Hi all

I posted on this site previously when trying to decide whether to start the process of getting the band. You were all so much help that as soon as I started to panic I realised you're all probably the best people to come to for advice!

In a nutshell, it was suggested by my NHS endocrinologist that I be referred for a band, as I have three autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome, which is making losing weight extra hard and also increasing my risks of further serious health problems a huge amount. I also have issues with food, and eat too much and/or the wrong thing quite often for various reasons, often emotional (I guess that would be a few of us on here!). I also have a big appetite and very rarely get full so even at the best of times it’s tough to . I had my initial appointment in October and they said I appeared to be an ideal candidate but needed to prove I could lose weight. At my appointment on 16th Dec I had only lost half a stone but put on a lot of muscle - I thought they wouldn't offer it to me. However, they are still extremely keen and offered me an op date of 26th March.

It's taken a while to decide to actually have it, but now I have I'm just freaking out completely!! What I am scared of is that I won't be up to the amount of changes that are required - if you eat emotionally I'm guessing that isn't easily changed after the op.

My pre-op instructions are to have 800 calories a day for the two weeks before, and 6 weeks on liquids only post-op, it sounds sooo hard!! I'm also very worried that I won't be able to drink enough (I require about 4-6 litres a day - this has been checked and isn't abnormal, just the way my body seems to work).

I’m not naïve, and I don’t expect the band to fix everything by itself. I already do lots of exercise (5 hrs badminton, 2 hrs gym, 1.5 hrs walking per week), and managed to give up smoking a few years ago so I know I have some willpower. I guess I see it as an extra tool in my pursuit of a healthy weight rather than a fix-all. I just worry that I’m not capable of it, especially the 8 weeks of incredibly strict regime.

Sorry to rant but does I wondered if anyone has any advice?

xxxx

They want you to live on 800 calories and then do liquids for 6 weeks after surgery..Thats a bit extreme l would guess...For me the band was the perfect soluation to over eating..As long as you get your fills to the proper fill you won't be over eating...l grew up in a large Italian family where food was always available and encouraged. l never knew what it was like to feel hunger..l can honestly say, even with my band, l'm eating 1/10 what l would have and l am NOT hungry, ever...The doctor has such controll over you as long as you go to the doctor...l have seen many people fail with gastric bypass, bec the burden is on the patient...lf you use your band correctly it can be your best buddy....lts my 2 year old all over again..l never know quite when he'll act up...Smile an look forward to your future..we have so much hope for sunnier days and brighter tomorrows.

Exmouth, sounds like a long time to be on liquids after banding. I only did for 2 wks 3rd week was pureed then soft foods and work way to reg foods. Pls try to relax. I have autoimmune disease also. my laptop battery is pooping out so will look fwd to hearing fm you later or I will try to find this siteagain and send another message.

feel free to call me 816-377-0130 if you get too freaked or just want to talk about autoimmune disorders and banding. Judi banded 10-3-08