One of my co-workers was commending me for being able to do this surgery. I don't remember the exact words she said, but the ones I think of is STRENGTH and COURAGE. The past couple of days when I ponder the fact that I had the surgery I put my shoulders back and say to myself, "Yeah, it did take alot of strength and courage." I don't say it to be boastful but to acknowledge that I did (WE did) something that not everyone can do. To do something so drastic as have surgery to take back our lives knowing that we may have to PB in public, or turn down our favorite foods for a while or even for a lifetime if we cannot tolerate it, and in most cases to do it alone takes ALOT of STRENGTH and COURAGE!! That is very EMPOWERING!!

Congrats to all of us for being a part of this EMPOWERING JOURNEY!!!

:thumbup:

Awesome way to look at things! Keep up the positive attitude, and it looks as if you are very lucky to have such encouraging friends.

you are 100% right. it took a long time for me to realize that food was an addiction i couldnt beat on my own. it takes a lot of guts to make such a major life change. we all could have kept yo-yo dieting. or even worse sitting on the couch getting fatter.im proud of all of us.

When you mentioned the co-worker, I thought of what happened to me today. I was banded on 6/2 and was out of work for a week. I travel for my job, so the locations I cover only see me once a week or two weeks. So today I visit one of the more remote locations that is about 2 hours from my home. I get there, and one of the ladies there came up to me and gave me a big ole bear hug and told me how much she missed me and how proud she was of me. I was so pleased to get this reaction, it was so refreshing.

It ALSO reminded me of a dear friend that had the gastric bypass about 8 years ago. She hardly told anyone she had the surgery because she thought she was a failure. I told her I thought it was just the opposite, that she took charge of her destiny and made a change, which was courageous and brave. I was thinking about the surgery back then, but knew gastric bypass wasn't for me. It just took 8 years for me to find the right place and right time to do it for me. It's only been 20 days, but so far, I have NO regrets.

I just want to add my version of this story: Day 2 post op my Aunt called me and I was telling her I was doing ok. she said "I just have to tell ya Liz, I am proud ofyou. And not because you are doing something to be healthy, but because you did this on your own. You were brave and mature and made a decision that is life altering w/o anyone else's opinions or concerns and just went for it. That took a lot of guts and strength and I'm beyond proud of you!". <--Most awesomest aunty in the world!!!

I just want to add my version of this story: Day 2 post op my Aunt called me and I was telling her I was doing ok. she said "I just have to tell ya Liz, I am proud ofyou. And not because you are doing something to be healthy, but because you did this on your own. You were brave and mature and made a decision that is life altering w/o anyone else's opinions or concerns and just went for it. That took a lot of guts and strength and I'm beyond proud of you!". <--Most awesomest aunty in the world!!!

That's awesome! It's great to have people like that. It makes us feel so good.

I agree! One thing my husband keeps saying is how proud he is of me and how it's the bravest thing ever. I never thought of it that way, and it's nice to hear!

I am currently waiting for approval from my insurance company, however, I met with my surgeon yesturday and once I am approved I will be banded in August. I am very nervous and would like to know how does your body feel in the first week after surgery? does it hurt really bad?

I have major issues with needles and pain, and I was so scared of that. But, I surprised even myself! No, it is not unbearable. I have had my appendix out, which was an open scar... THAT was horrendous pain afterwards. For this, I barely feel the 4 small scars around my belly. The one in the center is bigger, and yes that one hurts. It's an aching... I think moreso in the muscles. But it's not constant. When I get up out of bed or move the wrong way, yes it's a painful ache... but for the most part, it's tolerable! That is the worst pain for me. Yes, I've had some gas pains, more in the abdomen for me, not sure I've experienced the shoulder pain many talk about. But that's about it as far as pain goes. My body in general feels wiped out, but I think any surgery does that to you... takes a bit to get back to feeling like you. Good luck!

SpudMama, I am so glad you wrote this for everyone. Sometimes on this site the posts can get rather down and it seems like we miss the support for everyone. I am glad for you and everyone who has the band. I was banded on 06-17-09 and will have my first fill 07-07-09 and I can't wait. I haven't lost as much as you so far but I have lost 17lbs. so I feel good. Anything down on the scale is better than up I say.

Andrea, It doesn't hurt that much. A little bruising and discomfort but it doesn't last very long. It was worth it to me.