Ok so I know I need to do this but being a food addict it is hard to think I will never be able to eat like I once did when i really liked something. Now I know that is why I am fat but was anyone else scared like I am. :thumbup: I have neer had a major surgery so that adds into my trepidation. It would really help to know others felt this same way and how you dealt with these thoughts! I get banded on Monday the 27th. I have no doubt that this will be the best decision of my life but I am very worried. I am worried that I will look like a freak when I am out eatting (eventually) because I don't eat as much as others. I am not married so eventually dating will come into play and that of course worries me. I guess I am making a big deal and thinking that other people are going to be playing so much attention to what I eat. Any advice?

Oh Ali -- I feel the same way :thumbup: I have a lot of pressure in my chest right now from all the anxiety. I also am single and am so concerned at how I will be perceived by men when I eat.

Just think, instead of having a huge plate of food in front of you ladies, you will have smaller portions making you look like dainty young ladies. It's not so bad! Please don't worry, you will see that everything is going to be fine. Your relationship with food is going to change for the better.

Ali, I am so with you on this. My surgery is next friday, and I have been doing the shakes for 7 days now. I try not to be around my family when they eat, but it is hard. I see what they are eating and keep wondering what the heck I was thinking when I started this. Then I remembered. I want my kids to be healthy and I don't want to die.

As scared as I am to let go of my food addiction, I"m more scared of missing out on my kids future. I worked so hard to get them and I"m not ready to let them go yet.

I don't know if that makes sense or not, but that is what's working for me.

I hope that helps.

Sheri

My surgeon's office preaches protein. The protein will help to reduce the hunger and stand by you longer. Buy some IDS or protein bullets to get you through this.

Dont stress, you can still eat most of your favorite foods just very little of them and in strict moderation. Remember this is a tool, to help, let it do its job.

Sorry to sound IT challenged, but how do you get that tracker thingy on your posts?

That's such an important point, shelystar. I have found that, because the band helps me control my portions, I can actually ENJOY eating favorite treat foods now and then and not have to feel guilty afterward because I overstuffed myself. I am finally starting to lose the self-conciousness I've always felt when eating out, am finally getting over that feeling of worry that everyone is watching what I eat and how much and judging me, thinking "no wonder she's so fat." The physical need to eat everything on my plate (or everything in sight!) has gone away, and that has made it possible for me to overcome the mental desire to gorge as well. I'm not perfect by any means, but the band has changed my life so much for the better. I never thought I'd be able to get past the "head hunger" that has been my demon all my life. I've tried everything, and I finally feel like I've found the tool that works for me.

Sorry to go on forever--just wanted to share and send out my support to you all. Feel free to message me anytime if you want to chat.

Val

I used to see a food therapist because I'm an overeater. Maybe you should seek out someone to talk to as well, you never know how it might help.