Blondylyn,
I understand your feeling of being "poisoned," but am still glad I had the surgery even after the subsequent two surgeries. The first was due to band slippage; I had a gastric prolapse and nothing could get through. The second was to remove the band itself. I had the same symtoms as with the prolapse, but none of the tests they performed show anything wrong with the band or it's position. I had to go to another doctor because my surgeon basically told me it was all "in my head." I am not the first patient who experienced this attitude from him. I spoke with two other doctors who had in fact dealt with similar cirucmstances some of their patients. After removal, all my symptoms disappeared. I feel WAY better, although I miss having my tool.
Tips I can give you are:
Watch what you eat. I stay as close to how I ate while I had my band. This is sometimes difficult because I will still feel hungry after eating those small portions. I will typically eat fresh veggies and drink water to help.
Exercise. I walk, swim, dance, etc at least 30-45 five days a week.
Do NOT feel guilty after you've eaten something you feel you shouldn't have. I allow myself one day per week to eat a meal I love, regardless of calories, etc. (For me, this is usually Mexican food with the works!! LOL)
Have a code of honor, so to speak. For example, I have decided that I will not eat white rice, and I haven't since I had my initial surgey. I also do not eat potato chips, etc. It doesn't matter if everyone else around me is eating those foods that are on my "NO" list; I simply regard that as non-edible in my world. Does that make sense?
I hope this helps you. Please keep in touch and let me know how you're doing. :-)
