mokat76

I'm starting to have serious second thoughts about going through with my banding (June 8). In addition to the considerable cost, since I'm self-pay, I picked up a copy of my center's pre- and post-op food plans today. As I read through it, all it could think of was it was way too extreme. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but no milk after I'm on "normal" food? A lifetime of food choices that sound like a monk would start complaining about the austerity? For all of you who have had the surgery and are doing well, is this (my freaking out) normal? How do you re-educate your tastes? How long does it take to adjust? How long before you can even hope to eat normal food so you don't look like a dietary freak show in public? I'm a very private person and really don't want to broadcast my surgery, but how do you get around that in the first several weeks? Like many of you, I'm sure, food has always been a part of socializing. Do you get over that? Thanks. Please help talk me off this ledge! :help:

Hi, all. I've finally reached my breaking point. I've done the Weight Watchers thing and regained the weight (more than once). I'm sure a lot of you know that old, sad story. My brother had gastric bypass; no way am I going there, but I've had my initial appointments/counseling about banding. I'm not sure whether to tell a lot of people. I'm inclined to not go there; I hate the judgmental looks/snarky comments. Funny, though, I did tell my boss, who is also a friend. When I did, her eyes lit up; she's considering it, too. I know my future holds diabetes, hypetension...I want to get a handle on it now while I'm still just a cranky, but fairly healthy, middle-aged woman rather than becoming a sick, feeble, bitter old woman. I'll have to self-pay. I'm not quite "fat" enough, and it seems silly to eat even more to reach the magic 40 BMI. Plus my insurance only does bypass, not banding. So, I'm a newby and looking forward to the advice and support I can get from y'all. I have one question for those of you who've done it and are into the normal eating part of it. How do you manage the work-related food functions and lunches w/ the office gang? How did you get over the "clean plate club" mentality? OK, that's two questions, but you know what I mean. Thanks. Kat

Y'all convinced me. I'm going to do this!! Thanks for the advice and support. It's good to have a group like this out here for folks like me. Kat

Our office isn't known for its love of healthy choices either. Good idea about keeping something in the desk. I love the idea of being able to stop at a small amount rather than stuffing myself. Just because someone brings breakfast tacos doesn't mean I have to eat two of them! Of course, at this point that's exactly what I do.

Chatgirl, good to hear from a newby. Glad to hear it's working out for you so far. My mind is almost totally made up; only the financial hit is between me and banding, I think. But I'm coming up with a plan for that, too, so I hope to join the ranks of the banded in May or June.

Thanks for the great advice! That makes all the sense in the world to me. And CONGRATULATIONS on reaching your goal weight. You go, girl!!!