daisychains7

@Buffalogyrl I think about that daily. I love food more than almost anything even though its hurt me. It's the only "person" that's been there through the worst times of my life. Im amazed I've been able to go 7 days on liquids only & emotionally I struggle. I am also in my early 20s and enjoy socially eating w/ friends. I think that will continue to be part of my life w/ the band but smaller portions, better choices and less frequently. The fact that we are getting banded is the first step towards loving ourselves more than food. Today I sat with my friends at Applebee's watching then eat wings and burgers while I sipped on water. Tough but made it. I just ant wait to be able to eat solid food again and feel like a normal person. lol

yay! I am getting excited too. I am nervous too.. Not about the surgery at all but the lifestyle change. And after this liquid diet i cant wait to progress to yogurt and cream soups in the bear future. Are you getting banded on the 8th like me? Glad everything went well. I hear that problem is pretty common. Is anyone else staying overnight the day of their surgery?

Hey Tiffanie, Thanks for your insight! I am glad youre happy with things now. A band slip sounds horrible and painful. I really need to be careful. So you had gas pain up to 6 weeks after surgery? I am going on vacation a month after mine and I hope I will feel good by then. Not ideal but i had this trip planned a year ago. What kind of foods are you able to eat now? I am on day 7 of pre op liquids and soo anxious to be able to eat real food and learn how to still live my life, but w/ the band. I have about 100 to lose. I will definitely be checking in w/ you. Buddy system helps

Good news, yesterday I was finally able to "go". Feeling a lot better physically and mentally now. I am on day 7 of liquids. Wishing all of you a successful surgery and quick recovery! It is very reassuring to see people post after surgery and say their pain level isn't bad.

Hi Tiffanie! I'm 22 from MN, getting banded on Tuesday. I am nervous but excited too. How are things going for you? Feel free to message me any time. - Natalie

I know how you feel. I've gotten through all my appointments, but being 5 days away from surgery I am now having mini panic attacks about never being able to eat a whole burger (my favorite food) again, or using food to deal with my emotions, and stuff like that. I get so sad even looking at food commercials or restaurants right now. I think feeling overwhelmed is normal with a big life change, especially when we have failed at this in the past. I pray, I come on these boards, talk to my sister, play with my dog to get my mind off of it. Someone on here told me "You didn't gain this weight overnight, and you won't lose it overnight" - how true. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. There will be ups and downs and a year or two from now, you will be better for it. Also, make a list of the 20 reasons you want to lose weight. It can be anything from riding rollercoasters to avoiding health problems. I read mine when I am feeling anxious and it gets me thinking positive again. Feel free to message me any time

Yes, trying to sip on water all day. So far, no difference but I am trying not to freak out like I want to. Lol Welcome to everyone who has just found out they're getting banded this month. I am so happy we can go on this journey together. - Natalie

I am so glad everyone's surgery went well. Feel free to post your surgery day story in the "May Surgery Day Stories" thread. - Natalie

Welcome Jose! You did the right thing by reaching out to the Dr and Surgery Coordinator again. Sounds like you know where you fell down in the past and now you know what to do to get back on track. I know you will reach your goal! I am just at the start of my journey (getting banded on Tuesday) but this is a great place to find support. - Natalie

I am so happy everything went well for you today. I can't believe how quickly you got to go home! For some reason my surgeon has me staying overnight. How did the barium fluid taste? Are you feeling any hunger at this point or feeling disinterested in food?

Ok... I am so frickin sick of protein shakes, broth and jello I could scream!!!! Today is day 5 so I thought I only had 5 more days to go... but I just realized I need to be on clear/full liquids for the 10 days AFTER surgery too. OMG I never want to drink this stuff again. Just had to get that out. How are you feeling Debbie?

Its such a relief to hear that, it helps to hear from someone who has gone through it. Hope to be a a success story like you a year from now. - Natalie

Congrats! 72lbs is amazing. This is encouraging. Are you still able to eat some of your favorite foods? Are you able to go out to eat with friends occasionally or is that a struggle? That's one of my biggest worries. - Natalie

Love the idea of posting our pics in a month. I still need to take full body pre op pictures. I am so sorry!! Was your heart rate just too fast or do you have a heart condition? This is just a hiccup and I know everything will work out for you. - Natalie

Touria, I'm glad the surgery went smoothly. take it easy. Day 5 of liquids hasnt been too bad. Even though I cannot stop thinking about food (penne pasta, goldfish crackers, fried chicken, dq blizzard... Dang commercials!) I dont feel as physically hungry as I did the other days. I am still having REALLY bad constipation though. It's weird... I go 4 times a day but nothing comes out, or very little and it's painful to the point where there is blood. The nurse told me I can take a stool softener so I am going to try that tonight. Just an FYI to anyone about to start the liquid diet. I haven't told many friends either. I had a friend tell me i should just "learn to eat healthy" and my boss told me it was "too drastic" and "you don't need it". My family has been 100% excited for me as well as a couple close friends, and that's all I need. - Natalie

Wow I'm surprised you're already up and alert! Happy to hear it all went well. Keep us updated. - Natalie

Im sorry girl. If you do break down, it's okay. I did and probably will again since I am only halfway through the diet. Lol! I literally feel like my body is rejecting these protein shakes (mood swings, constipation, hunger pains). Once you get emotional, you start wondering "is having the band going to be like this?!" "how will i get through this?". But I actually think this is the hardest part because we need the highest degree of self control, with zero restriction. This is a huuuge change for your body and your hormones are probably all over the place as a result. Have you called your nutritionist or bariatric nurse? They are a good support. We are also here for you whenever you need to vent. Together we will get through this. - Natalie

When i first started the 6 months I was 326 with a BMI of 48. I lost 36lbs and had a BMI of 43 when I got approved. I am 22 with no comorbidities. I think your chances are pretty good. - Natalie

Omg, how cool is that? Sharing this experience will bring you close again. - Natalie

Hi Tara! Congrats on your 110 loss! That is so inspirational to those of us just starting out. I have no doubt you will get down 30 again. All the best. - Natalie

Congrats Ashley! Once you get that date it suddenly feels real. lol. Exciting. - Natalie

Welcome! Everyone on the pre op diet, glad to hear its going well! Take it a day at a time. SupportRO - WOW 10lbs is a great!! Congrats. I weighed myself on my 4th day and I had lost 7lbs. Starting day 5 of liquids now. Ryan - Sounds like you had to jump through hoops to get here. Be proud of yourself. Buffalogyrl - I know it's hard right now and the negative thoughts are clouding out the positive. I'm having many of the same thoughts, especially at night. "will I ever be able to enjoy food again?", "will I ever be able to go to a restaurant with friends and eat like a normal person?" the list goes on. I was eating at restaurants and takeout literally EVERY day before this (huge reason I got to this weight). It was my life. My friends and i love to eat so this is a big concern of mine. If you look at the success stories and post op here, the answer is YES you will be able to do those things again... Just not the way you did before because that is what got people like us to where we are. It will become more about enjoying your friends company than eating a large amount. As for pre-op diet, yes it really, really sucks. But at least you get to eat food right? Most only get liquids. I have to stay 1 night at the hospital too and I'm kinda looking forward to being taken care of. lol. Make a list of why you want to lose weight and look over it when you feel low. Emotional moments and self doubt are normal at a time like this. Chin up, you can and you will do this!!! - Natalie

Look forward to hearing how it goes. sending positive energy your way. - Natalie