I recieved the lap band last tuesday April 18, 2006. Im 19 years old. I have lost 16 pounds so far but Nobody told me how depressing this can be! Im on a liquid diet for three weeks! Dont get me wrong Im estatic about the pounds i have lost but thisi no food thing is Very difficult... I wanna eat!!! atleast a salad or something! The first few days were pretty easy because I was still in pain but now im really goin through it....

LDC and congratulations on your band. WOW 16 lbs, thats wonderful.

Did you have a physc evaluation before you were banded? because they are supposed to talk to you about depression. I know its difficult but hang in there, the main reason you are on liquids is so that your insides heal. And the longer you stick with what your doc says, the better off you will be. Try to remember (I know its hard) that this stage isn't forever, soon you'll be eating mushies and then solids.

Best thing you can do during these stages is stay away from eating out because that really can get you down if your not prepared for it.

Its not forever sweetie, you'll make it.

Awww thank you, I needed to hear that... Im trying and I did have physc eval but right about now I think i need to see a therapist cause Im getting really down....

it's a little hard to vote on your poll because there aren't enough answers!!! first - TURN OFF THE TV. and then do something - anything! go for a walk, if you can. read a book. start knitting. talk to a friend. post on 3fc. DRINK SOMETHING that doesn't have calories or bubbles.

food has been such a major companion for so long for so many of us that it's really really hard to understand that it's just FOOD - it's not a problem solver, it doesn't fix anything but hunger.

take a deep breath - and think about this being a NEW start for you for a NEW, HEALTHIER way of living. but it'll be a step by step process. right leenie????

congrats on the weight loss - don't give up!!!!

Well not eating IS depressing and especially when your around others that can eat. What did your doctor tell you to do? are you on clear liquies, mushies, ??? and for how long.

The TV can drive you bonkers, especially watching all those food commercials...good lord its enuf to drive anyone crazy with cravings.

Play games on the internet, board games like in yahoo or something like that, read a book, do you have any hobbies?

I agree with Jiffy as far as the poll goes... shut off the tv and keep busy...do both.

But rest and heal...thats #1.

Oh and every time you get depressed, look at the amount of weight your losing..... just think about how much fun it will be shopping for cute clothes

AMEN Leenie!!!
When the going gets tough the tough go shopping!! Hang in there LDC ! It gets better.

Lol Magi.... I did go shopping yesterday and today got a mani and pedi too.... It did help... Leenie im on just liquids right now and i got two more weeks to go until my first fill and once I get that I start on soft foods... and you are so right! Thanks everyone for the words of wisedom... Im tryin to stay strong

How are you doing today LDC?

Lauderdalechick,
It does get better, let out a few tears and then pick yourself up and start over. Thats what I did. I got banded on March 20th. Just like everyone else mentioned try and keep yourself busy. The Mani and Pedi was a great idea, I need to get one.

Keep us posted and good luck.

Hi everyone! I'm new here and I was just wondering what lap band surgery is. I've heard a lot about it and while I can look it up on the internet I'd like to hear about it from someone who knows for sure...if that's okay!

Thanks

IrishCowGirl, here's a link. It can explain it better than I can LOL
http://www.lap-band.com/about.html

The surgery is about 1 hour long (some folks go home the same day, some stay over night), the doctor puts the band around your tummy at the top and sew's the port to your abdominal muscle, like right on your right side ribcage area, some are lower. Several weeks after the surgery (6-8 or so) you go for what is called a fill. The doctor injects saline (tiny amounts) into the port and it travels to the band around your stomach making it tighter so you eat less food. The band sits pretty high on the stomach creating a pouch. The band does not work with out fills. Also the band is not a cure for WL, you have to work with it or you won't lose weight. Even though eventually you'll be able to eat smaller amounts of food, eating chocolate, cake, ice cream can still make you gain, so you see it doesn't keep the junk out...only you can do that LOL.

Hope this helps...I suckaroonies at writing.

Hi! I can sure understand your feeling depressed. However, think about where you were headed before your procedure. A life controlled by food. A body restricted by excess weight. Mobility difficulties which would only multiply as time goes on. Now, that is depressing!

Sure you miss eating. That's so understandable! But step back and remember why you went into this. Don't look behind you, but look forward! If you work at this, as you gaze into the distance you'll see a fit and healthy you waiting not too far down the road.

The lapband is a tool you can use to acheive your dream. It will only work if you resolve to move forward! So mourn a little if you have to, but pick up your tool and use it to become a healthy you.

Hi there!Never been lap-banded, but believe that it is effective and a valid choice for many. I think that you need to grieve! For those of us who are overweight and are losing (no matter the method), there comes a point where we have to realize the role that food has played in our lives. For me, I realized that my constant companion and loyal friend who comforted me when I was down, was no longer there! This took me a few weeks to come to grips with, and I had to change my view of food from a friend to that of a physical requirement. Counselling can help, be it in the form of a person/clinic or online in a great forum such as this.
Just hang in there, get online as much as you need, and remember that there are lots of people who are experiencing what you are, and we are all here to help.
Keep in touch!

Thank you Leenie! I am really amazed by the whole lap band thing! I think that it sounds like a pretty great surgery. I'm no where near being able to afford that but it's something that I may want to look to in the future! Thank you and good luck

Wow Angel, that hits home. I mean I've always known food had me under its spell, but to actually see those words as you have put it really REALLY hits a nerve. Well said and thank you.

Congratulations on hitting your goal, I'm in awe of your efforts.

Irishcowgirl, your very welcome