need encouragement

I had the lapband surgery done last monday. The stomach area has gotten much better but I have severe shoulder pain due to air pocket. I am really sticking to my doctor's orders but have seen no change. I have been fat all my life(I am 31 years old) and wonder will I ever be lose the weight? Or am I destined to be fat all my life no matter what attempts I make?

Stay encouraged! Ask someone to massage your shoulder. Best wishes! Joann

Hi, Carol! If you're doing everything your doctor has asked you to do, the only thing left is to be patient. I know all of those doubts (personally!), but you've got to confront them and stay positive... what an amazing thing you did for yourself! You're going to be healthy! Take care! - Krystal

just remember you are on your way. how long did it take to put the weight on . give it a chance and follow your doctors advice. it will work . you are already smaller today than you were yesterday!!!

and are you able to take liquid Tylenol. It cures my aches since I am still coughing from the cold I had before surgery. If not keep the faith and know that it will pass. I love the massage idea, but I still haven't turned on my side, let alone my stomach. Good luck,, nancy

Hi Carol, I had my surgery on Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. I thought this would be the hardest thing I've had to do yet in regards to weight loss with Christmas coming up. After surgery I too have had pain... i.e. back pain and even nausea. However, tomorrow is my follow-up appointment with Dr. Wright and I've learned to take one day at a time. Instead of focusing on everything at once I just focus on getting through one day at a time. No matter if I lose either three or five pounds, or even no pounds, the best thing that's come out of this is that I'm learning to stop eating once my stomach tells me I'm full. I guess my encouragement to you is to keep going and take one day at a time. Focus on each day as a separate hurdle and when you need help look for support like you seem to already be doing. Remember, don't look at your past losses but instead focus on your future successes! Please feel free to email me if you need support at my daughter's email addy: [email protected]. She will make sure I receive my emails until I start an email account for myself. (Computer chatting/message boards are all new to me). Best Wishes --Mary