Just Getting Started

wtbgone · December 14, 2008

Hello, Everyone! I am brand new to Lap-Band Talk and am so glad that I stumbled upon this support group!

I just received approval this past week and have been scheduled for surgery Tuesday, January 6th. I'm so excited and very anxious, too. I've been reading everything I can about WLS and along with the consultation I've had with my surgeon, Dr. Britt in Guntersville, Alabama, I believe Lap-Band is the best solution for me.

I've been struggling with the guilt and emotions that by submitting to WLS, I've basically admitted defeat - that I am a failure at being able to control my eating. I have a successful career as an engineer, have a wonderful husband and basically in the other areas of my life am in control. But, when it comes to controlling my weight - I am a total failure. I have lost between 60 to 70 lbs about 3 separate times in my life and not only gained that weight back but each time added 20 lbs more! So, now I'm at the heaviest I've ever been and it is affecting every area of my life.

I know that the Lap-Band is just a tool - and as someone described it on this website - one leg of a tri-pod. The other two legs are exercise and eating right. But, it is a very important and critical leg that I have never been able to manage on my own before - controlling my appetite and hunger. I know I can lose weight (please see above) - but the key and critical part of the formula I've never been able to grasp - and that's keeping it off! So, this is what I'm praying that the Lap-Band will provide for me - that ability to control this monster appetite :devil_smile:and keep the weight off! :tongue2:

Well, I know I'm rambling on and I apologize for that! If anyone has some advice on how to tame the nervousness before surgery - I'd love to hear it!

thanks again! Sandy

MissBS · December 14, 2008

Hi Sandy. Welcome to LBT and congratulations on your upcoming surgery. What a wonderful way to bring in a new year. We have all failed at previous attempts to lose weight and that is why we are here. Forget about all that old baggage and focus on your exciting journey that is about to begin. This site is a great place to help with the nervousness and fear of the unknown. Keep reading posts and asking questions. The people here are so friendly and helpful. By the time I was wheeled into the operating room, MANY of my questions had been answered, my concerns addressed, and that really helped me to be more excited than nervous. I have made some really good friends here and it is so nice to be able to talk to people who REALLY know where I've been, where I'm at, and where I want to go. Let me know if I can answer any questions or if you just need someone to talk to/listen. Take good care of yourself and happy holidays!! Becky

wtbgone · December 15, 2008

Thanks so much, Becky! It's so good to hear from people who are enjoying such success - as you are! Congrats on your weight loss.

I'm trying to stay positive and focused on the end result I want to achieve - good health and a good self-image. If I think about how much I have to lose, I want to just give up before I even start! So, to see how much you've lost in such a short time both inspires me and gives me hope.

Thanks for your kind words and welcome! Looking forward to gettting to know you and everyone ! - Sandy