Sometimes I wonder what’s the use? I exercise, but I’m tired while I’m doing it. I feel like it’s not going to work. I went to a seminar yesterday. So what? Everything I do feels like a huge effort Yesterday when my friend and I were getting in to the public transportation to come home, another passenger said, “I think the heavier person should ride in front.” I didn’t hear the entire comment, but I was fairly certain it was about me. My friend basically told her to mind her own business. My trainer is willing to write something as proof that she worked with me; my therapist, I haven’t asked because when I first brought up the subject, she thought it was a “terrible surgery” and that I didn’t need it. My former OA food sponsor says she isn’t “a proponent” of weight loss surgery, but she was willing to write something. I said no, because I wouldn’t want her to do anything that goes against her beliefs, and it probably wouldn’t do any good anyway. Before I exercised, and even while I was, I felt depressed. It’s not as bad now, but it always starts out that way. Who do I think I’m kidding?.

Hi Serenity55,

You sound like you are just having a bad day and feeling overwhelmed. Getting ready for Lap-Band surgery takes quite a long time, and I think it is pretty normal to be questioning whether it is right for you or not. You will find a lot of supporters here. Yes, you will also find those who have had problems. A lot who have had problems have learned that maybe they hadn't quite understood things like how much you have to chew food and how slowly you have to eat and how exercise is so important to success. As you read more of the entries here, you will learn from others mistakes and take encouragement from people who are having success, in spite of a bump here and there in the road. We all wish you the best in your search for what is right for you. For the greatest majority of us, banding is the best answer. Hope you feel some encouragement from all of us.

Hi Serenity,

I have had similar thoughts too. I wondered what's the point, what if I die, what if I give up like I always do and this is just a waste of time....I talked to my PCP about my health in general. I talked to my OB/GYN about my conception problems. I talked to my husband about ways to make us healthier. I talked to my mom about this surgery and the good and bad points...Do you see where I am going with this? You ultimately will make this decision for yourself, but discussing this with friends and family may help encourage you. But first I had to get my mindset right. I had to give up the negative thinking and think positively. It took a while, but I had to think...This will make my life better. I will be able to go running. I will be able to do more things with my husband. I will be able to go swimming and not worry who is watching me. But most of all I will be able to look at that woman in the mirror and know that "she" is there because I cared enough about myself to make a change.

Again, this is all up to you and you may decide that you don't want either type of WLS but whatever you do. Make sure it is the best decision for you. Hope this made some sort of sense.

Cheryl

Thank you Kathy and Cheryl. I know that in spite of my feelings I really want to get a band. I guess I’m frustrated because of insurance, and, I am afraid that I might fail, among other things. The people on this site are fantastic, as you have both proven. The support I’ve gotten has been wonderful, and has kept me on this path, again, in spite of my doubts and fears. Like you, Cheryl, I have visions of being able to do things I can’t do right now, and to rediscover that thinner, healthier me.

Thank you both very much.

Debbie

Your welcome Debbie. Glad we are able to help. I have found alot of support here in these forums. Today why don't you try to start cutting something down to "practice" for the band. When I went for my consult, the Nurse Practitioner told me I couldn't have soda-diet or not! I laughed and said..."uh yeah give up soda? not me!" But the next day I told myself if I am going to do this, I need to do it right. That was May 20. As of today, I have not had one soda! I drink green tea, white tea, water and flavored water. So think of something you foresee yourself having a hard time giving up. Now try to decrease your intake of that for a week and see how it goes. Mine was sodas and I tried for a week and I was okay so I went for the next and the next..etc...lol! As far as insurance, I am going through United Healthcare. Who are you going through? But don't give up girl! Thats the easy part of making any decision-giving up! You can do it!!

Cheryl

Cherylita, the main thing for me to give up would be cookies! I loooove them! Thank you for the suggestion, I will try that.

I have Pacificare, which has been pretty good to me, but the physicians’ group I’m with is asking for all kinds of receipts that I don’t have--receipts from more than twenty years ago. So now I’m trying to get anything I think will help me.

I’d never thought of selfpay because I don’t have that kind of money, but I really want this band! I’m hoping someone in the physicians’ group will be sympathetic, but it’s depressing sometimes.

Hiya Debbie!

Pacificare..hmmm, I haven't heard much in the line of their covering LapBand so I am not sure. There is an insurance forum here that may offer some info. I thought about self pay too. It is expensive but their are some places that offer a credit card type of assistance to cover the procedure I think it is carecredit.com or something like that. My credit...ahhh not so great so I am depending on my insurance lol.

Girl good luck with the cookies because they do call out! lol! I can't believe I haven't had an Oreo in forever!! mmmm Oreos...ok back to the subject! haha... Do you have to stick with the group you are talking to now for the surgery? Maybe you can call your insurance and ask them for a list of Bariatric Surgeons or see if they have anything in their website...?? I'll see if I can find anything about Pacificare for ya. I love to surf the net for stuff! I have to have 5yrs of history, but have never heard of 20yrs! I am sure something will work out!!

Cheryl