Hello,
I was told to share my story, so here I am. I am a single mom of an adult daughter and a handicap teenager. Two years after being diagnosed with diabetes I decided to have the lapband. I'm in Springfield, MA. and chose Dr. Fiallo as my surgeon. After dealing with a lot of hurdles, I finally had the surgery done on April 7th, a week and 2 days ago. There has been days when I feel awefully weak. I don't really feel hungry. I try to stay hydrated. My daughter's help has been a blessing, especially in the first days when you can't really be walking around and don't want to be in a kitchen. It is important to alternate your liquids so you don't get bored. Hot tea, protein shake, popsicle, apple juice, protein drink, warm chicken broth, (I had mine with v8 so it was a bit richer and more flavorful, especially because I don't really like v8) Needless to say these drinks are sugar free, low sodium, and my chicken broth, since I couldn't find fat free I got a 99% fat free broth and my doctor said it was fine. I rest when I feel weak, and when I feel better I go out on the porch, walk to the yard and come back in. I have tried to play with our puppy but sometimes I get extra tired if I do that, (just 5 minutes or so, I feel tired) So I avoid it. Focusing on what I can eat, the next stage and the future long terms plans of eating takes a great deal of time. But it's well worth it. I am planning to use Richard Simmon's Deal a Meal again, as a combined tool to help me manage portions and food intake. I had lost 50 pounds in the past with deal a meal, but always lost my way somehow, let them go, gain weight back. I was so frustrated about this yo yo life, so frustrated with myself. The psychological repercussions it had for me, how being overweight interrupted my love life, affected my relationships, not because of them, but because of me! I was about to throw the towel. That's why I decided to band. I hope it works. I am also planning on using a psychological approach to weight loss book and workbook such as LOVE HUNGER or MADE TO CRAVE. I have read love hunger and it is very good. I have not read made to crave, but have been told that is good too, although with a spiritual or religious base, don't know which one. It has been 9 days since surgery. I weighed 232 the day before surgery. My constant long term weight had been 230. Today I weighed myself at 219. I am counting on the band to help, but above all counting on people's support, friends that I may meet, people on the same journey that can understand and GOD to send good vibes, good energy, and guide me. Be blessed all, I am Terry, the lonely mom.
