New .... but not improved yet!

[ask_nyc 0]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time here and I would really appreciate any comments, thoughts, insights, from anyone who went through surgery. I am scheduled for surgery on 12/26/06. So far I have been doing great with the idea of it but today, all of a sudden, I started getting scared. I did my "homework" and know what to expect but I guess what scares me is the reality of it. It's different talking to doctors or reading books about it than actually going through it yourself.

I have heard successful as well as "disappointing" stories, to say the least, regarding weight loss after the LB surgery. I wonder how much life changes after surgery, how much "easier" weight loss is comparatively to all the diets each one of us has tried in the past. How hard are the first couple of weeks after surgery or even the day after? How painful it is to go about your every day life the first few days?

[flabuless 18]

Welcome ask_nyc

all those concerns you are having are completely normal...I experienced them myself...but i can honestly say despit the surgery, despite the recovery period, despite the change in lifestyle, despite the feelings of hunger and hard work...I made the best decision for a better life...sure there are sacrifices and habits to change but if you want a healthier, active, more fulfilling lifestyle then you wont regret...lapbanders with complications are in the minority rather than the majority there are risks with every operation however I wouldn't turn back time for the world...If this is what you really want...GO FOR IT! you have nothing to loose but everything to gain...or should that be the other way round 'nothing to gain but everything to loose!' hehehe!

:xena_banana: becky

[ask_nyc 0]

It is so good to see that other people had the same concerns. It would be the first time in my life I wouldn't mind "loosing" :xena_banana: Thank you for your reply.

[ser123 0]

Hi NYC,

I am scheduled for surgery on January 5th. I feel I am prepared for it in terms of expectations, research, etc. This site has been really invaluable for the support and information.

But now that it is coming down to the wire I find that I am skairt! I guess the overall seriousness and huge impact the surgery is going to have on my life is starting to really sink in. Plus the fact that this is really a pretty significant surgery. And I am going to Mexico to have my procedure.

Overall it is pretty overwhelming. It is nice to know someone else is out there staring at out over the abyss and feeling just a bit nervous about the giant leap of faith we are about to take.

It is also nice to know that so many other people who are already banded have felt the same way.

[threebeauties 0]

Yes, I too had the same fears.

I am almost 2 months out and down 33 lbs (need to update my ticker). I have nad ZERO complications. There is no food that is off limits for me, I have had pizza, chinese, etc.

This is so different than anything else I've done, and believe me, I've done them all. I am satisfied with small amounts. I don't get too hungry between meals and I feel soooo good.

I eat out and sometimes eat things I know I shouldn't. I eat much less of it and I get back to healthy eating right away.

I guess I would say that this is the first time in my life I have lost weight and thought "I can live like this"

Hope it helps

[ask_nyc 0]

Thanks for both replies and I have to say that I feel so much better now knowing I'm not alone in this. A loss of 33lbs in 2 months is incredible, congratulations Threebeauties. What's even more surprising is that you can actually eat "normal" food. My understanding was that certain foods are off limits, not b/c they are not good for you but because the band won't allow them to go down your stomach and that often causes to vomit. On Tuesday I'm starting my liquid diet and I am off to the road of "wellness" and a new life.

---------

Good luck to you Susan. I'll let you know how it went after my surgery is done. It's comforting that we share the same fears and I find your quote so inspirational. It's funny to think how many times I thought of being someone else when it comes to weight and I know that I'm not the only one. The majority of people with weight problems wish one moment or another for a miracle so that they could look like someone else. I know I did ... and you are correct.... it was a waste of who I am.

[transformer 1]

You are giving yourself the ultimate Christmas gift--the gift of good health! Way to go! :clap2:

[becca77 0]

Good luck to you! This is the beginning of a wonderful adventure, keep this website close by, the people here are truly amazing!

[ask_nyc 0]

Everyone has been so great. Thank you all so much. Today it was a tough day. I burst into tears in the morning thinking of what will happen if things go wrong, if I die, or if the complications are such as to have to remove the band. Then I started analyzing things (I do that all the time, such a work related habit) and decided to rationalize the "bad" things.

If I die, I die. Nothing I can do about that. Plus, I know that being overweight I'll die sooner than others anyway, unless God has this sick plan for me to reach 110 years old! If complications arise, then, it wasn't meant to be. I'll go back to the phrase we all hate "I'll start my diet tomorrow" or on yet another Monday.... On the other hand, if everything goes well, according to plan, I'll have a new shot in life. The benefit will be so huge that it will be a new beginning. I just have to face it as 2007 will be ... The year of ME!

Registering on this site has been the second best thing I could have done, after deciding on the LB. I am still amazed on the support all of you guys offer. It is so good to be able to talk openly about weight related issues, diets, post-op weight loss, and so many other topics, with no judgement.

[ser123 0]

3beauties....

Wow... this is something I can do for the rest of my life.... I have never been able to imagine that. Very cool.

NYC,

I am definitely looking for lap band buddies... lets keep each other motivated and informed!

I like my quote too. I used to spend too much time waiting to do things until I was skinny. A couple of years ago I decided that was just a waste... so this quote reminds me to live today!

[ask_nyc 0]

Thanks Jack. Your answers certainly helped.

[Kat817 19]

As you have been told, your fears are pretty common! We have a very strong relationship with food, and the way we eat it. It is similar in fear, to ending any other relationship. The good news is---it gets better!!!

The recovery from surgery was a breeze for me. For others it has been different, but only very seldom do you see someone who has had a difficult time. Usually within a week, it is back to normal. As for the pre-op and post op diets..... each Dr. seems to have different guidelines. Some have serious pre-op diets, others,none at all, so it will just depend. Same as the post op diet, wach Dr. differs in how long it goes on. Without a doubt, the post op diet was the worst of the experience for me. It was hard, knowing I wanted to eat---and could not cheat without taking a chance at screwing up my new band. It is placed, and then the lower stomach brought up and over and stitched into place. They do not want you to eat anything that has to be digested, or will place weight in the stomach until those stitches heal. So it is imperative that you follow the post op diet. I finally found that upping my Protein intake helped with the hunger, and by the 3rd or 4th day, it was not a big deal again. But, it is a difficult time. I wish I could tell you it isn't....but would rather be honest. Knowing it was not a cake walk, I would do it again in a heartbeat! It is a mind over matter thing, if you stay busy, plan ahead to avert the post op hunger, you will be FINE!!!!!!

Then once you begin the fill process, life changes again! I have had 2 fills,and have wonderful restriction, right now, and have had since July. I have only found a couple of things I cannot eat--dry meat, especially chicken, and yeasty donuts. I can manage breads, and Pasta. I just eat so much less---it is mind boggling!!! I eat whatevermy family eats, I eat small amounts, and eat slowly. I eat my small amount slower, so we finish at about the same time. We are all happy!!! No one pays me any attention---they are all busy eating their own food!!

Thie BIGGEST difference since reaching restriction, is I have no hunger...none....zero. Not being hungry allows me to make wise choices in the food I do choose to eat. When I was starving all the time, I gorged on anything and everything....trying to get "full"...it seldom happen. This is so much better than any diet I have EVER been on, and I have been on a plenty!!! I eat pretty much what I want...when I want, I don't feel deprived. No worrying about calories, and counting things. I wanted a life plan....and found it!

I would recommend this surgery to ANYONE!!! And if you are serious about the surgery---this site cannot be beat!!!

Welcome---we look forward to seeing how things progress for you!!!

Kat

[becca77 0]

That was so inspirational Kat, thank you for writing that, and congratulations on your success so far!

[ser123 0]

What amazes me the most is hearing people (kat, Jack 3beauties) describe what it is like to be a normal person when it comes to food.

I remember when I was a kid I was at my best friend's grandma's house. Grandma had made cake. I had a big piece and I just couldn't help myself, I asked for another piece. My friend told me later that her parents told her that I had bad manners.

I had another friend whose family kept those Andes chocolate mints out on their entryway table. Every time I went over there I was constantly thinking about those mints... how could I make an excuse to go in there and steal some more?

I don't have to be the skinniest person on the block. But it would be nice to go to the block party and not be obsessed about all the food everyone made for once.

[Kat817 19]

Susan...if you think it is amazing to hear us describe what it is like to be "normal" around food-----just wait til you feel it for yourself!!!

This surgery can make it happen!!

It is a definite difference, when life takes on more meaning than food. And for me, food had taken precendence for years. I would plan one meal while still eating another. When we would decide to go out to dinner, I would let my mouth Water thinking of which option sounded yummiest. Now I am one of the worlds cheapest dates!!! Take me for a .69 cent taco, and I am good to go!!!

There is a saying of Eating to Live rather than Living to Eat. It may seem an impossibility at this point, but it is fully possible!

You WILL be able to go to those parties, and you will relax in a way you are not able now. Because of that you can "see" things you once missed. I know---I did it!

Over Thanksgiving, my DH's group at work had their usual pot luck dinner. I dreaded them for years. I was always one of the biggest there, the only other being his direct boss, a man who is also well over 6 feet tall. I would feel self concious the entire time. Worrying over 2 things. #1, I worried what everyone was thinking about me eating--already fat and continuing to put it away. Trying to eat at a normal pace, so I didn't look like a pig. Every move scrutinized. And yet, in the back of my mind was a lurking #2. Wondering if there would be anything left of what I made to take home so I could eat in peace. Gee I wonder who made that Pecan Torte...oooh there is cheesecake....on and on and on. So while I was concerned about the impression I made on these people, I could not control my thoughts about this food obssession!

Now fast forward to this year. I made a big roaster full of dressing, and 2 pies. I was NOT the biggest woman there, not even in the top 5...maybe more! I didn't care!!! Was too happy not being the biggest to worry about that! I got in line with my DH, not worrying if we got in line too fast---or if we waited too long. Got a plate with less than half the food I would usually get, and even then, knowing I could not eat even a third of it! We sat with a group of people and suddenly I realized I was IN the conversation! I was not worrying about how I looked to anyone! So I began looking around, and I saw people having a great time, laughing with their mouths full! Teasing one another, a young mechanic blushing almost purple! And as I scanned around the room, my eyes rested on one of the secretaries, perched on the edge of a chair, eyes not focusing on anything just eating kinda machanically, and I knew what I had always looked like...she was the old me. She was nowhere near as big as I had been, but the look was one I 'felt'. I let myself smell all the different things this year...I knew I could eat any of it, just not a lot of it!!! I have already had my first piece of fudge this year!!! But one was enough. It goes through the band without issue, it is just enough in my head finally.

So as I said...before this incredibly long rambling post......

if it amazes you to read about being normal around food...just wait til you see howit feels to LIVE normally around food!!! Life is GOOD!!

You'll see!!!

Kat