AnneGG

I guess I would say to that, does a diabetic feel ashamed or weak because they have to take insulin? Is there really any difference? We all need help from time to time, and I am so grateful something like a band is available. That said, I think we all have to say or do what we're comfortable with. I just hate the stigma attached to weight. Actually, doing something like this takes a lot of guts (no pun intended). We all deserve so much credit!

:couch2:Many thanks for the warm welcomes! So, to let you all know a little about me, I'm long time married to my best friend and support person, I have 4 stepchildren and 10 grandchildren, I'm a psychotherapist for 30 years after being an RN, I'm a caretaker par excellance, and I continue to work on including myself in my circle of compassion and care. I'm the only big person in a family of anorexics (not kidding), and have forever gotten and get a lot of flak for my weight (like who wants to be heavy,anyhow?) I never even heard about a Lap-Band until last fall when I asked to see a bariatric surgeon. On my way to the band, I found out I had early stage breast cancer. I had to take care of that, which I am happy to say is now pretty much complete. So now I'm back on track for the band! And that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I look forward to getting to know all of you... PS That's my dog Bramble in the picture. Plus I have a terrific Siamese cat. They're the best support of all almost!

How do I make a check out for "incalculable value"?:wub:

'Spose you could say "Thanks for your opinion, I'll take it under consideration", and then think to yourself "And opinions are like @$$holes, everyone's got one!":biggrin: Works for me. And you are lucky to be a guy in some ways, Bob!

Hi, I'm hesitant about joining in this thread because it's been going on so long plus I have no experience yet, not even a surgery date though I'm told I will be in the latter part of April plus all my belonging issues plus plus plus- breathe! But I love this thread the bestest, and have read it cover to cover, so to speak, and make sure I check it out every day. I just appreciate all of you so much; your journeys including and not limited to your surgery. So, hi! Can I play?:wub:

I'm with ElfiePoo on this one- informed choice and self accountability. It's my only body whether I like it or not, and I'm not a suing kind of person unless something truly deserves it. It is my body and I have to take ultimate responsibility for it and what I do with it (and what harm I've done with it in the past). I think that's the whole point of weight loss surgery- it is elective, which means we are actively choosing responsibility for our health and well-being. That includes choosing my doctor, and researchingresearchingresearching many different venues. That doesn't mean I don't listen to and trust my doc. But I don't expect him to be 100% accountable for me and the consequences of my choices. My doc wouldn't want that, which is part of why I trust him. We have a good adult partnership. So we bargain sometimes- all in my best interest. However, if he insists on my doing three weeks of mushies, then, groan, that's what I'll do.

Bobbie, thanks for your support on this. I am so scared about feeling deprived but I just gotta keep my feet moving...

Thanks for the warning. I've had the patch a couple of times with surgery and haven't had that reaction. Sorry for what you had to go through!

I've been sharing because I'm so excited to find something that will support me. I don't feel at all ashamed or private about it- I've struggled too long with my weight, as I'm sure we all have. When I speak about having the surgery, it somehow reinforces the reality to me. Plus I like for people, even the negative ones (and there have been a couple, but mostly neutral or positive), to help support me in being accountable for what I say I'm going to do. There's a part of me that is just too much of a weasel getting away with justifications, and I need all the support I can get. Also, if it helps someone else, so much the better.

Ticker Tutorial: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/ What I wrote on another thread: I'm sharing the fears like crazy , but I also realize that I'm the most scared before I do something, and once I'm into whatever it is, I'm astonished at what I can actually do. This is a biggie, though. Definitely deals with core issues. Just gotta keep my feet moving and keep practicing... especially with being gentle with myself the way one is with a baby learning to walk. I'm making daily baby step goals for myself, and so far so good. I've got a food journal started, I'm walking daily, and sometimes I practice small bites and chew chew chew. Oh, and not drinking with meals. Plus I'm working at finding good foods I like. I've given up sweet stuff.

You're right, so many questions. Good answers, too, if you keep nosing around the site. I like that the post-band program isn't regimented. Re: the Last Supper Syndrome, I certainly am experiencing the desire for all the things I won't be able to eat so much of, but I'm trying to behave myself. Behaving myself is difficult all by itself, given the rebel that I have been from time to time. But I struggle lots and lots.

:thumbup: 80- 100 protein grams a day? YIKES!!!

Way cool and ROFLMAO thread! I'll work on a limerick or at least a haiku... Thanks!

Lordy, Amy, I share your feelings! I still don't know if I have insurance approval, but my surgeon doesn't think there will be a problem (like what does he know about insurance, anyway), and he's talking about the end of April. One day at a time, one day at a time, and keep practicing is what I keep telling myself. Patience is surely not my strong suit.

I guess what I'm hearing- correct me if I'm wrong- is that there is no right or wrong way to do this thing, that a person has to find what works for them, and that it's a matter of experimentation within guidelines. I'm grateful to hear what does work for people because it gives me ideas for what I can try. It's a lot of Protein we've got to pack in!

Welcome from me, too! I'm still pre-op, another month to go- I'm envious of you sooner! Let us know how things go for you, OK?

Betsy, what would this board do without you? Thanks for your reply. I'm sharing the fears like crazy :thumbup:, but I also realize that I'm the most scared before I do something, and once I'm into whatever it is, I'm astonished at what I can actually do. This is a biggie, though. Definitely deals with core issues. Just gotta keep my feet moving and keep practicing... especially with being gentle with myself the way one is with a baby learning to walk. I'm making daily baby step goals for myself, and so far so good. I've got a food journal started, I'm walking daily, and sometimes I practice small bites and chew chew chew. Oh, and not drinking with meals. Plus I'm working at finding good foods I like. I've given up sweet stuff.

I'm another Greek yogurt lover, especially Chobani 0%. Good stuff and high protein. I like to add stuff, too. Good ice cream replacement for this pre-op kid full of pre-op jitters. I am experimenting pre-op with finding foods and protein powders I like. Now, protein shots- bleegh! They are so small I hope I will be able to slam them down even with the band...

:frown:I haven't seen much on this- I'm pre-op, and I'm going to miss drinking Water or milk or wine with meals. Was giving this up hard for anyone else? Is it hard to get all your liquid requirements in for the day? Any hints for how to do it? By the way, I'm so grateful for this site! Thanks to all of you who are helping the beginning of my journey more than you can know!

Thanks for all the input- I need to ask my dr. if he allows drinking up to a meal.