Hi all! I'm a newbie to this forum..sorta. I've been lurking, reading messages and articles etc. But here it is. Monday, January 12th is my beginning. I have my seminar tonight. My wonderful husband who is so supportive in this is going with me thankfully. I guess I just have a few questions:

*Do you guys ever fear you're going to "mess" it up? I'm not sure what you could mess up, but its a fear of mine.

*Is the sliming and getting stuff stuck, is that frequent? Does it happen forever? How do you cope with it, especially in public?

*Speaking of in public, how do you eat with out being noticed when you're out with coworkers or friends?

I guess these are really my three biggest fears of having the surgery, so if anyone could ease my worrying with their experiences, thatd be awesome. I look forward to having a great journey through this with all of you! :thumbdown:

*Do you guys ever fear you're going to "mess" it up? I'm not sure what you could mess up, but its a fear of mine.

This was a fear of mine in the beginning. I had failed at weight loss so many times that I feared that this would be just another failure to add to the list. But the band is not foolproof. It is a tool that definitely takes works on your part. You still need to choose the right foods, not eat between meals and follow all the bandster rules if you are going to be a success. You need to identify the difference between real hunger and head hunger, the band will deal with your true hunger but you have to deal with the head hunger.

*Is the sliming and getting stuff stuck, is that frequent? Does it happen forever? How do you cope with it, especially in public?

The sliming and getting stuck for the most part is controlled by you. Unless you are too tight, these problems are the result of you not eating right. If you eat slowly, take small bites and chew well you can avoid the problem. There may still be foods that you can't tolerate well. I tolerate most foods but some take more work than others. When out, order foods that you know are safe.

*Speaking of in public, how do you eat with out being noticed when you're out with coworkers or friends?

I think most people are going to notice that you are eating less. How you handle that is your choice. Pretty much everyone in my life knows I am banded so that is not an issue for me. If you are keeping your band a secret you can tell people you are on a diet or that you are not very hungry.

Edited January 12, 200917 yr by Jodi_620

Hi i know how you feel and am asking the same questions. I am being banded on the 6th Feb. Also have the most wonderful supportive husband. Scared and excited about this journey. This is like a brand new life and a learning focus. I am doing this to take the weight off my hips and knees as I do not want my husband to look after me in my old age with a hip joint operation. I want to run up hills and do crazy things like bungee jump. Love to talk to you more as I am exactly at the stage of my journey as you are. I am very grafteful for the advice from this website and the members. it has answered so many of my questions. Blessings to you

*Do you guys ever fear you're going to "mess" it up?

I'm afraid of slipping occuring, which is why I chew everything until it's liquid before I swallow. This is next to impossible with meat, so I'm basically vegetarian, not by choice. Trust me- after that surgery, there is NO WAY I will "mess" it up intentionally!

*Is the sliming and getting stuff stuck, is that frequent? Does it happen forever? How do you cope with it, especially in public?

I had my band placed December 30th and have yet to experience sliming or stuff getting stuck. Perhaps this is merely an issue once the port has been filled. I have another 4 weeks before this occurs, though.

*Speaking of in public, how do you eat with out being noticed when you're out with coworkers or friends?

Opt for Soup. No one will say anything, because many "normal" eaters get soup for an entree anyway. You could also opt for a salad, once you're allowed to eat solid foods again. Not to sound rude, but, chances are, if you were approved for the LB, you aren't exactly the skinny kid who can get away with eating a cheeseburger and fries. Opting for healthier choices wont look suspicious, no matter how little you eat!

*Do you guys ever fear you're going to "mess" it up? I'm not sure what you could mess up, but its a fear of mine.

I'm always afraid I'm going to eat too much or something too big and make the band slip. It hasn't happened.

*Is the sliming and getting stuff stuck, is that frequent? Does it happen forever? How do you cope with it, especially in public?

I've never had anything stuck. I've never slimed or PBed. I never got or haven't yet gotten any of the bad things associated with the band.

*Speaking of in public, how do you eat with out being noticed when you're out with coworkers or friends?

I'm a very open person, so EVERYONE knew I was getting the band. I love going out to eat and it costing soooo much less!!