Getting the Band on the 25th - Saying Hello

[Vicki M 0]

Well, I'm getting the band next Tuesday. I haven't been to the fourm before, probably not wisely. I have read several books about it. I started in October and am self pay. I've had a lot of treatment for the emotional side of my eating and have been pretty much past that. I just love food. For 5 years I was in OA and did nothing but the program, diet and exercise for the first one. I lost weight for the first 8 months and maintained for the next 4 years. Gradually, I began eating more. My portions got to be outrageous. I didn't graze or eat all day long. Sometimes I just ate once a day. Conventional diet and exercise and the thought of more yo yoing made me crazy. It seems like it would take me forever to lose the 150 or so (depending on who you ask) pounds that I could lose to get to my ideal weight. I just want a leg up, if you will. I need an extra tool that will help it seem less impossible.

So I went to a Doctor in Atlanta, about 2 hours from where I live. Due to my past counseling (and I am a licensed counselor myself, as an aside) he wanted me to get a psychological. I did and everything was fine. I decided to wait until January because I made the decision rather quickly (not that I hadn't thought about it for a long time) and, frankly, wanted to go through the holidays as "normal" as possible. The new year just seemed like a good start to things and I'm not one to make resolutions or start dieting in the new year.

Well the doctor's office calls me last monday, one week before my pre-op. The woman is very nice. We go over everything and she says, "be sure not to gain any weight this week because the doctor has been known to cancel surgeries if he thinks the patient is not committed. Great time to tell me! They didn't tell me anything at the first appointment, nor did they tell me to diet beforehand. At least until the preop diet this week which is not liquid as I have been seeing several people describe but high Protein, low fat and low carb. Also I'm supposed to drink a lot of non-caffinated liquids. I don't really know if I've gained weight or not. My clothes fit the same but I've never been a weigher so I have no reference point here in my home. Guess I'll see what happens Monday. It would really, really suck to get there and be told I can't do it.

Regardless, I'm feeling really committed now. I've been doing very well with this diet and practicing chewing lots and lots. I am actually finding that I am registering feeling full long before I would have when was not slowing down. Whatever happens Monday I'm glad it's started. Of course, I'd rather just get the band Tuesday than get postponed.

Anyway, I just wanted to post a little here I guess kind of as an introduction. I'm 43 and live in North Georgia. I know when I had the most success with adapting a healthy lifestyle which included losing weight I had a very strong support group. There are no band support groups near where I live so I am very greatful to find this forum. I look forward to reading and posting more.

[mztigger 0]

Hi Vicki -

I'm also getting banded this Tuesday!

I don't what is worse, knowing about the diet and stressing that I haven't lost enough or not know about it at all.

Good luck and I'll post an update as soon as I can!

[txgal512011 0]

Hi Ladies,

I'm also being banded on the 25th. After reading some of the other posts I'm a bit nervous that I jumped too soon. I only started this process in December. I'm a self pay so I guess that's part of why I don't have as much insurance 'red-tape' to go thru. All the same, I'm pretty sure I'm ready for this. Been a lifetime 'chubb' so I know this will be a HUGE change for me and everyone around me.

Best wishes for our new year and new us!

[pep334 0]

Hey, I'm in Montgomery, AL Will be banded Feb 8 by Dr Touilliatos in Birmingham. Am so ready. Would go tomorrow if possible. Anyone else in this area???

[mztigger 0]

Todays the day! it's 3:15am and I'm heading out the door!

Good luck to us all today ~ it's the start of a new life!

[~*~Rachel~*~ 2]

Hi I am also about to walk out the door to be band by Dr touilliatos woohooo!!!!! Good luck everyone!!! HERE WE GO!!!!