Hello wonderful people and Merry Christmas to you all. I have just finished my last supper (brocolli and snap peas with a little teriyaki sauce on it), before I go on liquids tommorrow and have my lap band surgery on Monday (Dec. 22, 2008). I am thrilled about my surgery, yet mentally a bit nervous as to how difficult this journey may be. I have had a serious weight problem since I was about 8 years old. Graduated high school topping off at 280 pounds. It was a very humiliating and frustrating experience to say the least. While most people gain weight in college, I tried to do something and lose weight. I lost approximately 90 lbs. throughout college while on a very strict meal plan/exercise program and graduated with my Bachelor's degree at 190 lbs. It was a dream! However, I joined the work force a couple years ago as an Oil & Gas Abstractor/ Petroleum Landwoman and I slowly let go of my exercise regimen and healthy food diet and have gained close to 45 lbs back. My first instinct is to beat myself up and be ashamed, but that is probably part of the reason I am still dealing with my weight problem. What I really need is to take charge of my health and learn to love myself first and foremost. Then look at why I'm not on my list of priorities. As I prepare for my surgery on Monday, I feel amazed and embarrassed in a way by how I have not taken care of myself and let my health go. However, I am looking forward to the near future and the beginning of another journey to health and self discovery, as cheesy as that might sound. I just feel really grateful to be able to have the surgery, even though it nearly wiped out my bank account. If any of you guys have any suggestions as to what you did to have motivation at the beginning, please share with me. Also, was there a lot of nausea after the surgery? Well, good people, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year's.

All the best,

Lauren :biggrin:

Hey Lauren, Good luck on Monday and let us know how you're doing! -BG

HI,

Good Luck. It is truly a journey. I was banded on 12/9 and I only had real bad nausea because of the anesthia (reaction ti it). Go slow with everything and you should be fine. As far as motivation my young children motivate me to get this done to be able to go and play with them and not get tired. I am having a bit of nausea with the mashed potatoes so I may try to avoid this. But as long as I push the liquids (lemon crystal light has been my friend) I seem to be ok.

Good luck!!!!

Hi Lauren,

I haven't been online here for quite a while-busy I guess, great to hear you are having your band tomorrow. I get mine Dec 23rd, we are only a day apart! I have bounced my weight around since I was about 20, every time I got into a new relationship, I gained, after going through this several times, I lost weight again, down to 184, married the man of my dreams, and gained. Over this last 13 years, tried Jenny, WW, etc..last June weighed 272, my all time high....it's been over a year now that I have been working to make this happen, and now it/s finally here. I did manage to loose 30 lbs since June, so I have a really good head start. Looking forward to having much more energy to spend on my 2 kids, less aches and pains, new clothes! I hope you have a smooth surgery and quick recovery. Take care,

J

Thanks to each of you for your words.... Its been 24 hours now that I have been on a liquid diet and I haven't lost my mind yet . LOL. It hasn't been easy, but I'm ready. Thanks again for your support and I will keep in touch.

lauren :biggrin: