Surgery date: March 28, 2011...somewhat scared
I am new to this website. I have a surgery date to get Lap Band on March 28 and I somewhat nervous. I am around 330 lbs and I am afraid of developing clots since I already have problems with circulation, especially now with what happened to Serena Williams. I am also afraid of failing again at my attempt to lose weight yet again. Anybody else felt this way? Anyone else weighing 300 lbs or having circulation problems going into surgery?
~Pat
~Pat
God give me the courage to change the things that I can
Welcome to OH and especially the lap band board. You are taking a huge step toward improving your entire life. Congratulations.
I can't address your concern about clots except to tell you that you should really have a frank discussion with your doctor. Of course they will give you blood thinners after surgery, get you up walking right away, etc. but if they are aware of your history they can do other things, as well. Right now you can help yourself by being as active as possible. It may be difficult or even painful but start walking as much as possible. 5 minutes 2x a day is a great place to start. If you can do more, great. I couldn't even do that at first but I worked my way up. There are also seated exercises you can do that will assist. I have some I can link you to if you want to pm me.
As for failing again, that is a fear most of us have had. It is absolutely justified. After all, haven't we always failed before? The answer for me was yes, especially in that I had lost weight a few times but could never keep it off because sooner or later my compulsions would kick in and I would be off and running. Many have failed after wls and I wondered what would keep me from being one of them. So, what makes the difference?
Educate yourself. Learn everything you can about the band and what to expect of it. Know what it does and does not do. It is only a tool and will do about 20% of the work AFTER you have had enough fills to get to the optimal point. You will do it all until that point and will continue doing at least 80% the rest of the time. If you know and understand that you will be prepared to make it work for you. You are going to need to know what successful people do, what things do people that have regained or not lost done. That doesn't make them failures unless they give up or won;t try in the first place, but the point is to try to avoid those pitfalls.
Support is essential, long term. Use OH but also find a face to face group as well. Your surgeons office should have a list. Find someone there to have as a mentor. You can use someone on OH in this manner, too, but something about having someone to look at helps more. Talk to your family about what things will be helpful and what things would not be. This will change many times so don't over do it. I don't feel like my family has to change their entire lives because I have had wls, but when I am feeling vulnerable I try to be honest with them and let them know that facing certain things are going to be hard. If I can ask that certain foods be kept out of my sight I do, I don't buy the things that are my biggest triggers so I don't have to face that. If we are going to a gathering that may be difficult I try to plan ahead. There are many things you can do but YOU have to do it. It is not up to others to cater to you or to read your mind. My hubby knows that if I am struggling and I let him know about it then I am asking for his help. There have been times he hasn't stepped up like I wanted but if I allow it to torpedo me I am just looking for excuses.
Read. Geneen Roth had good books about overcoming eating issues. Judith Beck does, too. Jean M. from the lap band board here has written a really good book about the band itself. Sort of like a users manual. I wish she would have had that out earlier on because I had to learn a lot of it the hard way.
Journal. Every bite you put in your mouth. I do mine on-line on myfatsecret.com though there are many good sites to use. You can use pen and paper if you prefer. Also journal your feelings if you eat something unplanned. It will help you gain insight. When craving**** journal them too.
I apologize if this is too long, but I needed it so I always think others do, too. If not, well just ignore me, lol.
Keep coming here often, and know that the fear will hit at different times about different issues but it is all normal. Ask questions as they arise, post more about your fears, vent, whine, complain, whatever. We are tough so we can take it. Good luck to you, Sue
By the way, if someone tells you that you will not lose all your weight because of where you are starting just ignore them. It is not only possible but probable if you are dedicated to it and are willing to work hard, for the rest of your life. You CAN do it.
I can't address your concern about clots except to tell you that you should really have a frank discussion with your doctor. Of course they will give you blood thinners after surgery, get you up walking right away, etc. but if they are aware of your history they can do other things, as well. Right now you can help yourself by being as active as possible. It may be difficult or even painful but start walking as much as possible. 5 minutes 2x a day is a great place to start. If you can do more, great. I couldn't even do that at first but I worked my way up. There are also seated exercises you can do that will assist. I have some I can link you to if you want to pm me.
As for failing again, that is a fear most of us have had. It is absolutely justified. After all, haven't we always failed before? The answer for me was yes, especially in that I had lost weight a few times but could never keep it off because sooner or later my compulsions would kick in and I would be off and running. Many have failed after wls and I wondered what would keep me from being one of them. So, what makes the difference?
Educate yourself. Learn everything you can about the band and what to expect of it. Know what it does and does not do. It is only a tool and will do about 20% of the work AFTER you have had enough fills to get to the optimal point. You will do it all until that point and will continue doing at least 80% the rest of the time. If you know and understand that you will be prepared to make it work for you. You are going to need to know what successful people do, what things do people that have regained or not lost done. That doesn't make them failures unless they give up or won;t try in the first place, but the point is to try to avoid those pitfalls.
Support is essential, long term. Use OH but also find a face to face group as well. Your surgeons office should have a list. Find someone there to have as a mentor. You can use someone on OH in this manner, too, but something about having someone to look at helps more. Talk to your family about what things will be helpful and what things would not be. This will change many times so don't over do it. I don't feel like my family has to change their entire lives because I have had wls, but when I am feeling vulnerable I try to be honest with them and let them know that facing certain things are going to be hard. If I can ask that certain foods be kept out of my sight I do, I don't buy the things that are my biggest triggers so I don't have to face that. If we are going to a gathering that may be difficult I try to plan ahead. There are many things you can do but YOU have to do it. It is not up to others to cater to you or to read your mind. My hubby knows that if I am struggling and I let him know about it then I am asking for his help. There have been times he hasn't stepped up like I wanted but if I allow it to torpedo me I am just looking for excuses.
Read. Geneen Roth had good books about overcoming eating issues. Judith Beck does, too. Jean M. from the lap band board here has written a really good book about the band itself. Sort of like a users manual. I wish she would have had that out earlier on because I had to learn a lot of it the hard way.
Journal. Every bite you put in your mouth. I do mine on-line on myfatsecret.com though there are many good sites to use. You can use pen and paper if you prefer. Also journal your feelings if you eat something unplanned. It will help you gain insight. When craving**** journal them too.
I apologize if this is too long, but I needed it so I always think others do, too. If not, well just ignore me, lol.
Keep coming here often, and know that the fear will hit at different times about different issues but it is all normal. Ask questions as they arise, post more about your fears, vent, whine, complain, whatever. We are tough so we can take it. Good luck to you, Sue
By the way, if someone tells you that you will not lose all your weight because of where you are starting just ignore them. It is not only possible but probable if you are dedicated to it and are willing to work hard, for the rest of your life. You CAN do it.
Highest weight: 212.8 Current weight 135 Lost 77.8 pounds
HI, welcome---I totally feel you. My surgery is scheduled for March 9th and I have experienced every emotion there is in the last year (started this process in March 2010). I am so tired and failure is a big concerned. I am sure like myself you have tried many programs and plans and have lost and regained. It sounds like of all the surgeries the Lap-Band is most dependent on the person and I am so afraid that I will fail again. I am having a horrible time right now as I wrap up my liquid diet. I am mentally fighting with myself to stay away from a can of Pringles. This mental fight makes me question if I can do this. SIGH!
Hi Pat and welcome!
I had my surgery 2 wks ago, and I can relate to the fear aspect. I wasn't afraid of having surgery. I was afraid of two things - that liquid diet, and failing.
A friend of mine recommended a wonderful book & CD you may want to check out. The series is called, "Prepare For Surgery, Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. In it are some great relaxation techniques, ways you can help make the surgery go smoothly, and heal more quickly with less pain. I was cynical at first, but it worked for me. This will keep you positive, focused, and calm your nerves.
I'm fresh out of the gate from my surgery, but I feel good about my band. This time it feels different. I began 6 months ago at 333lbs. Currently, at 277lbs, I still have a long way to go. I can't think about the end goal. For me, I need to focus on today. "Can I do everything I can to be successful TODAY?" We're fighting for our lives and we're worth it!!
You can do this. How will it be different? We'll we're all here, but you have convince yourself that this time, it's about you and what's best for your life.
I wish you the best of success. Stay positive. Find a local support group and continue to check in. Good luck!!
~ Barbara
I had my surgery 2 wks ago, and I can relate to the fear aspect. I wasn't afraid of having surgery. I was afraid of two things - that liquid diet, and failing.
A friend of mine recommended a wonderful book & CD you may want to check out. The series is called, "Prepare For Surgery, Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. In it are some great relaxation techniques, ways you can help make the surgery go smoothly, and heal more quickly with less pain. I was cynical at first, but it worked for me. This will keep you positive, focused, and calm your nerves.
I'm fresh out of the gate from my surgery, but I feel good about my band. This time it feels different. I began 6 months ago at 333lbs. Currently, at 277lbs, I still have a long way to go. I can't think about the end goal. For me, I need to focus on today. "Can I do everything I can to be successful TODAY?" We're fighting for our lives and we're worth it!!
You can do this. How will it be different? We'll we're all here, but you have convince yourself that this time, it's about you and what's best for your life.
I wish you the best of success. Stay positive. Find a local support group and continue to check in. Good luck!!
~ Barbara
You wouldn't be normal if you weren't nervous. I was about the same weight and I am telling you this has saved my life. I too, was, still am, afraid of failing. I told know one, except my family. I have to say neighbors are shocked that I have lost 60 lbs.. Most people use everyone as a support but I feel a whole lot less pressure having it be private. Good Luck to you, it is worth it, and really it isn't a big surgery.
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