"Rebirth" one month ago

[white3535 0]

Hi everybody!

My name is Maryanne. I am in the upper northwest corner of SC in Clemson. I had my LapBand surgery on 9/23/08. In my pre-op visit, I told my doctor that I consider this my "rebirth". That seems to be a healthy way for me to look at it...it keeps me from feeling deprived. I have lost 24 pounds in the month since my surgery, and I am going for my first fill on 11/3. I am feeling better than I did before, and I can tell that I am less tired. I've started walking, too. I've been heavy for much of my life, so I know that for me, it is important to try not to get so caught up in doing everything "just so". I mean, if I miss a day of my walks, I don't stress about it, I just do it when I can. Otherwise, I start finding fault with every time I miss a chance to exercise or when I eat something I shouldn't, and eventually I find so much fault with myself that I just quit. I think LapBand is a really good thing for me in alot of ways....physically, of course, and also emotionally. I have really gotten such a kick from all the support all my co-workers have been giving me. I keep a note on my locker saying how much I have lost to date...and they have been giving me congrats and compliments that keep me feeling so uplifted! I hope to meet some new friends here and learn alot from other people, and I hope that being here will help me and that I can help others, too.

Maryanne

[JamieNP 20]

Welcome! I was banded on Sept 30th. I have a new attitude toward my health and toward food. I have done a bit of self reflecting throughout this whole period. It is the best thing that I have done.

Congrats on the weight loss!

[MustangGirlRN 0]

Welcome, I'm new too. My surgery is scheduled for November 10th. I'm considering the day I start my preop diet as the start of my new life! I understand what you mean. Good luck to you.

[Wesley'sgurl29 2]

I am new also. I am looking at the band as a miracle for me. I have been overweight most of my life and now I realize that I have the chance to change things. I guess reality hit home when my kids were dicussing my surgery and made the statement that they had never known mom without a weight problem. I really want to be a happy healthy mom and nurse!

[white3535 0]

You said you want to be a happy healthy mom and nurse....you sound alot like me. My boys are 17 and 19 now, and despite MANY attempts over the years by me to get fit, they have never known me to be anything but heavy. Of course, they are sweet and tell me that gives them more to love, but that doesn't change the fact that I was heading for being HERE to love alot less time!! And I too am a nurse....I work at a hospice house here in SC. People think it is a "gross" job, but I adore it and my patients. So, anyway...glad to meet you, and I hope we can be a source of support to one another through this life-long journey!

Maryanne

[white3535 0]

And for everyone else who answered me....GOOD LUCK!

[MustangGirlRN 0]

You said you want to be a happy healthy mom and nurse....you sound alot like me. ...Maryanne

I'm a nurse too, and part of the reason I want this surgery is so I can practice what I preach. It's difficult to teach someone about about being healthy when you're really not. Some example, huh? I work in a pediatric ER and often have to address parent habits as they are related to their children's health and I'm obviously not a great role model if you look at my weight. I'm so excited about this journey, I know if will help all aspects of my life.

[white3535 0]

Good luck to you....your surgery is coming up very soon! My first week or so was hard because I have had food as a friend for so long, and suddenly, I literally could not eat! But I can tell you one thing for sure........the compliments and support I have received FEEL waaaaaayyyyy better than anything TASTES!!! And I came to see my liquid diet as a good thing....less complicated than my diet had been before, because at first, you need calories, so you don't have to be as careful what you drink. I had a McDonalds milkshake thinned way down with milk a few times! What a way to diet!:thumbup: I am beginning to eat more solid stuff now, and I get to a point where I just know I have to stop or I will be too full. This is what my body has been waiting for....it's the perfect fit for me! I hope you will have a good experience, too!

[Wesley'sgurl29 2]

I love nursing and I have worked as a Hospice nurse myself. I loved it although it does take it's toll on you eventually. I am so excited that next Tuesday my life will change forever! Yes I hope that we can be a support to each other thru this lifelong change. I start liquids tomorrow and then one week later banding. I really do not care for the Protein Shakes any suggestions?