Failed WLS.....here I am....

I use to frequent the LAPBAND board and had Lapband surgery on 3/1/2006.  On 12/1/2006, after losing 80 lbs, I had to have the band removed because of complications.  I have grieved the loss of this band and felt sorry for myself every since.....to the tune of +20 lbs.   I need some help dusting myself off, picking myself up and starting over again.  Not with WLS, as I can't afford another surgery....I was self-pay.  But the good 'ole fashion way.  It can be done.  The WLS was the best thing I ever did for myself....my self esteem and confidence was shooting sky high and then boom.....it was over....just like that!!!!.  Now I feel myself sinking again.  I was reading this board today and started to get re-inspired.  I have not lost all the ground I gained.  I have a great jump start.  Moderation, exercise, anything to reach my goal.  I plan to check into the board everyday and see if I can get something started for myself.  Right now my plan is just healthy food choices, exercise and water.  I can't commit to WW, Jenny, Optifast, OA, LA weight loss, or anything like that anymore.  It is within me.  I can do this.....with your help....... Thanks for listening.  I'll be back tomorrow.  Dee

Hi there.  I'm glad you came here for encouragement.  The people on this board are great.  I also do not use a specific program.  I follow my own plan.  It seems like you already know what to do with the healthy food choices, exercise and water.  That is the key.  So far I have lost 105 pounds by eating lots of fruit and veggies and lean protein.  Water is good.  Exercise is so important.  You can do this.   You have already got your foot in this door now just open it up and jump on in.

Hiya Dee,      Welcome to our little pond.          The first step is to get rid of any guilt/negative feelings about that 20 pounds.  We can't change the past, and dwelling on it tends to lead to more inappropriate behavior.  Concentrate on the fact that you are still DOWN 60 POUNDS.  And today will be the first day of the rest of your life.      I'm like you...not doing any specific program...just making up my own from all the bits and pieces from different plans that I know work for me.  Let us know if there's anything you'd like to know or bounce off of us.  The more the merrier.      You can do this.  You know how to plan what works for you...now just work your plan.

I can glimpse into how you felt when your band was removed. When my PCP said I was not a good candidate, I grieved that weekend more than I expected!  My DH was blown away. Me too, really.  When I looked into it, I said to myslef, if doors would open, then it was meant to be. The local surgeon said no, as my PCP did. Sure, i could have gone to another town, but I honestly did not feel it was the right thing to do.  I trust my doc. Why did I feel grief? I felt that here I was, on an ice floe, sent to die on the frozen ocean...once again, no lifeline.  But we KNOW that is not true. Those feelings were real, but they were not true. You said it, this is within us.  WLS is only a tool, not a freakin miracle. We still have to change our lives with or without surgery. so, let's dry those tears up and hold hands.

Welcome Aboard! We're all in this together, so I hope we can help you.  Good luck with everything and we'll see you tomorrow!

Thank you for the responses.  It makes me feel better about my situation to realize that I am not the only one who has suffered disappointments and I am not the only one who has to make sacrifices and choices to get the results they desire.  I plan on checking in with the board everyday, which will keep me accountable.  While I still mourn the band to some degree....ridiculous I know, my reality is that it is gone and I am still here living in this body.  I can create a healthy body for which to reside, or I can stay in the mess that I have created.......hmmmmm....reminds me that I need to clean house.    You guys are great and I hope to find friends and support, then give friendship & support.  Thanks again. Dee

Now how am I supposed to reply and say something profound when everyone else has beat me to it? Sheesh, you all just need to stop replying until I've had my chance. The nerve of you people, I swear!  While I don't know exactly how you feel having never had WLS much less lose it I can definitely empathize with you.  I know how it feels to have worked so hard and gone the extra mile only to have had something come up that just sends your whole world crashing down in just a minute moment. The agony of dealing with that loss sends you spiraling back into your old habits. But you're strong. You've realized what has happened and now you're standing again, back on your feet, and trodding up that hill.  Luckily for you, you only slid down just a little bit.  If anything you slowed down just so we could catch up!  :)  Concentrate on today and dream about the you of tomorrow, one foot in front of the other. Simple as that.  Now if I can just get myself to do that! heheh

 Welcome to our little board.  Like Chris mentioned, there is no more profound info I can impart, but just welcome.  We are few, but some of us are funny.  LOL!!!  If nothing else, I get exercise just from laughing at some of these guys posts.  We got the questions of the day that always keeps everyone on their toes, and laughing. If you need support someone will be here.

Well, the questions of the day when we remember to post them! lol I suppose I haven't done them in a while, perhaps it's my turn.....

So far I've lost 11.5 pounds in three months.  It's not a fast weight loss, but I'm doing it by eating healthy, in moderate proportions, and exercising lightly.  I need to walk, but haven't had the time or inclination to do it yet.  Right now I'm doing the same exercises my client does who has MS.  It's light leg lifts, but at least it's exercise. Good luck to you! Denise Phares