I am 4lbs. away from getting my date and have been doing some soul searching about expectations. . . . and how my life will change for both the good as well as the bad. I was hoping that some of the veterans on this site can enlighten me on things they didn't expect or didn't know would change? Both physically and mentally/emotionally? Thank you so much.

Its hard to prepare anyone for all the emotional ups and downs. Like before there are days where you are fine with food and your body and days where things are all haywire. Enjoy the time after surgery where you actually have restriction. We all know it takes several fills to get there but no one can prepare you for coming down from the high and not being at the restriction you want, having head hunger galore and physical hunger.

TMI ALERT. One thing I was not expecting was how different everyday restroom issues are. In the beginning, liquid in meant liquid out and sometimes you could bend down and opps it leaked. Now three months out, that problem has resolved, but now when I go to go its 60% air. The noises your stomach will make in any given day also cracks me up.

Thank you ...that info helps...I am looking forward to learning great info hear.

Hi

Congrats and Good Luck. One thing I have noticed is that some people who also have weight issues, don't like or get jealous about your weight loss. My sister was very supportive at first, but now I can't talk to her about it at all, she gets really depressed. She can't afford the surgery. Some people maybe not intentially offer you foods you shouldn't have or have food like that around all the time, it is definetly a mind game.

It's funny you say that about the air and stomach making all sorts of noises since surgery!!! lol!! I was banded 9 days before you and i have that too. I will be laying in my bed after just waking up and it's quiet in the room and laugh too about the noises. And I seem to have ALOT more gas than i ever had before.

I think the hardest thing for me was when I stopped losing and just stayed the same. When I stated losing again it was so wonderful. There are a lot of ups and downs, but I am so glad I got the band. Even when I mess up and it I can not hold my dinner down!:thumbup:

I never thought it would be as hard as it is. You are able to eat around the band if you want to. If you don't exercise you will eventually stop losing or gain. It is not a quick fix, there will be times when you don't lose anything. It may take a while to be filled with the right level for you. You will still get hungry. People you know can tend to treat you different. Now on the positive side; your self-esteem and self worth increases, your health improves, your able to lose weight you've had with you for years, clothes shopping is no longer excruciating, and life is good. Just don't go into it with stars in your eyes thinking that this is the magic bullet that will do everything for you. Just go into it knowing it's hard work with alot of ups and downs. Good Luck and Congratulations! It's a long journey but well worth it.

I was banded on 10/23/08, so I'm still a band newbie. So far, I have had absolutely no regrets and am down about 13 lbs. I do have some frustration that I'm not losing faster, but since I am a lower-BMI bandster, 13 lbs has made a difference!

I've been keeping a blog, pretty much daily, since right before the surgery. Feel free to check it out -- it will give you some idea of what to expect!

Congratulations on your decision and best wishes for your success!

Catherine

Blog: Chronicles from Band Land

WOW there is some great info here. And a lot of food for thought....no pun intended! :thumbdown: Thanks!