I am having second thoughts. I don't think I can do this. I don't think I can or want to give up food. I am already failing on the pre-op diet...I can't go all day without eating...the protein shakes aren't enough to help me make it without food.

I think I need to cancel my surgery for June 4th. I think if I have the band put in I will still fail.

I don't know what to do. :thumbs_up:

Wow. I thought it was just me.

Today I went in for my surgeon consultation. I was very nervous because I have been having those same thoughts...I’m going to fail, ‘cause I always fail.

Well, all day I thought about my appointment and it’s not that I am talking myself into the surgery but for once I decided to look at the positive side of how it might affect my life. I also begin to think that a year from now I’ll probably still be around (with God’s help) and I’ll either be working toward a better life or working against it, with or w/o the band. But what a better chance I would have to be working toward a better life if I had the band…I need that kind of control.

So my advice to you is visualize where you want to be a year from now and decide how you can best get there.

Thanks BanTam. I guess I am just feeling unworthy right now and so afraid I won't make it work. Why should this work when nothing else has...ya know?

Everyone will say how the band is a tool. I see the band as my partner. My band will help me be strong.

I'm a private pay patient and believe me, I have guilt! I mean, what I loser I must be to have to have surgery just to lose weight. BUT put the shoe on the other foot and I wouldn't hesitate to pay over this amount of money for a loved one to have a heathier life.

You can do it but it is a committment.

Hey don't give up. I know it is hard. Trust me, I am thinking of food too, but right now, the ability to walk with no pain, and to look good is overpowering this need over food.

Breath, drink water and count on me if you need some help....

Paty

BanTam,

I've been thru the whole "what kind of lose am I" thing too. I agree with you completely, I know it is a tool I just hope it is the right tool. :thumbs_up: Thanks for your support.

Thanks Paty. :thumbs_up:

I have to tell you, there was no way I could last on the pre op diet of shakes either that we had, I spoke with the nutritionist for my doc and we agreed that I would follow the cals for the day but could do it with real food instead since I didn't like to eat a bunch of chemicals anyway plus knowing that just drinking would so not fill me up, so a typical day had oatmeal (plain) raspberries, best life yogurt with kashi, apples and string cheese and lean cusines. Our limit was 775cals, I did more like 1100 a day, lost 15lbs pre op and also walked to ensure the loss. Good luck, maybe consider the idea of real food instead of shakes, just get through this short while before surgery and you'll be ok.

I only had a 5 day preop. And all but the two days before, I did an atkins type diet. Hardly any carbs will help shrink the liver also. I did chicken broth, apple juice clear liquids 2 days before surgery........It was a breeze. Post op, it was amazing just how full you get on half a cup of broth. Sugar free ice pops were my best friend....still are

Don't throw in the towel.... pre-op is tough, but the de-carbing is, in my opinion, the most important so that your body will burn the fat around the liver so that the doctor can access your stomach.

Here's my experience:

I was banded March 20th. Post-op for two weeks, I was barely hungry because my stomach is still aggitated. By week three, i was eating pretty much normally again (despite the fact i should have still been on mushies.) with no restriction in the band, my consumption pretty much resumed to its normal rate. I wasn't worried and didn't feel guilty because i knew it would work eventually. First fill, yes, had some restriction but not enough. Second fill, which is where i am now - much much better. the band will FORCE you to slow down, take smaller bites, make different choices, stay satisfied longer. Otherwise you will feel ill.

I may not be losing as fast as some (down 13 pounds) but my challenge is alcohol - i am very social, and that is part of my life. So even without having to take that away, i'm still losing weight.

Don't give up!! I might be able to help you! My doctors nurse give me a few helpful hints to help me through that period. Hopefully you got more vanilla than chocolate drinks, if not see if you can exchange them. Then you can get some fat-free, sugar-free puddings & jellos (I liked the banana pudding and the strawberry banana jello) and fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, peaches ect. and blend a small amount of each (4to 5 small pieces of fruit) to the shake with water and a glass of crush ice. You feel like you you're having a smoothie!!! You can even add the fat free-sugar free chocolate syrup to the vanilla. I was allow to have broths which I added Mrs. dash. Believe me this works. I am now 2 weeks post banding and so glad that I didn't give up. I've lost 25 lbs. since my surgery of course they finally got my thyroid back in order also! If I can help you at all just give me a yell!

Gosh look it how you are now! Just think you thought you can't do it!

I see in your profile you got the band.

Way to go!