Monday, May 11, 2009

Big News...




I have made a decision that I am hopeful will change my life for the better. I have decided to have lapband surgery.

For those that don't know much about it, the lapband is a keyhole surgery where they put a band on the stomach to limit its capacity and is completely reversible. I feel like my crash dieting over the last 20 years has been a lot more harmful to my body than this procedure. I have thought about this long and hard over the past year, attended two information sessions, spoken with my doctor, spoken with a surgeon, discussed it with online and 'real life' friends who have had the surgery, read every blog, forum and book on lapbands and I am now 100% happy with my decision to have the surgery. For the first time in a very long time, I am hopeful that I can lose the weight and live a happy, healthy and full life.

All the information that I have read on lapbands say that it is just a tool and if you don't use it properly it won't work. So I do still need to control my diet and exercise, but it will help me control my eating. If you eat the wrong foods or don't keep the band tight enough you won't lose weight and may even gain weight. So I am not expecting this to be easy, but I do think this could help me and I am willing to give it a try.

I have told my mum and dad and they are really happy for me. It really hit home how difficult it is for them to watch me struggle with my weight problems and how heartbreaking it has been for them as well. The only other people I have told are two old girlfriends I used to work with, who both had lapbands done in 1998 and 2001 and both lost a stack of weight. They look FABULOUS, but more importantly, they are happy and healthy and say it is the best thing they have ever done. They are so excited for me and just keep telling me that I won't regret my decision.

Up until last year I didn't ever consider a lapband as an option for me. I thought it was great that my friends had the surgery and were happy with their decisions, but I didn't want or need to have weight loss surgery. To be honest, for me it was a matter of pride and I didn't want to have to admit that I needed help to control my eating. I have always been very independent (some might say controlling) and the idea of asking for surgical help to stop me from over-eating seemed embarrassing and weak. They say that pride comes before the fall and I guess that sums up my past 12 months. I am now willing to ask for help and take a risk in order to give myself the life I want. I am really excited for what this could mean for my future!

I wasn't going to write about this on my blog and I had decided to just delete my blog and hide away rather than face the criticism (I am a bit overly sensitive...). I have noticed a lot of people in the weight loss blogosphere don't agree with weight loss surgery and I really hate to feel like I am letting people down. I am so grateful for the support I have received from the people who read my blog over the past couple of years and I just don't want to disappoint anyone who doesn't agree with my decision. I have been nothing if not honest on this blog (too much sometimes *cringe*) so I really wanted to be truthful about my decision. I just really hope you guys will still be here for me!

*** I probably won't tell my other friends and family, so if we are friends on facebook, please don't mention this. Thanks! :-)

45 comments:

  1. Good for you! I'm looking forward to reading about your journey.

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  2. who give a merry fuck what a bunch of BLOGGERS think about your huge life-changing decision?

    anyone who gives you any amount of negative attitude can take the first taxi directly to the hellfires of eteral damnation if you want my opinion on it!

    congratulations and bravo for making this decision that is about you, your life, your body, your health and your needs - and NOBODY ELSE'S.

    i think you are even more awesome than i did earlier, which is a surprise, i didn't think i could think more of you.

    but i dooooooooooooooo

    xxx

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  3. Congratulations on making the decision. I know it can't have been easy and I hope it is the tool that you need to get healthy! I can't wait to read all about it. Good luck! xxx

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  4. Congratulations on this decsion.
    Anyone who passes judgement should seriously shut the fuck up.
    You are doing whats right for YOU and for YOUR life.
    No one has the right to tell you otherwise.
    Stay strong and confident in your decsion all the best with the surgery, but more so behond that to your brand-new healthy life!

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  5. You sound like you have given this serious thought and consideration - not a decision made lightly or on a whim.

    Good on you for having the courage to share it with everyone and good luck. Please continue to share your experience - the more honest information out there on things like these the better.

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  6. Wow! You said you'd discussed it with doctors etc, does that mean you have a date set, or have just ('just') decided to go ahead with it? Let us know!

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  7. You're old and smart enough to know what's best for you so congrats on the decision. In case you've missed a lap band blog, go and visit my friend Nola. She writes a very honest and funny blog about her band. She is a 'real' friend of mine and she'd love you to visit - http://abbfab.wordpress.com/

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  8. Love your blog (have been a reader for a while now). Looking forward to sharing the band road with you.

    Congratulations on the big decision. I hope it works well for you!

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  9. I don't normally respond to comments, but I just couldn't help myself today. I just read all the comments and I am sitting here at work trying not to cry because of all you kind and supportive words. I think I might have to shut my office door and have a little cry.

    I love you guys so much! :-)

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  10. Whatever decision you makeis your & yours alone, you have obviously thought long & hard about it & made an informed decision.

    Go for it & bugger what anyone else thinks.

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  11. I have struggled with the decision whether to pursue surgery or not. I applaud you for your courage to move forwarde with your journey, even though it is down a different path than you originally planned.

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  12. Been reading for a while and just wanted to say (like everyone else) good for you for making the decision that's right for you! At the end of the day, you're the only one who knows what you need, please don't take any negative reactions to heart. Noone else has the right to make you feel bad about this choice. :)

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  13. Wow, that is a big decision.

    I must say, it got me thinking, because my automatic reaction when I hear things like this is disappointment stemming from the ridiculous assumption they person given up. But the fact is that whilst I would prefer to lose the weight independent of surgery, I do know that it is an option, and if I got to the point where I believed that I couldn't lose the weight without surgery, then I hope I would make this decision, and I would really hope that the people would not judge me harshly, and give me the support that I would need.

    So I'm staring down my irrational initial reaction, and sending hugs and good wishes through the computer.

    And I hope you keep blogging, so that we can share the experience, and, of course, see the envy-inducing "after" photos:)

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  14. Still here! Doesn't matter what I think about it, it's your body & you need to do what's right for you. Good luck & looking fwd to supporting you on this!

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  15. you have a great blog. I hope your WLS works out for you. Its not weak at all :)

    PS you ARE pretty, with or without the weight!

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  16. Good luck with the WLS. I know it must have been a tough decision, but you know better than anyone else what is best for you.

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  17. Stop worrying about other people and their judgements - you don't need people around you or your blog who aren't supportive of you.

    It is a huge decision to make and you won't have made it lightly. I wish you all the best with your journey.

    Be kind to and love yourself.

    Claire

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  18. Wow, 18 comments already!

    I fully support your decision and Im so glad you are going to continue to blog about your weight loss journey.

    Best of luck to you

    Kristy
    xx

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  19. I'm so excited for you Tully! I know you have a smart head on your shoulders and that you have thought long and hard about this - so as everyone else said, anyone who doesn't support you isn't worth your time!

    I don't think surgery is a cop out at all. If anything, it's more difficult to opt for surgery rather than just continuing to struggle without asking for help. And obviously you have very realistic expectations and don't see the band as a 'magical' solution, which I bet is where many people go wrong.

    Good on you, lovely lady - I think you are very brave and you deserve every happiness. I can't wait to hear about your progress!

    Lots of love
    xxx

    ps. I'm a big sticky beak and want to know which colleagues have had it done now... LOL!

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  20. Congrats on making such a huge decision! I'm excited to see how your journey progresses!

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  21. Tully..
    Did you get my High five through the computer????

    My opinion has changed over the years about lap-band surgery... but the more i learnt about the DIFFERENT reasons people where over weight and the physical and mental health concerns that is assoicated to being overweight, the more my opinion softerned and I decided that the way you got healthy doesn't always matter.. just as long as you got there safely... with the guidience that you will receive from the professionals you have spoken to and will help you!

    Please blog everything!! Just think about all of the people out there that could be helped with your wise words of being there and doing it!

    Bravo tully.. bravo! It will not matter what people think... I have read your blog and have felt your pain...
    and don't question you decision.. it is YOUR decision.. they should be thankful that you share..

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  22. I read you blog all the time and haven't commented till now, But I think what your doing is a really positive thing. Good luck x

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  23. You need to totally IGNORE what other people say cos at the end of the day it's what is going to work for you that counts.
    Good on you for making such a brave decision. And the best of luck.

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  24. Of course we will always support you! I think you have made a brave decision and we will be here no matter. Good luck on the surgery, please do keep us posted!!! Don't worry too much!

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  25. That is great news!!! I can't wait to hear all of the details too. All of the ups and downs - when are you doing it, have you set a date. I am sending you the biggest hugs, you are the bomdiggity!!!!

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  26. Tully you are a star!

    Congrats on your decision!

    decisions, no matter what they are about are never easy to make.

    I think you are awesome!!

    Cheers
    Shona

    P.S LOL at Ms Milo's sticky beak comment :o)

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  27. Good for you, Tully. You've thought long and hard, and considered all the options (as anyone should for any elective surgery), and reached the best decision for you. Any negativity will stem from people's own insecurities, I expect-- it hardly affects them if you choose this path.

    Please keep updating, I look forward to reading about how everything goes.

    xoxo

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  28. Good on you!! ive been thinking the same for some time!! nothing is working i think it could :)

    you are doing the right thing for you well done!! stuff what others think

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  29. Congratulations on your decision... it would not have been an easy one and from what I hve read it isnt the easy way out at all... It is still going to be hard work...
    I am so glad you decided to blog about this and not hide away and delete your blog.. we are your friends..and all adore you girl..
    We will support you all the way..
    Heres to a happier slimmer you!!

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  30. Wow, that IS big news! Congratulations :) I know this can't have been an easy decision, and your post really illustrates that. But hey, it's not like there's something anathema about lap band, and anyone prejudice to it really needs to get over it.

    I hope this helps you get you to where you want to be :)

    And don't delete your blog!

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  31. That is BIG news. It sounds like you have done your research and know what to expect. Just delete any negative comments you may get. It is your life, your body and your decision to make and I'm sure you will get tons of support. Congrats on the big news. I can't wait to hear all about your journey.

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  32. It sounds like you have given this a lot of thought, I'm excited for you.
    It's your body, your journey, so don't pay attention to what "bloggers" would think about your choice. It's your life!
    I hope you will keep your blog and tell us about your journey.

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  33. I think it is totally brilliant and would do it myself if I wasn't too scared, lol!

    Go girl and keep us posted on how it all goes for you.

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  34. You should never feel embarrassed or weak for asking for help-we all need help at one point or another :)

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  35. It will be great to be able to follow your journey on here!

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  36. Good luck with the surgery! You're right, it's a tool, and I hope it works well for you. I look forward to reading about your success!

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  37. Believe me...you are not taking the easy way out. It will still take hard work and determination. However, it is a decision only you can make and I'm so happy for you. It's so hard!

    Also know that you will go off the straight and narrow. As a matter of fact, plan on eating non-healthy things. The trick is to only eat a little and to plan for it. You will live a NORMAL life. I've had my band for almost a year now, and no one has figured it out. This journey will be what you want it to be...no more and no less.

    Ignore the naysayers, embrace the encouragement, open your arms and let in the sunshine...cuz it's coming Baby!!!

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  38. Good Luck and All the best,
    If you feel this is the right thing for you, then that is all that should matter, Who cares what all those other crazy, judgemental people think.

    Please don't stop writing in your blog. It has been a really inspiring blog and we'll miss you.

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  39. I have been reading your blog for only a short while, but everytime you post something new I am amazed at how similar you are to me and where I am at in life at the moment. I think it is fantastic that you have made this decision and know that it will work 100% for you. Also, from the photos you have posted on here, just want to say you are a very very attractive girl and have such a gorgeous personality, and truly deserve to feel good within yourself. Good luck and look forward to hearing how it goes.

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  40. OMG 40 comments! Looks like you are a very well loved girl Tully. Always keep that in mind.

    You have done your research and you have sorted through the pros and cons thoroughly. Gastric Banding is DEFINITELY not an easy way out, giving up, a quick fix or any of those things. It is only someone who is completely ignorant that would think so. In saying that though I still get your hestations and I am so happy you shared with us.

    I for one wish you the ABSOLUTE best of luck with everything. It is a gutsy decision and it is forever. KEEP ON BLOGGING!!! Have you got a date????

    xoxoxo

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  41. You go girl and ill be right here cheering and supporting you. Wishing you all the luck in the world and cant wait to read the new chapter in your life xxxx

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  42. Tully

    42 positive comments....

    If that doesnt tell you something...

    Congratulations. You are truly inspirational.

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  43. You deserve to know the joy of having a body that you're proud of. Life is too short to be unhappy. If this is going to help you, then go for it! You must do what is right for you. I applaud your courage in sharing this with everyone. Thinking of you, and looking forward to hearing more x

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  44. Congrats on making such a BIG decision!!!

    I was banded in december - but due to complications they had to remove it the next day - I was rebanded April 1st - it was one of the TOUGHEST decisions of my life..but I am absolutely LOVING LIFE right now!!!

    I have lost about 7kg since surgery - and about 8kg before surgery - so around 15 all un since the end of Feb... I feel FANTASTIC... and it makes it soooooooooo much better to know that this is a 'forever' loss now... no more losing 15 kg and gaining 25... I am thrilled to bits!

    Best of luck :)

    L xx

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  45. Aww, I'm so excited for you! :)
    It's a tough decision to make, but you have obviously done your research, and I am sure you'll be thrilled with the results! :)

    Hugs!

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Awww thanks so much for the comment!