Ravey

Hi there in Fort Smith. I'm three months since banding and I can honestly say that it's the best thing I have ever done for myself. As the weight comes off, I feel better, look better, breathe better, move better . . . I don't wish I could eat like I used to. In fact, I don't miss is at all. When I think of buffets before, I can't believe I used to eat that much. Now I eat so little, and yet feel so satisfied. I was at a buffet supper at a dinner theatre last week and the chef carving the beef asked me why I had so little on my plate. I answered that it was all I needed. And it was all I wanted as well. And as to not being able to eat things I used to enjoy, if I really want to eat something, then I do. I have one bite of it. I enjoy that bite. I eat it slowly. I savour it. I take as long to eat that one bite as it takes everyone else to eat an entire serving! I don't feel deprived. I can have my treat and still lose the weight. So instead of thinking of your old life ending (the last buffet, the last pizza party . . . ) look ahead with great anticipation of your new life. I wish you success and happiness - you deserve it.

and Tuesday was the first day of the rest of my life. I'm 50 years old, female. Any other "oldsters" out there? My starting weight was 314, was 289 on surgery day. Everything seems just fine so far.

Went to a farewell for a co-worker after work today and was a little lost. I don't drink - my usual bar drink was always club soda with lime - and I couldn't think of a low-cal, non-alchoholic, non-carbonated beverage to order. I asked for a glass of water with a lemon wedge. Then, of course, there was the food. It was supper time and I was, as usual, really really hungry (only had one fill so far, certainly not at my "sweet spot" yet) and there were nachos and wings. I had a small plate of nachos and 2 wings. then, I thought, I can't drink my drink now. What a rookie. Can someone help me here? I hardly ever go to the bar, but there's another work-related gathering coming up . . . .

I experienced exactly the same thing right after surgery - an incredible crawling-across-the-desert-only-to-find-it-was-a-mirage thirst. It stopped abruptly when I stopped taking the prescription pain medications. Hope it's the same for you. All the very best on your journey.

Hi Elizabeth, and WELCOME! You've come to the right place for information and support. I wish you all the very best in preparation for surgery and the journey ahead.

Thanks so much for your post. It makes me feel supported in my own decision for privacy. At work, I had to tell my boss I was having surgery, but I didn't say what for, and he didn't ask. At home, my husband and kids know, and I chose to tell only one friend and one sister-in-law. Not my own sister or mom. I don't really have a reason why I told some and not others, and I don't feel I need to justify it to anyone. I love them just the same, and I'm sure there are things in their lives that they haven't shared with me. As for weight loss, that's just fine if everyone knows I'm dieting. I need lots of support there and I sure love the compliments when someone notices I've lost weight. (I also don't then need to explain why I mix dry curd cottage cheese in with my no-fat yogurt in the coffee room!!) All the best to you.

My appt with the psychologist was excellent. I was sent a lengthy questionnaire beforehand to complete and we went over it together at the appointment. Basically, she was making sure that I was mentally and emotionally in the right place for having this major, life-altering procedure done. The questionnaire asked many questions relating to behaviours associated with all the various eating disorders. It also delved into when I eat and why I eat. There was a section on moods and emotions (looking for signs of depression, I gathered) and questions about relationships and support systems. In a nutshell, it was determining that I was the right person having the procedure done for the right reasons at the right time. I found it a very open, positive, and affirming process and I look forward to seeing her again in three months. And to be honest, I'm really glad it wasn't just a quick glance-over. I went into surgery feeling very very sure that I was doing what was best for me. All the very best to you on your journey.

Congratulations. So happy for you. I'm only 7 days ahead of you so we can travel together. All the very best!

Hi Bry and welcome. The best info and personal story I read when making my decision about getting the surgery (banded aug 10) was from Elana at bandster gal.blogspot.com. She also has amazing youtube posts. I strongly recommend reading and watching her story. All the very best with your decision and your journey.

:thumbup:Hi Thanks for responding and for your good wishes, everyone. So, your surgery is on Tuesday. That's so exciting. I had to wait from May to August so I was SO ready. How am I doing? This week I was off work, but I'm going back tomorrow and feel more that ready for it. Healing is going well, no pain, only a little tugging on the stitches getting in and out of bed. So far, so good - I'm still 100% pumped about the whole process. I'm having no problem cooking for my family while on this liquid diet, for which I'm thankful. All the very best to you on Tuesday. Let us know how it goes.