New and Scared

[lotusflwr 0]

I'm tentatively scheduled to be banded on 8/7/09. Since I am self pay, and going to Mexico I do not have to jump through many hoops. I finally decided yesterday that banding was the way to go. I do have to do a high prot low carb for 3 weeks prior to surgery.

I have a lot of support, but don't feel they really understand what I feel right now...so I came to ya'll.

I'm petrified!!! It's not so much the surgery, it does scare me a little. It's not so much that I am doing it in Mexico, as I have researched this dr extensively and the facility.

It's more.....what if this is another failure!! If I can't stick to a diet and lose it on my own.....how will being banded change that. Don't get me wrong... I am commited to the whole process. I just can't get my brain to shut down.

On the other hand I am totally excited at the all the prospects that lay before me. All the new clothing, the new lifestyle, the new me!

I know this will be no walk in the park....it's going to be hard....I want to be up to it....I'm just not sure I am!

These feeling so contrast each other that I litterly want to start heaving.

Also, I seem to be on a "let's eat this because we are never going to be able to eat it again!!!" This can not be healthy!!!:tongue2:

Thanks For Listening

Patty

FYI just a little info.. current weight 342 height 5'5".

[RestlessMonkey 7]

You may fail at the band. Seriously, it does happen. But statistically, if you're willing to watch what you eat (make healthy choices) and exercise, odds are WAY more in your favor with the band, than without it.

I personally like to play the odds, and after YEARS of diet and exercise I knew it wasn't working for me.

For me, the band, while not an "easy way out" (good grief to those who think it is) is a great tool. Once you learn to use it (that's the restriction part...chewing well, getting your liquids in, etc) you'll be amazed at how well it will work.

Think of something you learned to do, like driving maybe?

There was a learning curve but now that you've mastered it, it is second nature and while you CAN walk when you want to, it's nice to jump in the car and get across town? The band is like that. You'll need to learn to use it, but once you get it down, odds are it will do for you exactly what you dream it will.

Some people have crashes (keeping my little analogy going) and have to have the band removed, some don't master it and it just sits in their garage, but many many learn to drive and then: go, cat, go!

So research. Seriously. And turn it over in your mind. But don't fear failure so. It's not like dieting. If you're willing to learn the new skill (banded lifestyle) it will serve you well.

[daqui26 4]

well said RM and i agree

[greytz 4]

Ditto to all. We all had the extreme emotions just before surgery but I can say without it doubt I have absolutely no regrets. Hang in there and keep moving toward your goal.

[MoxieDO 0]

So research. Seriously. And turn it over in your mind. But don't fear failure so. It's not like dieting. If you're willing to learn the new skill (banded lifestyle) it will serve you well.

I think this just about sums it up. I am self pay too, so I definitely know the added pressure of having to finance the whole process. Know what you are getting into, take a deep breathe, and go forward to whatever WLS you choose, if you choose it. :juggle:

[Headhunter 6]

Restless put it very well: being banded is a "skill".

Being Banded is not a "destination". It's the beginning of a PROCESS. And you have to learn how to work the machinery. If you do learn, and you commit to the program, it is likely that you WILL succeed.

Making the choice is often the most difficult part. First, the choice to actually DO it, and then the choice of exactly WHAT to do.

You have made that choice, and now you have to prepare yourself to live with it.

The interesting thing about WLS is that there are no absolutes. What works for one person may not work for another. Weight loss can be very rapid or very slow. Some people can easily eat one thing, another will gag on it.

You need to avoid listening to people who say that "THIS is how it's going to be", because when it is NOT that way for you, you will become discouraged.

Don't let that happen.

Do EXACTLY what your doctor says, in spite of what you might hear elsewhere.

I'm not a big fan of going to Mexico (or anywhere else out-of-state/country) for surgery, but one thing I can say is that some of these Mexican Doctors have done so MANY of these surgeries, that they have seen EVERYTHING that can happen, and they have "tuned" their procedure to the point where they know quite precisely how things will go. But, YOU have to follow their instructions. Not the instructions of other band patients, but your DOCTOR.

One other thing: Always listen to Restless Monkey. She's one of the "Blessings" of this forum. She's been here a long time, she's a nurse, and she has studied this whole process extensivley. She has NO agenda....she's here to help.

The other person you should listen to is Me. .

But seriously, listen to the Monkey.

And your Doctor. And you should do just fine.:thumbup:

HH

[RestlessMonkey 7]

One other thing: Always listen to Restless Monkey. She's one of the "Blessings" of this forum. She's been here a long time, she's a nurse, and she has studied this whole process extensivley. She has NO agenda....she's here to help.

The other person you should listen to is Me. .

But seriously, listen to the Monkey.

And your Doctor. And you should do just fine.:wub:

HH

Ok HH your $50 check is in the mail. :thumbup:

[FailureIsntAnOption 0]

You may fail at the band. Seriously, it does happen. But statistically, if you're willing to watch what you eat (make healthy choices) and exercise, odds are WAY more in your favor with the band, than without it.

I personally like to play the odds, and after YEARS of diet and exercise I knew it wasn't working for me.

For me, the band, while not an "easy way out" (good grief to those who think it is) is a great tool. Once you learn to use it (that's the restriction part...chewing well, getting your liquids in, etc) you'll be amazed at how well it will work.

Think of something you learned to do, like driving maybe?

There was a learning curve but now that you've mastered it, it is second nature and while you CAN walk when you want to, it's nice to jump in the car and get across town? The band is like that. You'll need to learn to use it, but once you get it down, odds are it will do for you exactly what you dream it will.

Some people have crashes (keeping my little analogy going) and have to have the band removed, some don't master it and it just sits in their garage, but many many learn to drive and then: go, cat, go!

So research. Seriously. And turn it over in your mind. But don't fear failure so. It's not like dieting. If you're willing to learn the new skill (banded lifestyle) it will serve you well.

Clap, clap, clap, I applaud you RM!

Lotusflwr,

Where in Mexico are you going and who is your surgeon?