stranger in a strange land

[smitten kitten 0]

Ahn young ha sae yo!! or Hello everyone :biggrin:

I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm from the states but living abroad in South Korea. I've been overweight (with constant ups & downs) all my life and while this is not the first time I've thought of surgery, it is the first time I've seriously considered it.

The past year I've spent my time in a country where most women consider anything over 115lbs to be obese, and plastic surgery is just the norm. Needless to say, my self-esteem has taken a big hit (not that it was that high to begin with). I feel hopeless most days, but I am trying my hardest to stay positive and more recently, focused on getting the band and changing my life (for real this time).

However, I still have some fear in the back of my mind. I've been on every diet imaginable with the best intentions, but failed each time. So what if this time it's the same thing? What if I have this very serious surgery and fall back into the same old routine? I'm also thinking that perhaps these fears indicate I'm not truly ready for the surgery.

Did anyone else have similar fears before their surgery, and if so how did things work out for you?

[josephine 1]

We all have our doubts. The surgery is no big deal. It is the commitment you must have to allow yourself and the band to do it's job. We have made excuses all of our lives to get the way we did. You need to make this choice on your own and have the will to do it. The band isn't an easy way out as some may say. You really need to work at it also. It is a life changing experience if you allow it to be.

Do your research if necessary and make up your own mind. If you have tried everything else as we all have either accept yourself as you are or get the help that the band has the capabilties to with you by it's side though.

Josephine

[Paigey 7]

Hey Stranger!

I can totally empathize with you about the Korean culture and being overweight. I am in the states, but I work for a large Korean company. They always assume that the heavier a person is, the more lazy they are.

I don't have my band yet, but my insurance has approved it and I am currently undergoing all the pretests.

This is the best site I've found that can answer most, if not all, of my questions.

At this point, nothing and nobody could talk me out of having the surgery.

[happy2lose 0]

I had many, many fears go into this surgery. You have described a few of them. I think the two weeks prior to my surgery I went through every emotion known to man and woman.

What you feel is completely normal. Do these fears mean you will not be a lapband success? Not at all! Just means you are logically thinking it through.

I will tell you the band is not a magic cure for obesity but I'm sure you already know this. It takes a great deal of commitment and motivation. It is not a diet. It is a lifestyle change.

Think it through and I'm sure you will arrive at a positive conclusion.

I can tell you that food no longer has the meaning in my life that it once had and that my only regret is not embarking on this journey sooner.

Edited November 13, 2009 by happy2lose

[smitten kitten 0]

Thanks for the responses ladies. I think I just needed to know what I'm feeling is normal. I plan on making an appt. this week for a consultation and taking it from there. If it's meant to be, then it will be.

Best of luck to you all!! :wink2:

[thebandedgirl 0]

Oh yes, you're totally normal. I'll give you the same advice I give to pretty much everyone else--do your research, make sure you know what you're getting into, and follow the rules. It's really as simple as that, though psychologically it's can be really hard.

As far as research goes, make sure you look at ALL WLS options before deciding upon the band. Different surgeries have different benefits and drawbacks.

Best of luck to you :wink2: This board is a great place to ask questions!