Emotional changes with the band, not just physical

I am about 2 1/2 months post op from my band surgery now and I am very excited at the success I have had so far. My band has no restriction, but I am loosing 1-2 pounds a week so the doc doesnt want to add any fluid to it right now. I am fine with that and am happy to have lost 35 pounds so far! I bought clothes in the normal clothes section for the first time in years!

I have found that the biggest thing I have noticed is a change not only in how much I eat, but in my relationship with food. I never realized how I used food to feel better when I was sad, mad, happy, etc. I sure see it now! I did not expect this emotional change, I now look at why I want to eat, and if its because I am upset why am I upset. I feel like I am growing emotionally as I shrink physically. I love the new me I am becoming every day!!

WOW, I couldn't agree with you more.  I have learned so much along this journey.  I got my band done on 3/23 so I'm a little behind you, but nevertheless, its a HUGE learning curve!  I have lost about 32 lbs so far, but I can feel a difference, not just in my self, but in the way people look at me or even, just come across.  I did tell my co-workers and am very comfortable talking to them, after all I have worked with them for 10 years!  But the biggest difference is, I know that I will be able to do more things.  I will get to the point that I will be able to walk without gasping for air, or climb 1 flight of steps without damn near keeling over!  I, like you, walked into Kohls last weekend and tried on a pair of 18s and an XL shirt.  In my head I'm still thinking I'm 286 lbs and wouldn't dream of even walking in that section and I am still afraid of getting my hopes up to high yet, but we can do it and we will do it!  I now have to accept the issues and work through them because I can't use food as a crutch anymore!  its a scarey journey but its one that I bet we are both ready for!!  Best of luck to you and we will concure this!!!! 

It's fabulous that you're experiencing this and able to see it as a good change. I've had a similar experience since being banded. I expected to lose weight and improve my physical health, but I didn't expect to improve my emotional health too!

Jean

I feel the exact same way.  I was banded on 2/25 and I have never felt so in control in my life.  In fact, I almost hate to use the word "control" because it's different than that.  I don't feel the need to "control" anymore...the obsession has been dulled.  It's not like through control I'm able to keep the tiger in the cage.  It's more like the tiger has had his teeth and claws filed down.

Fitting into smaller clothes is such a fantastic feeling! Keep up the good work!

Ladies are the thirty something pounds u lost including preop diet weight?

It really is an emotional and physical change. It does make you look at food differently. I am amazed at what I use to eat and now understand why I did eat it. After getting the band, I take the time to plan my meals and stay accountable for what goes into my mouth. I no longer do fast food, and I never thought I could handle that, but it doesnt bother me when the kids get something from McD's, etc.  I was such a pizza addict. I could sit down and eat a whole pizza by myself and not think twice. Now when they get pizza, I only eat the cheese off of one slice and throw the crust away.