Feeling like a $15,000 failure!

[cherylanne 0]

I just want to say one more thing. I agree this is a head game and I have not had an easy time of it either. I disagree with the above comment about low carb being deprivation. It works for me and I don't feel deprived, it is more of how we should be eating with or without a band. Protein and Veggies. With a bunch of carbs no one will lose weight. You have to do what works best for you and this is working for me. It sucks I agree, I am having a hard time with what a half cup looks like because I am not chaining myself to the measuring cup the doc gave me. I am basically having to retrain myself and years of bad habits and thinking and it is not easy. Good luck and don't give up. Also I am trying not to have a panic attack over the credit card bill that just came in with my surgery cost on it.

[DizzyLizzy 21]

Thank you! That is a big part of it too! My cousin had lapband, her insurance covered it, she didn't tell anybody, so it was just all of a sudden, ta da!!!! She was losing weight and losing it fast. Me, I'm a horrible liar so I don't even attempt. I of course had to tell my boss, because my surgeon is 4 hours away so every time I saw him I had to take the full day off work. I only told a couple of co-workers because I was caught in a position where our group was planning holiday outings which happened while I was on my liquid pre-op at a restaurant and I didn't want to lie about why I wasn't eating or why I didn't show up. Had to tell my immediate family and my mother in law because they watched the kids while I was out of town for surgery. So, I didn't blab, but of course people can't keep their mouths shut. I'm not ashamed of having surgery but people so, so yes, in addition to me having to watch myself, others are watching too! They don't say anything really (not to my face anyway), just ask how it's going, so it's not pressure, but just knowing, everybody's watching! Then to top it off all the money. It's just frustration after frustration after frustration, you know. And I'm normally a level headed person, always thinking things out, always got a plan A, B, C, & D, always pretty positive and seeing the silver lining, but this is just blowing my mind! No matter how hopeful I am, I cannot and will not deny my frustration with the whole thing.

With that said, I have not given up, I will not give up. I'll keep working at it (in fact getting ready to work out for the 3rd day in a row) and try to have some patience.

Good news is: I can now do a 1 1/2 miles on the treadmill with no problem. Before, my leg that I had 2 surgeries on used to give me fits after about 10 minutes!

[illuminationlady 7]

I only told my family and my best friend. I am in the same situation as the OP. Only 12 lbs lost. What do I say when people (who love me) ask, "How much have you lost? What do you all say? Any suggestions whould be greatly apprecitated.

[jujuvee 0]

You say your 12 lbs proudly!!!!! Because a loss is a loss... People have soooo many misconceptions about lapband... It's a slow steady process and more times then not we have to educate those around us of that... 12 lb loss is better then a 12 lb gain and soon you will be saying 15 lbs lost!!!

[jujuvee 0]

I get asked every week at work and now tell them that I only weigh once a month and it's I'm enjoying non scale victories too.. Like smaller clothes and more endurance, that usually shuts them up!!!!!!

[JoJo1 0]

I have to add a few things to these posters thoughts!! Sounds like you are being beat up just a little by them. They are trying to hold you up just like I am. You mentioned that you have been overweight your whole life and feel like you are alone in this. I have been reading these posts for quite some time, and I believe you are definitely not alone in this, in fact the majority of the people who have been banded have been overwsweight most if not all of their lives. I too have been fighting it for as long as I can remember. I am 58 years old and can remember when everyone dieted low or no carb in the 60s.

I think our perception of time is another issue here. Every time I have started a new diet, my perception of time gets messed up. I weigh myself after the first week and feel like I have been starving forrever. I usually lose more the first week and then get the idea in my head that I am on the right track and then get excited. Then of course the next week, I either don't lose or lose only a timy bit. Just like on the Biggest Loser, they are usually dissappointed in the second week. I always kept up the diet for at least a few more weeks but eventually became so frustrated, I gave up and went on a binge. Any of this sound familiar? I don't think I am alone in this either.

This is sort of like the place you are now. Your perception of time after one month seems a little silly to those of us who have been at it longer but we have all been there. I just try to find other things to do when I am feeling like you are right now. I go for walks, read self help, read a novel, or find a good TV show. You will be fine and a new much thinner you is just waiting to come out and greet the world. Hugs!!

[DizzyLizzy 21]

I only told my family and my best friend. I am in the same situation as the OP. Only 12 lbs lost. What do I say when people (who love me) ask, "How much have you lost? What do you all say? Any suggestions whould be greatly apprecitated.

I just tell them the truth, that's all I can do.

Another thing I'd like to mention in general, these forums and posts mean many different things to many different people. Some people, such as myself when I posted this, just need to vent, some want to share inspiring or encouraging news (I hope to have some of that really soon!), and some just want to tell their story.

I think it's important, whatever the post is or whoever the post is from, to not belittle them in any way. Every victory and/or set back no matter how small it may seem to you obviously means something more to the poster or they wouldn't have posted!

Good luck everyone!

[Calli 18]

It looks like you are having 2 Protein Shakes and three meals. I am starting my third week and the doc told me to go off the Protein shakes and get my protein from my three meals (good quality food) eat the protein first and then the carbs.