Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Questions for my Lap Band Buddies out there....

I am starting to freak out a bit. I start pre-op on Friday. So it is count down time and all these doubts are starting to surface. Is this normal? Did you guys go through this? Questions:

  1. ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again?
  2. ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY?
  3. WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
  4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
  5. On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?
  6. HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE? For the better or worse? 
  7. Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?
  8. HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I am wondering what I will look like 50-80 lbs thinner. I am 47 and will have a "lose skin" issue.
  9. HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?
  10. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT?
I hope to hear back from some of you...or maybe you can direct me to some of your past posts where I can get some of your wisdom and answers to these questions.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

13 comments:

  1. I am going to try to answer your questions. I am only nearly 3 months out but I remember going through the exact same thing... and even worse was the post-op what have I done feeling. But it is normal.

    1. ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again?

    Even though I have had my fair share of complications and am currently battling an infection from my port revision, I would do it again.
    2. ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY?

    Nope, I thought I was, but then I remembered... I suck at traditional dieting.

    3. WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?

    Honestly, it has been all the issues I have had, my surgery was beautiful no pain, no issues. When I went in for my first fill Dr. couldn't access my port. He scheduled me for fluro.. found out it was flipped. I had a revision, and now I am fighting an infection at the very bottom of that incision. It sucks. Still worth it.

    4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?

    The fact that it will back me up when I need it. Even with minimal restriction I can't go as crazy as I could have before. I also have way more motivation because of it.

    5. On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?

    I see a therapist once a week. I am still dealing with my food issues. I feel like I have a bit of an empty whole in my life where comfort eating used to be. But for me, getting healthy and dealing with my addiction is more important than comfort eating.

    6. HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE?
    Nope, I am still me but maybe better. I feel better about myself and I am less tired.

    7. Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?

    I indeed still party. I usually have a couple glasses of wine on the weekends and whatever dessert of choice. I can even drink an entire bottle of wine if I so choose. I will admit that happens atleast once a month. :)

    8. HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I am down 43 lbs and feel so much better. I actually already am starting to like the way I look. As always I still have my fat ugly days, but I also have my skinnier days (I would have never had that before lap band).

    9. HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?

    Maybe in some ways with my husband, we were both somewhat food dependant, however he was always thin. Now we have to do other things for fun. I think my husband really admires the changes I have made and is very proud of me. My family is tough, they are all over eaters and comfort eaters. I just deal with that when I see them. Even if I eat more or worse then I should it is only one day once in a while and I am okay with that.

    10. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT?

    I feel like me but new and improved!

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  2. 1. ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again?

    No regrets, would do it sooner in life if I had it to do over!!

    2. ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY?

    Heck no ~ my life has been one big diet!

    3. WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND? PBing when something gets stuck ~ it's only happened a handful of times.

    4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND? The weight STAYING off!!

    5. On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?

    It hasn't been a mental issue yet ~ I'm not even upset about my first holiday season with the band!


    6. HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE? For the better or worse?

    Yes, more confidence in myself sometimes that is good and sometimes that is bad cuz I have no problem telling you about yourself now days.

    7. Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?

    Yes, I drink wine (too much sometimes)

    8. HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I am wondering what I will look like 50-80 lbs thinner. I am 47 and will have a "lose skin" issue.

    I am happier my body fits into nicer clothes, the slow weight loss has given me time to work on my skin, I've heard water and fat burning exercises! (I am 47 also).

    9. HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?

    I don't think so unless of course someone is mad @ me cuz I told them about themselves....

    10. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT?

    I still feel the same, I am me under all the weight....

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  3. 1.ANY REGRETS? In a heartbeat I would do it all over again.
    2.ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY? I'm sorry I waited so long to have the surgery.
    3.WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND? I can't think of a single thing. My experience has been 100% positive.
    4.WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND? The confidence to know I'm not going to binge
    5.On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE? It was a learning experience that took me about 5 months to get through, but now it doesn't bother me and I don't crave or miss foods.
    6.HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE? For the better or worse? I don't think it's changed my personality but I certainly have more self-confidence.
    7.Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much? I drink wine but you have to consider those calories if you get to a point where you're not losing weight.
    8.HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I am wondering what I will look like 50-80 lbs thinner. I am 47 and will have a "lose skin" issue. I've lost 120 lbs. and I have a tiny bit of loose skin at the bottom of my abdomen, but then I'm 51 years old and have not been one to exercise much in my life, nor have I exercised like I should have since lapband ... I'm 100% happy with my body. I love getting dressed and wearing fun clothes. Every day I feel like I'm dressing a barbie doll and that barbie doll is me.
    9.HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers? My Sweet Babboo boyfriend was happy with me before and is happy with me now. He's been a big support to me as has my family and friends. Friends and strangers will approach me and ask me how I've lost weight and are interested to know of my experience because either they need to lose weight or know someone who does. I'm more than happy to tell them my story.
    10.DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT? I feel like the same person only more energetic, more rested (because I sleep better), more confident because I think I look better, and happy with my achievement.

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  4. Linda! I posted these questions on my blog (I hope that is alright)!!! I bet there are others wondering the same thing as you! They are great :)

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  5. Thank you all so much! Your responses are so so so helpful!

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  6. Linda~ Hi there! I'm new to your blog, I found you thru Amy and I'd love to follow along. I also have a blog around here, if you're interested. Here are my answers to your questions.I was banded July 24, 09 btw.


    1. ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again?

    My only regret is not doing this sooner. I would do it again is a heartbeat.

    2. ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY?

    No way. I did it on and off for years, enough was enough.

    3. WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
    Right now it's the lack of restriction.I'm in bandster hell and it can be frustrating.I have 4 cc's in a 17cc band,and my dr isnt agressive with his fills. The only other thing I can think of is pb'ing. Productive burps. They hurt, a lot. So chew chew chew and dont drink with meals.


    4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?

    It stops me when I would keep going.

    5. On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?

    It's been hard for me. About a 7. I'm only a few months out though and once I get better restriction, it should get easier.

    6. HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE?
    A little. I'm more confident in myself and am more outward with my personality instead of hiding in a corner.

    7. Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?

    My drink of choice was beer, which is carbonated. So no, I don't party like that anymore. But I do feel sexier when I'm dancing with my girlies.

    8. HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I'm getting there. I'm down a few sizes and starting to see the changes.

    9. HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?
    Yes they have. My work friends tiptoe around me when it comes to ordering out for lunch. My BFF doesn't support my band at all and its strained to go out to eat with her because she questions everything.
    Don't let this discourage you. Most of the people in my life are very supportive.

    10. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT?

    I feel like myself. Now once I'm at goal, I'd have to answer that question again. :)

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  7. Linda, I am less than 2 months out, so I don't feel totally qualified to answer all of your questions yet, but so far I am 100% glad I did this and have no regrets. For me right now the hardest part is trying to get restriction, but I realize this is process so I am working on me as much as I can in the mean time. Great questions by the way.

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  8. Linda, I loved your questions! I followed Amy's example and posted my answers on my blog.

    I am so excited for you to be about to begin your pre-op diet! You have so many things to look forward to, and I can't wait to hear about all of your progress!!

    Here is a link to my answers: http://chroniclesfrombandland.blogspot.com/2009/11/linda-o-questionaire.html

    Catherine

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  9. 1.ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again? I wish I'd gotten the band earlier to be honest - I washed six months trying the LA Weight Loss out, and then decided to go this route. It's been amazing.

    2.ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY? Tried it, didn't work.

    3.WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND? Head or emotional hunger for me. Oh, and sitting for long periods of time makes my band very, very sore and have to use a heating pad for a day or two.

    4.WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
    For me it still allows to me to indulge in something, but I know theres a cap on how much I can get down. I don't like the feeling of having stuff taken away from me. *lol*

    5.On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?
    It comes up and hits me every now and then, more so when I see something that I just want to dive into and eat a bunch of. Or Dr. Pepper - man how I miss it.

    6.HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE? For the better or worse?
    My husband says that I'm just all aroud happier with myself. I don't feel self-conscience anymore liek I did before. Now the bad part of it for me is when I see other bandsters who've lost a lot of weight really fast and have passed me up, then I start harping on how I need to get my butt in gear. *lol* Husband worries that it'll give me an eating disorder, but I tell him that I'm happy right n ow, and hta twas my goal on getting the surgery - to make myself happy again, no matter the size.

    7.Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?
    I was a beer girl, and I've done fine with out it. I have a craving for it every now and then when I see my husband drink one, but it's ok. I
    ve tried actualy drinks, and they knock me on my butt, it doesn't take much to give me a buzz n ow.

    8.HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY?
    Eeeh.. I'm happy. I'm down 40-ish pounds since I got banded August '08. I've always had a bit of a saggy "jelly roll", but since the surgery it's gotten pretty bad. It actually covers half of my lady area, and I can lift it u p and get an idea of how it'll look once I get a tummy tuck. *lol* My "bat arms" are horrible and I can't wait to get those chopped off as well. Boobs have gotten saggier, so they'll need some implants at some point as well. I know some bandsters who've had hardly any saggage, but I'm not one of those lucky ones. *lol*

    9.HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?
    I can really only go off of my husband since I haven't seen my family in over a year. He's happy with it, he's supportive and helps with eating issues.

    10.DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT? I feel the same, just 40 lbs lighter. :)

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  10. Linda,

    I am only one week out from surgery, so I too feel unqualified to answer these great questions.

    However, I totally feel it was the best decision I ever made.

    No, I don't think I should have given traditional dieting another try.

    Between the pre-diet & after surgery, I have lost 23.6 lbs & feel fantastic already!

    As for being able to party, well, I don't drink anymore due to the amount of medications that I take, so the band will not effect my partying at all!!

    Have a great Thanksgiving!!

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  11. 1. I'd do it again in a HEARTBEAT! No regrets here!
    2. I'm not sorry for not trying traditional dieting again b/c it didn't work. I eat fairly healthy things but my issue has always been portion sizes and/or binging when emotional issues arise. So i just needed something to limit the amount and I'm slowly working through the psychological issues myself.
    3. The worst thing is not drinking w/ meals, but you get used to it. It's just a part of my life now 6 mths post op!
    4. The best thing is EVERYTHING! What it does, how it works, etc. It is a very valuable tool that will make you finally STOP & THINK about what you're eating and putting in your body. Is it mushie enough, enough proteins, am I getting all my water, am I moving enough, etc. It's a constant reminder to do your best.
    5. GOOD QUESTION! It was hard, still is at times. Sometimes I look at food my family is eating and I feel sad, like I've lost an old friend. So I either work through it, talk about it, write about it, or take ONE bite. These are things that need to be worked through slowly over time and the band forces you to face those issues or you sabotage the band.
    6. so far only personality change is that I'm more confident, have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-respect. I love who I am! This process made me love ME. And making the step to do it on my own was me proving to myself that I AM WORTH IT!
    7. I don't drink or go out much, actually not even since I've had the band. But if I did I'd just drink non-carbonated drinks and be aware that you are more of a lightweight Post band. So I'd just take that into consideration.
    8. I am much happier w/ myself. It's weird b/c I remember being this weight a few yrs ago and I was sooo unhappy, dissatisfied, and felt miserable. But my life was in a different place too and I wasn't doing anything to make it better yet. So for me this has been HUGE! The skin thing, you will just have to wait and see. I say "don't plan a tummy tuck" b/c it's bad joojoo wishing that into your life that you will even NEED one. I say to myself "i have tight, tight skin" and will wait and see. If I eventually need one (shhhh won't say it in the same sentence) then I'll get it. Until then, I'll hold out hope. So far, I'm doing fine. Only sag I have is lower tummy from having 2 kids.
    9. I think my relationships w/ my family is more open. I've alwyas been open but now I'm open emotionally and I tell them when I "feel" like they are trying to sabotage me or influence me negatively. Mostly it's an accident on their part and they apologize. I'm just more vocal about what is good/bad for me and how they can/cannot help. Relationshps w/ friends hasn't changed. Relationships w/ dude...well there are none. No change there, wah wah!
    10. I still feel like the same old Lizzy, just 40 lbs down and on my way to the best Lizzy I can be w/o losing myself or changing the things I already love about myself. I love almost everything about the inner me; my personality, brains, and spirit. I just need to improve the outside. And w/ that, the bad things on the inside will improve w/ it!

    HOPE THAT HELPS!

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  12. Hi, just to say that I tried to answer these on my blog, found them on Chronicles from Bandland, and lots of food for thought there

    Good luck with your journey!
    Hx

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  13. I am a little late in commenting on this, so I am not sure if you will see this but wanted to answer your questions.

    1. ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again?

    I dont really have any regrets. I wish I would have done it years ago!

    2. ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY?

    Not at all! I have lost weight on many diets, I just couldnt keep it off. I am excited that the Band will help me do that.

    3. WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
    No being able to eat in a hurry. I know that sounds weird, but sometimes I dont get hungry and then I have run out the door to be somewhere and I dont have time to eat as slowly as I need to. Which really just means I need to be better about scheduling meals and making sure I take time to eat! Never thougth I would say that!!!


    4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?

    It makes me think about what I am eating, and really makes me slow down.

    5. On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?

    In the first month or so, I would say it was a 7 or 8. I was actually very sad that I wasnt able to eat as much as I used to. I had such a love affair with food that it was really like breaking up. But now, I would say it is more like a 2. I dont miss eating the way I used to and am thankful that food doesnt have that pull on me anymore.

    6. HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE?
    I wouldnt say that I have notice a personality change really.

    7. Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?

    I am still able to drink. Margarita is my choice, and I can still enjoy them. However, I seem to feel the effects on much less now.

    8. HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I am feeling happier as I start to look better in clothes - and smaller sizes definitely help :)

    9. HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?
    I have shared with my family (outside my husband and children)about my surgery so the only thing that has changed is that I dont talk to them about food or food issues really. A few of my friends know and they are very supportive. It was hard at first because when I would see them they would always ask how it is going - and since it has been VERY slow for me I felt a little discouraged that things werent happening quickly.

    10. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT?
    I feel like the same person - but starting to feel better about that person!

    Let me just add too, a couple things I wish someone would have told me....
    In the beginning (after 3-4 days) you are going to be hungry, and that's normal. The first 6 weeks are just for healing, dont even worry about your weight loss during this time. Then, after that time forget about the way you have been eating for the past 6 weeks, its time to learn a whole new way of eating, cause when you start eating solid food again and get a fill you really have to learn what works for you and what doesnt. And one last thing, everybody is different and we all lose at different rates, try not to compare your loss with others cause it is likely to be different and can be discouraging if you are not "keeping up". Sorry I kinda rambled on - but that's my 2 cents worth :)

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