Mari

Hi there, I have been a 'lurker' for months now, and have obtained great information, encouragement and strength through this site. I am one of the unfortunate ones, who have to be extremely patient and wait another year for the band, as I have to wait for government funding (I am UK based). Having this site to turn to in times of doubt and hopelessness helps me understand and prepare for the future in the best possible way. Both negative and positive stories interest me as I would rather know the truth and be ready than have unpleasant surprises. So a huge thank you to all of you for your thoughts, ideas and general support of each other. It is inspiring and I know that I will be in touch when I finally get to be banded. Until then, I will continue to "lurk and learn". Best wishes to you all Mari

Dear Sunny I hope you are feeling better and have found some peace of mind. I would also recommend maybe seeing a counsellor, just to have somebody to talk through your worries. I just know from personal experience how talking can help you look at things diferently and move on with more ease. I look forward to being banded myself, but it is a very long wait. I live in the UK and would love to know which UK site you subscribe to here. It would be of great value to me to get some 'local' input and advice while I am waiting. With much respect and awe for your great weight loss,:clap2: Mari

Hi there I live in the UK and just ordered on Amazon: Before & After: Living & Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Susan Nuziato Leach and Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery: The Delicious Way to Eat in the Months and Years After Surgery by William B. Inabnet I am looking forward to reading them as a preparation for my operation, which will be hopefully in early spring next year. I need to stay inspired to make the waiting time go faster. Reading this Forum sure helps as well! I would also love to have some more ideas from those who've been there, especially ideas for food just after the op (liquid diets), as I don't think much of the products you can get in the USA are available here. Cheers Mari

Hi Bella I so share your feelings and often have black thoughts about the way I look. I am waiting for my first appointment with the surgeon, and that is just for a pre-visit, still have long to wait. I hope to get banded early next year. So like Traciat said, I don't have to worry too much about Christmas and the food (although I shall not be overeating). I just couldn't face having to be on a liquid diet around that time of year. Traciacat, your advice is precious - I feel like it was written to me, that's how much it makes sense! I also try to remember how well my body works compared to some people worse off than me. However, the focus seems to creep back on the weight issue whether I want it or not. I mean, it is just so in my face all the time, right? But I shall keep working at pulling my mind back from the 'black hole' when it hits me. Bella, all my best wishes and encouraging thoughts go to you - hang in there Mari

Hi Brad, My name is Mari, I've just recently decided to go for the band and am waiting for doctor's letter with surgeon's appointment. I live in the Uk and will have to go to London for this and am very anxious about the whole procedure. But what has helped me is reading loads of the entries on this forum, the negative as well as the positive stuff. The last one that really inspired me was one by JamesA called "My lengthy (and somewhat) detailed journey of being banded" (General Lap-Band Discussion). He gives a fantastic description of the op and his stay in Mexico and gave me hope and some consolation. Have a read and see what you think. I have the same thoughts as you as to whether I will be able to change by relationship with food, but I hope that being restricted in what quantities I can eat will change my thought patterns and slowly help me heal emotionally and physically. I have been overweight all my adult life and feel the band is the ultimate way to go. I am hoping to have the op done in Spring next year but wish it was earlier. I just want to shed this armour that holds me back physically. Wishing you all the best in your journey, and as somebody already said, take your time and do the necessary research. Mari

Thanks so much Paul and Elisabeth! I am thrilled to have taken the step to post, so much support! Paul, I was touched by your sentence "helping her live again" when being able to feel your wife's portal under the skin. That is how I feel about this: it will give me a new lease of life. A new chance to heal, to finally win the battle with weight and be stronger. Logging off for the day, UK time. Looking forward to reading more tomorrow! Cheers Mari

Hi Kathy! It is so encouraging that people take the time to send kind and uplifting messages, thanks for that! I guess when you have been there yourself it is easier to imagine how somebody is feeling. From your stats it looks like you have been on a long and successful journey, well on the way to reaching your goal. Congratulations! I hope to be able to say that about myself this time next year. Now how's that for a positive statement! Cheers Mari

Thanks for your reply, Linda, very helpful. It is impossible to imagine how it will all feel, so your feedback is so important to me. And I've learned a bunch from reading other entries on this forum, both the good and the more negative stuff. I believe in being prepared for what's coming as best I can. Now I just have to be patient and wait for my GP and surgeon to get it together and come back with a date, hopefully Spring next year. Thanks again Mari

Hi there, I am new to this forum and think I posted my message incorrectly the first time around. So here I go again: Another newcomer Hi guys, hope it is OK for a UK girl to write to you all? I find this forum extremely helpful and am hoping to get some good advice and guidance. Taking a big breath ..... I am in the preliminary stages of setting up appointments for the op and am very nervous and excited at the same time. I am hoping to have it done in London beginning 2007 and the thought of being in a position to finally do something about my weight is what drives me. I have a couple of questions that no-one around me can answer (I don't know anyone who has had it done): 1. Do you feel the LB once it has been 'installed'? I mean, besides not being able to eat much, can you actually sense it there all the time? 2. Can you feel the portal under the skin? 3. Do any of the above stop you from doing any physical activities? 4. How do you cope mentally/emotionally with the changes? I know for a fact that I will have to work hard at changing my relationship with food: no more comfort eating, a complete life change. Many thanks in advance for any advice and feedback. Mari :mad:

Hi guys, hope it is OK for a UK girl to write to you all? I find this forum extremely helpful and am hoping to get some good advice and guidance. Taking a big breath ..... I am in the preliminary stages of setting up appointments for the op and am very nervous and excited at the same time. I am hoping to have it done in London beginning 2007 and the thought of being in a position to finally do something about my weight is what drives me. I have a couple of questions that no-one around me can answer (I don't know anyone who has had it done): 1. Do you feel the LB once it has been 'installed'? I mean, besides not being able to eat much, can you actually sense it there all the time? 2. Can you feel the portal under the skin? 3. Do any of the above stop you from doing any physical activities? 4. How do you cope mentally/emotionally with the changes? I know for a fact that I will have to work hard at changing my relationship with food: no more comfort eating, a complete life change. Many thanks in advance for any advice and feedback. Mari :mad: