous. Is such a reaction the norm? The tears? These feeling of failure tinged with cautious optimism?

I had to laugh (with you) when you asked the above. I was as calm and cool about this surgery as I could get. I only told 2 people (didn't even tell my husband) and went to Mexico by myself. Was fine. Immediately after surgery Dr. Ortiz came in and asked me why I was crying. I don't remember any of this but he said I grabbed him around the neck and hugged him! Apparently, I needed a hug Crying is my way of reliving stress and I guess I let it build up. Be very optimistic - we are all excited for you!