Nightmares

wendyr · February 13, 2006

I keep waking up in the middle of the night with horrible thoughts about the band, I wake up suprised that I actually have it, even though I have had it for 4 months and I am loosing weight.

I then lie awake thinking that I hope I have not caused harm to my body in the future, like what kind of affect will this decision cause me when I am forty, hopefully I will feel healthier then ever.

I just had my second fill and now I am starting to get heart burn and acid reflux again. Which is the exact reason I was thrilled about getting the band because that all stopped after the surgery.

I don't like regrets, I just wish I could stop waking up in the middle of the night about it, I'm kinda loosing sleep.< /p>

Anybody else have that problem?

Sunta · February 13, 2006

Hi,

I'm not banded yet, but I too have alot of problems with waking up in the middle of the night feeling panicky and scared about the band. It's almost like I can't think straight. Sometimes I stay awake for a few hours and have to take an herbal sleeping pill to get back to sleep! Then, during the day, I can rationalize everything and I feel alot better. This also happened to me during other times in my life when I had to make a big life decision. Those middle of the night hours really get to me. I try to ignore it as much as possible because during the day, I'm mostly fine. I think during sleep, our brain processes anxieties and fears and it's a way of "cleansing" ourselves of these anxieties. So I just chalk it up to my brain actually working in a healthy way and try to focus on how I feel when I'm awake.

PhotoNut · February 13, 2006

I haven't had nightmares about the band but you might try this. I am told that it is a huge help for many. Do not focus on how many breaths you are taking, but on the correct form. Don't give up if it takes a while at first. Once you get used to the exercise, it will have you at peace and asleep again in no time at all.

How to do Deep Breathing Exercises:

Sit up straight. (Do not arch your back) First exhale completely through your mouth. Place your hands on your stomach, just above your waist. Breathe in slowly through your nose, pushing your hands out with your stomach. This ensures that you are breathing deeply. Imagine that you are filling your body with air from the bottom up.

Hold your breath to a count of two to five, or whatever you can handle. It is easier to hold your breath if you continue to hold out your stomach. Slowly and steadily breathe out through your mouth, feeling your hands move back in as you slowly contract your stomach, until most of the air is out. Exhalation is a little longer than inhalation. After you get some experience you don’t need to use your hands to check your breathing.

You can also do the above breathing exercise lying on your back. Deep breathing exercises can help you to relax before you go to sleep for the night, or fall back asleep if you awaken in the middle of the night.

You can also practice deep breathing exercises standing – e.g. while sitting in traffic, or standing in a lineup at the grocery store. If you are really tense and feel as if you are holding your breath, simply concentrate on slowly breathing in and out.