Surgery 1/11/12

[Linybbw67 0]

My name is Erin, I'm 44 yrs old and I've been over weight since after I gave birth to my daughter 23 yrs ago. Has the years went on I got heavier and heavier. I've tried Weight Watchers, Atkins and many other diets and all failed. food is my drug. When I'm sad I eat, depressed I eat, stressed I eat and eat when I'm bored.

I went a couple of years ago to Dr. Brathwaite to discus lap band surgery. When he told me I needed to be six weeks nicotine free and would have to be on a liquid diet two weeks before surgery I was like "oh hell no" Well, I quit smoking three months ago at the same time I lost my job. I went back and forth debating if I should get the surgery while I wasn't working and just get it over with, recover then finally go find a job. I did everything that was required, two mandatory support group meetins, all the dr's I needed to see to get ok'd and of course the fun upper endoscopy. I've survived all of that then last wed I started my liquid diet. All I'm allowed to have are Meal Replacements which need to come out to no move then 1200 calories per day. The first few days weren't too bad but then I was getting stressed and craving food. I am now on day 10 of this fun diet. I won't lie, I've cheated. I've only lost 10 lbs so far but I wasn't told that I had to lose a sent amount of weight. They prefer more I'm sure but a little is better then nothing. I have two more days on the liquid diet (which I've been using Ensure High Protien and Muscle Milk) On tues, the day before my surgery the clear diet starts, broth, sugar free Jello,and I think I can have sugar free ice pops. (nothing red in color tho)

I went for my pre-surgical testing on thurs and saw my regular Dr. on friday for medical clearance. He filled out the sheet and sent it to the hospital. Hopefully all is well and I'm good to go.

My problem is after thur and fri reality is setting in, surgery only a few days away and now I am getting scared. I am so scared that I'm starting to have panice attacks. I'm really wondering if this surgery is what I should do.

[Bernadette Rodriguez 0]

Hi Erin I was very scared too. I just got banded yesterday. I can relate with what you wrote. I too cheated I lost about 15 lbs but was requested to lose 30 lbs. I got many panic attacks also. As much as I wanted to have the surgery I had my doubts. I am glad it is over with but I am still scared. I hope I don't make my band slip and I hope I don't vomit. I would hate to have an reversal of the operation. But all in all I am happy I did it and I can't wait to be healthier and fit into all my clothes I have been storing and I can' t wait to buy new ones. So hang in there and pray for inner peace and strength. Bernadette

[Linybbw67 0]

Thank you for replying. Did your doctor say anything about not losing the 30lbs? I wasn't told a set about to lose. I've been to a coupld of support groups and not one person ever admitted that they cheated on the liquid diet but I bet several of them lied. I tried really hard to stick to it but it got to the point when I started getting anxiety. I figured its better to cheat then to one day just binge.

So, you got banded on friday? How long were you in the hospital? They told me I will be in recovery for 6 hours because I have sleep apena. How are you feeling. Were you in any pain when you came too from the surgery?

I was told that I will be on a clear liquid diet for the first week. Do you have to do the same thing?

I'm sure you will do fine. Just follow the doctors instructions. Try your best.....if you feel like having something that you know you really shouldn't have....take a taste.....This way you have the taste of whatever it is you were craving and now you can continue to eat "healthy". Keep in mind you may or may not be able to tolerate foods that you use to eat.

My biggest fear is I'm going to get depressed and over eat....(which is what I do now hence why I'm the size that I am) I know that if I do that most likely I will throw up. Then of course if I do get sick will my band stretch?????

I wish you all the luck in the world. I'm sure that you will do just fine. If there are any support groups near you go. They say that people who go to support groups tend to do better then those that don't.

If you'd like please keep me posted.

Take care,

Erin

[horsegirl315 114]

Hi Erin, sounds like you have already have committed to making some major changes. Good luck to you!

[Linybbw67 0]

thank you very muck.......good luck to you