2nd thoughts

[Luu2008 2]

After having some sobering health problems and a family history of diabetes and hypertention I decided that I needed to do something sooner then later to alter the course I was going down. I have done my research/homework and felt strongly the band was going to be the “tool” I needed to achieve permanent weight loss. A few months later and I’ve finished almost all of my labwork/appointments, next month I have a few more and I am half way to loosing the pre-surgery weight loss required for the surgery.

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I attended orientation and a support group and look forward to attending more support groups with my bariatric program. So I’m a little sad that I am having second thoughts. I don’t know if this is normal??? I am terrified that I will not succeed or be able to maintain loss.

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I met with the Nutritionist, she was personable and I enjoyed our meeting. But of course she got me thinking. I understood that this wouldn’t be easy but that it would be different then other weight loss attempts in that I would have something to help me build healthy eating habits. I’ve done easy fixes and none of them worked long term. I want to be around for my kids, I have a wonderful understanding husband who I plan on sharing a long life with. It is no longer about being thin and pretty (motivation for past weight loss attempts), albeit a nice side effect, I am worried about my long term health. So I called my mom, who is my number one supporter, we talked for awhile. She lost over 100 pounds after having 5 children and has kept it off for over 20 years. This has not been easy for her and I have always admired her stamina, she works at maintaining her weight loss every single day. She told me she wished she would have had the option of the Lapband. Anyway we talked about my concerns and fear that this will just be another thing I fail at. She mostly listened, I could sense she is afraid for me too. She knows how hard this is.

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I can loose weight, I’ve lost 60-70 pounds several times in my life not once have I maintained the loss for more then a few years, and recently not for more then a few months. I am terrified I will go through a surgery, loose the weight, and not be able to maintain. Or even worse not be able to loose weight. My confidence in my ability to lead a healthy lifestyle has I guess I need some reassurance that this will help me find it easier to maintain, that I won’t repeat my cycle of loss and gain.

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For those of you who have been yo-yo dieters, do you find the band significantly helps you maintain? I am ready to make permanent lifestyle changes. I don’t mind doing the work for the rest of my life…I just want to know this will allow me to have the willpower that has become more and more nonexistent.

[SuzanneG 1]

For me, the band has made 100% difference. I was so at the end of my rope with dieting, I couldn't even make myself try one more time.

Now, I don't feel like I'm on a diet and although others on here still go to WW or weigh and measure their food (all great things to do), I still can't make myself do it. I just can't do that for the rest of my life, I just wanted to learn to eat less for the rest of my life and so far that's working for me.

Good luck to you and congrats on your upcoming band.

[sfeiner 2]

Well Luu, Part of the wonder of the band is that it helps us keep it off. We still have to eat healthy and take in fewer calories but we do it without being hungry. I think it's normal to have 2nd thoughts. It's hard to know you won't be able to eat to cover feelings anymore. It's like loosing a good friend. But think out it as a friend who is overstaying her welcome and spoiling your life. You will be able to keep your friend but in moderation.

[wombat712 2]

I think the doubt is absolutely normal. I too feared that this would not work for me and I wanted it to sooooo badly. We have failed so many other times, why should this one be different?

I LOVE my band and the life I have gotten back. I eat small amounts of whatever I want. I try to eat healthy most of the time but if I want Mexican food then I have it.

Take a trip through the before and after pictures. It is so inspiring :biggrin:

good luck to you!!!!

wombat

[nathenag 0]

thank you, I needed to know that others felt the same. I am terrified that I'm going to be the fail factor, questioning my ability to become disiplined enough. I love this site.

[jfran 0]

For me the band has been the ultimate motivator. Knowing I have it inside me helping control my portions is what keeps me on track with eating healthy and exercising. Unlike before, I am actually enjoying eating healthy and exercising (it has become a social activity for me). Of course, occassionally I have an urge to splurge and I will indulge on occassion but I know that the next day I will get back to the healthy eating and exercise and I will maintain and continue losing my weight. I am soooooo happy I have made this decision and I truly believe the band will help me to maintain this loss and control my weight forever. We ALL can do this!