Linda P

Hi, my name is Linda. I am just finishing a year long program to prep for LapBand surgery. During the summer I lost my husband of 38 years to a heart attack. I thought at first that I would just discontinue my program, I didn't feel I could go on; but I returned to my program after 2 months. I knew that my husband would want me to be healthy and not lost in grief to my detriment. I had gained 12 - 15 pounds very quickly after his passing. It was a real struggle to take it back off so I would qualify to be presented. At first I was very resistant to having to go through the nutritionist, physical therapist, psychologist, and support groups; now I am so thankful that they were required. I have learned so much about not only the whole surgical process and how to maximize the effeciency of the surgery, but also about my self and how I deal with the ups and downs of life. We did the program in small groups and I found a new friend in my group and she has been a great support and help. I highly recommend learning as much as you can about the surgery and the necessary diet, and finding some good support systems to help you through the hard parts. My best wishes to you all for success and joy in your life. Linda P.

Yes, regular exercise has been the one thing that has kept me feeling good, both physically and mentally. I do laps and range of motion exercises in the pool, usually 5 - 7 days a week. I'm not able to walk due to knee condition and it is difficult to do floor exercises due to my lower back pain. I'm lucky we have a great county pool only a short drive away, and usually good enough weather to swim year round. I've been doing the pool routine for over a couple of years, and yet haven't lost a lot of weight, inches yes, but weight still bobbling around the same numbers on the scale. I also have an inactive thyroid (take synthroid) as well as diabetes, the exercise really helps me keep the diabetes under control. Sometimes I really have to "drag" myself to the pool, but once in I don't want to get out, being "weightless" in the water seems like the only time I really feel graceful anymore. Thank you all for your encouragement and kind remarks. I appreciate it.

Thank you Juli, it has been rough. I guess there are phases to grief, sometimes I am okay, and sometimes I cry at the simple mention of anything to do with him. I know I am crying for myself, for my loss of his physical presence, since I truely feel that he is now soaring in spiritual freedom... and his presence in my heart is the same it has been for all these years. Well hey girl, you have been amazingly successful, what a great inspiration. What do you think has helped you the most? And what has been the best benefit you feel you have gained from losing so much weight? Have you had any cosmetic surgery?

I also had a hard time with journaling my diet, however, when I did finally get down and do it I learned a lot about my self, and my perception of how much I consumed. My advice is that you be honest in your journaling, it's the only way you will find out how to get a grip on your eating habits. The surgery will not automatically cure your obesity, you will have to be committed to taking better care of yourself than you ever have in the past. To be successful and to stay healthy you will need to know how to eat the best nutritious foods, take the vitamin supplements you will need, maintain your hydration with proper liquid intake, and avoid some of the problems that can occur when you don't do those things. Changing nutritionists won't solve your problem. Write it down, it will be an enlightening experience. Educate yourself, take responsibility for your own body. Best of Luck to you. Honestly, I wish you the very best. Linda P.

Hi, You've decided to take a giant step in your life and all the information and support you can gather around you will be helpful. I am in an HMO organization and have had to go through almost a whole year of prep before being presented for LapBand surgery. In small groups we met 4 times with a nutritionist and have been given a whole binder of info about the effects of the surgery, the necessary diet, the necessary supplements, and more. I was irked at first that I would have to wait over a year for the surgery, but now I am so glad that I have learned all this stuff, I think it will be much more successful than if not. It was also necessary for us to see the psychologist, physical therapist, nutritionist, and physician regularly throughout this prep period. Remember the surgery is not a magic cure, it will take some hard work and adjustments on your part to make it successful... please educate yourself well about the procedure and the necessary diet adjustments you will have to go through. Also look at the differences between lapband and regular gastric bypass so you are sure you are getting what will work best for you. Best of luck to you. Linda P.