Newbie, 2 days till LAP-BAND surgery

Wow, so I'm 3 days in clear liquid diet. I'm doing good beside head and body aches from sugar and caffeine withdrawel. It's been tough but I'm so excited. So I want some opinions on a decision I've made. My support team consist of my wife and also she's the only person that knows. I am hessistant to tell my parents and sibling only because1. they have big mouthes and 2. they are very judgemental. Do you all think that is a bad thing? The Bariatric team at the clinic has been awesome it supporting me and so has my wife. Is that enought for this journey? All your input is appreciated.

Thank you,
Alejandro R.

Hi,
I am almost 3 weeks post surgery (Realize band, 12/28). I told a few close friends and also had the great support of my spouse. After surgery I told my sisters and asked them not to share at this time. I've been on this journey a long time and I know that some people can be less than supportive.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. If it helps, I really had no pain, except when moving and then it felt like I had done 1000 situps or something.

Minniecat, what a cute name!
Thank you. I have 3 children and I'm hoping for a speedy recovery also. If it's ok to ask, how was your first 3 days? I really don't like just laying around :-)

Thanks,
AR

Hi AR,

The first three days weren't bad. I walked around the house a lot (helps move the gas and good to move about). I would also walk outside but not more than a block or two the first two days. It was a little weird walking because my stomach was so bloated from the gasses. But the more you move the sooner you feel better. Don't over do it. I took naps the first 3-4 days. Keep drinking your fluids.

First of Congrats! on your new life... I got my band on 3/28 and i was totally the opposite of you, i wanted to tell everyone about it!
But I understand where your coming from, my husband got surgery on 4/7 almost a week and a half apart from me, his support group consisted of me and his father/ step mom a handful of close relatives in my family new like my mother/father and sister but no one else. You need to feel ready to talk about the subject and be open to peoples criticisms because people will talk and like you say some people can be judgmental.  
I don't think it's a bad thing and I'm sure that you'll open up about your surgery when your ready! 
Support group is amazing and remember this is your second support group!
If you ever need anything, any questions, we're here for ya!
Good Luck!!! 

Joann V. Thank you so much for your support. You know, even though I have my wife as a support person, it's kind of not the same thing. My wife is virtually a thin person. Most she's ever been overweight is 40 lbs when she was pregnant and that came right off after she had the baby. What do you think I can tell my wife for her to really understand what I'm going thru? I know she wants to help she doesn't necessarily have the best tactic in helping me.

Thank you,
AR

AR, congrats on ur upcoming surgery.  This is a serious decision but not necessarily one that needs to be broadcasted to the extended family.  It seems you have a good support team, wife and staff at the clinic.  It might be a good idea to keep it there until you have come to grips with all the other changes it will make in your life.  Stress is not good for the band.  Best wishes,
Z

Hey Z, thank you. I think I am just going to keep it with my wife and clinic staff and see how it goes after the surgery. Your right, stress isn't good for anything! LOL!

AR

Hi Alejandro,
I had my surgery in Feb 2011, and like you, didn't tell most of my family.  My reason was mainly because I knew they would try and talk me out of it.  I put together my "dream team" of supporters - BF, one sister, my boss, and some close friends.  I asked them if they would sign on as my support team, and to keep it on the DL.

We all have our reasons for sharing or not sharing.  There is nothing wrong with keeping this info private, if that's what you choose to do.

I think we would all agree that this whole process is the most difficult in our heads, and my feeling is, the last thing I need is anyone screwing with my thoughts (more than I do myself - lol).

Congratulations on your decision to have WLS.  I wish you the best of luck.  Like any journey, it will have ups and downs, but the reward has been well worth it for me.

Hugs,
Barbara

Barbara, that's exactly why I won't tell them. They would try and change my mind. And my family is an assimilation family. 1 person will say something and then they'll all jump in as if they have some right over you and pressure to do what they all want and if not they all get upset. Now, I don't necesarrily care, I just don't want to deal with it.
Now, in the monthly support group it's great, I ask questions, I revisit issues and I have no problem sharing what I'm groing thru mentally. You're right, the biggest difficulty is our head because we are so analytical in self-preservation, sometimes our minds trick out into thinking, "someone is cutting into you, bad idea" but this process in reality is to preserve your body, to save your life! So, no I don't want anyone elses input that isn't going to support me for my decision.
Thanks so much for your words of wisdom and support, I really appreciat them... the hugs too! LOL!

Be blessed,

AR