New to the group and scheduled for surgery

[ssh 1]

Hello,

I've been looking at the posts on this site for a few months and now decided to join in the fun of threading. I started looking at LapBand surgery about 5 years ago. I kept telling myself I didn't need surgery to lose weight, no way would I go to that extreme. If I would only eat smaller portions, the right foods and exercise that I could/would lose weight. I've come to realize that losing the weight was only half the battle, but keeping it off was the hardest part. If I counted up all the pounds I've lost in the past 10-15 years, I bet it would equal 2-3 people. The weight has always came back. I've given in to the idea of surgery. I started my surgery mission in November and was insurance approved in January. I consider my self very lucky and blessed that my insurance will pay 80% of the cost, because if it hadn't I wouldn't be able to afford this. My scheduled surgery date is March 4. I'm excited and scared all at the same time. I've asked all the questions I know to ask and feel really good about the thought of surgery now. I can't wait to be the next success story. . . . hopefully.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as my surgery date gets closer and closer.

Sheri :mad:

[Jill Talbot 0]

Good Luck! When is your surgery?

[ssh 1]

Thanks! My surgery date is March 4th.

[Glenn 0]

Hi Sheri,

Congratulations. I am 10 days post op,(Feb-4th) and I feel like a new person. I am a 39 year old man, 6'4" and at my first pre-op visit, weighed 389 lbs. Yesterday at my follow up, I weighed 327 lbs. (51 lbs. pre-op and 11 lbs. post) I'm sure that you've had tons of advice, but if I could give you one last word, it would be to follow the Dr.'s instructions to the letter! I did and I have found things to go great. I did have some discomfort for a couple of days, following the surgery, but I tried to keep in mind, that I have 5 holes in my belly, and was in surgery for 2 hrs. I suppose that is pretty common. I walked slowly but often, to ward off the stiffness, drank the Water that I needed , even though I wasn't thirsty, and ate my alotment of the correct "liquids" at the times my doctors dictated, and first and foremost realized that while it was me that got myself into the overweight position that I was in, and that I have been blessed with a very powerful tool, not a silver bullet, to help me lose the weight, in a more natural and controlled manner. I went back to work in 3 days, and at this moment in time, I feel absolutely great, and wouldn't change a thing.

I wish you the best, and one more thing, stay away from the problems and complications sections until at least 1 week post op. They are a great tool, but for Post op, NOT pre-op. You need mental and emotional strength right now, and reading about several problems, can undermine your strength. very, very, very few people experience any complications, and like I said, follow your doctor's instructions, and you are giving yourself the best opportunity for success!!

Take care, and stay strong!!

Glenn

[Tracyde730 7]

Good luck...you'rein m thoghts and prayers!

[ssh 1]

Thanks for the well wishes from everyone. Also I appreciate the great advice, Glenn. It sounds as if you know what your talking about and it all makes perfect sence.

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi Sheri,

Welcome to LBT! I think all of us have probably tried just about every diet method out there and lost and gained the same pounds over and over and over again. Fortunately, the band is available for us. If it were easy, we wouldn't need tools like it.

The band is a great tool and will work well for you. Like Glenn said, one of the most important things you can do is listen to your physician and follow his/her orders. They know what is best for you. And never compare yourself to what everyone else is doing on the board. Everyone loses differently and reacts differently to certain foods, fills, etc. The band is definitely a learning process and you need to go slow during that process.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. We look forward to getting to know you.

[Elsie 0]

Hi Sheri

Best of luck on Tuesday. I'm also being banded on 4th March. Looks like we have a lot in common. We are the same age, being banded the same day and we have pretty much the same amount of weight to lose. I have about 160lbs to go. (No ticker yet). Here's to a healthier and brighter future!!!:w00t:

Elsie

[Lattedah 18]

Hi, Sheri and all... Good luck to you, Sheri. I'm also getting banded this month, Mar 12th. I love this forum and have found great comfort from these nice and supportive folks.

I'm very excited and a little nervous my self. I'm sure that's normal.

Again, good luck and we'll be thinking about you...

[ssh 1]

Thank you Lattedah and Elsie for your thoughts and well wishes. I send the same right back to you both. The surgery day is drawing near and I think it's amazing that I'm not that nervous as I was last week. I don't know if it's because of the lack of food the past few days or what...haha. I've been on a liquid diet since Thursday. The first 3 days were ok but today I'm starving! Or so my head thinks I am. But I'm sticking to doctors orders and having nothing but Water, broth, lite-juice, Jello, and Liquid Protein supplements. I haven't weighed since Thursday so I'm hoping tomorrow morning when I do, there will be a few more pounds gone for all this liquid eating.:laugh: Good luck to all the Shrinking Shamrocks out there ! ! ! Keep us posted on how ya'll are doing.

I love this site and all the wonderful friendly people here that really understand.

[luigismama 0]

Good luck on your surgery Tuesday! I'll be be sending you good, healthy vibes all day:thumbup: