Dear Kelsey,
Congratulations on your decision to go ahead with the surgery! It certainly takes a lot of courage to do something drastic in order to keep you healthy.
I am a 14 year old who had the Lap Band surgery 6 1/2 months ago (January 16th). As of today, I have lost 88 pounds, and it feels AMAZING! To just be so much lighter, and happier, I don't think there are even words to describe how I feel.
I don't actually think that it hit me till' after my surgery that I had just decided to change my life forever. I'm not going to lie, it was a tough recovery for me. I was in a good amount of physical pain. The emotional pain, though, was just as hard to handle if not harder. Having been as heavy as I was (297 lbs!) I was addicted to food--I ate when I wasn't hungry, I couldn't stop thinking about food, etc. I had to relearn how to eat after surgery, and I won't deny it: I missed food. A lot. As I watched other people wolf down burgers and fries, I longed for my old days of carefree eating. Even now, sometimes, I miss eating the way I used to (which is totally understandable), but after a couple months, I got used to eating differently and even enjoy eating the way that I do and making healthy decisions.
Basically, after the surgery I just tried to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew that in just a few months, I would see changes and feel better. Losing weight actually gave me something in life to look forward to. And, there are so many people that either don't have the option that we have or don't do much about their weight, so I was truly thankful that I was being given a second chance at such a young age. For so long, I had been part of the stereotypical world of obesity (eating a ton, being lazy, etc.) and on that day in January, I broke free.
Am I happy that I decided to have the surgery? Absolutely and wholeheartedly: YES! If you had asked me that a week after surgery, my answer may have been different, so just give yourself some time to get used to your new lifestyle. As with any [big] change, having the Lap Band is most certainly going to take time getting used to. But let me tell you, once you have, you're not gonna want to go back to your "pre-Band" days.
After surgery, I relied on smoothies (low carb ice cream, milk, ice, and some kind of fruit), soup, and baby food. Now, I can eat just about whatever I want to, just in MUCH less quantities (though I do not eat steak or ribs, etc. anymore. But I do know people with bands who can--every case is different). I just make healthy choices now--more fruit, low carb pastas, etc. The Lap Band gives me the restriction that I need to not overeat, and that has been a blessing.
I exercise a good amount. Treadmills? BORING! So I play DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) and I get a great workout while playing. I just go to workout mode and start jumping! It's an exercise that's also enjoyable for me (now I sound like the ad on the back of the box!).
So, Kelsey, I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. I think what was hardest for me was not having any other teenagers to talk to at the time. So please, don't hesitate to ask me anything or if you just want to talk, I'm here.
You're about to begin a new life, one you're gonna enjoy!
--TRS
