The Psychological and Social Time Line

 

Aim for achievement, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because if you do, you will loose your ability to learn new things and advance in life.

In the same way that there is a physical recuperation period after surgery, there are almost universal periods of emotional and social adjustment for band patients. The timelines for psychological and interpersonal change are considerably less predictable than those for tissue recovery, which mends surgical incisions. Success in losing weight after an AGB is not automatic; it requires a personal commitment to making lifestyle modifications. However, numerous internal (psychological) and external (social) factors persistently challenge this personal commitment.

In addition, you have an underlying sense of uncertainty regarding your new lifestyle and everything that comes with it. Included in the equation for change are the social stigmas commonly associated with obesity, not the least of which is your own fear that everyone else regards bariatric surgery, and the AGB in particular, as a "last resort." This combination of factors invariably produces a deep-seated dread of failure.

Interestingly, there is a second significant issue that many obese patients face, and that is the dread of success. If you've been obese your entire life, it can be terrifying to contemplate what it would be like to blend in with the crowd. Because everyone assumes that profoundly obese individuals want to lose weight, this issue is rarely discussed, and is generally not a concern.

That's correct. However, I have witnessed patients contend with their changing identity, which can occasionally result in unconscious self-sabotage.

Like happiness, success is a state of consciousness. I frequently cite the results of professional golfers as an example. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a young professional golfer who had won a minor tour event the previous year. When I inquired about his expectations for the upcoming local competition, he responded, "I hope to finish in the top 10." If I had asked Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson the same question, I believe they would have responded, "I plan to win!" This is merely an indication of confidence and disposition.

The most intriguing aspect of this narrative is that later that same year, the young player who had hoped for success won the PGA championship, one of the four major tournaments on the tour. From then on, his career ascended to new heights. He is presently ranked among the world's top ten. His stroke didn't change. He is unable to strike the ball further. What changed was his confidence and, perhaps most significantly, his realization that it is acceptable to succeed.

Mike's Tale

I weighed 427 pounds, stood 6 feet 3 inches tall, and was 52 years old when I encountered difficulties at work. As a land surveyor, I was unable to trek the 100 to 150 feet necessary to assist with equipment setup. I wound up sitting and radioing orders to my crew. One of them once referred to my vehicle as "Mike's motorized wheelchair." That was sufficient.

I heard an advertisement for weight-loss surgery at Cedar Sinai in Los Angeles on the radio, pulled over, and dialed the number. I went to my appointment, shared my medical history and weight problem history with the doctor, and he performed tests. After approximately 30 minutes, the doctor stated, "I believe you require surgery, but I do not believe a bypass is right for you." He inquired as to whether I had considered the ensemble. He spent an hour conversing with me, sketching the band for me, and demonstrating how it functions. This sounded excellent to me. I began researching the band and became rapidly convinced that it was perfect for me.

I was aware of my life-threatening condition. I was taking blood pressure medication, gout medication, and blood-thinning aspirin. I had knee arthritis, my left leg was entirely numb from the hip to the knee, and I walked with a limp. I believed I might die within a year.

I attempted insurance unsuccessfully. Four appeals were denied, including two by a lawyer who specializes in weight loss claims for bariatric patients. I discovered a band support group and began attending meetings. I would announce at each meeting that I was still looking for a means to acquire the band but hadn't found one yet.

I am a professional Santa Claus with my own attraction, and I offered my services to the band support group during the holidays. After the gift exchange with the children, a visiting physician informed one of the group leaders that he wished to give me a band. He was seeking a means to

bolster his practice and hoped that word would spread that he had been charitable to a worthy individual who he believed would do a good job with the ensemble.

They believed he was joking, so they did not inform me. In April, the doctor attended another support group meeting to present a paper on the effects of weight loss on self-esteem. At the time of the meeting where we introduced ourselves, I delivered my standard address on fighting insurance. The doctor again requested the group's leader to inform me that I would be receiving a band. I instructed him to inform him that I did not have the money. He stated that you do not comprehend; inform him that I will give him a band. Seven days later, I was scheduled for band surgery.

In the year I spent in the support group, I went from 427 to 385 pounds as a result of my weight loss efforts in accordance with the band's guidelines. I consumed protein first, then fruits and vegetables, and finally carbohydrates. And I took very small nibbles, chewed thirty times prior to swallowing, and set my fork down between each bite. I also joined the Bandsters Yahoo group online, and the owner gave me the group that same year. When I assumed leadership, there were 4,000 members. With over 10,000 members and twelve moderators, it is now the largest online support group in the globe. We do not censor, but we swiftly stomp out flames, have no advertising, spam, or fishing.

My band surgery went according to the instructions. It took 42 minutes. I experienced no nausea, agony, or soreness. As soon as they removed the catheter, I changed into my jogging suit and walked the corridors for approximately two hours before I was forced to return to bed. I made sure I strolled. I was unable to return to work for six weeks, so I made certain to walk frequently. I was averaging three to four miles per day.

I continue to walk 3 to 4 miles per day, but no longer as a form of exercise but as part of my profession, now that I can be out with my survey crew. I walk all day long. In the past 18 months, I completely wore out a pair of footwear. Previously, I had difficulty fitting behind the steering wheel of the vehicle. Now, no problem. It no longer bothers me to transport 80 to 100 pounds of equipment up a hill and set it up. I'm glad I have a busy career.

In my first 18 months with the band, I lost 7 to 10 pounds per week, as opposed to the usual 2 pounds. I was 212 pounds after losing 218 pounds in the first 18 months. And the sole perpetrator was the band. I was extremely committed to following the laws. No candies, no milkshakes, and no ice cream (one of my preferences; I'm an ice cream addict).

Running the bandster forum has shown me that band members are among the most impatient persons in the world. I recall losing 25 pounds between the time of my surgery and my first fill. That period is referred to as "Bandster Hell" because you've spent so much money and endured so much pain, and now most people don't feel like much is occurring. Some individuals experience no restrictions at all. I've decided that the band member's prayer is, "Lord, grant me patience immediately."

I believe that individuals need nutrition education. You must understand what a portion is, how much protein a serving contains, etc. And it's useful to learn how to put things together so you don't get bored, such as different ways to prepare chicken. The film Supersize Me sheds light on why Americans are becoming overweight. These oversized portions are portrayed as normal, despite the fact that they are not.

If you enter your parameters on a website like fitday.com, it will tell you how many calories per day you need to survive. Your basal metabolism is necessary for your survival if you do nothing. Then they add your level of activity and provide you with a result. If you do not have access to a nutritionist who can teach you these things, then you must educate yourself.

For optimal health, the majority of people must regulate their diet to include the appropriate nutrients in the proper amounts. Individually, not generically, band patients must be aware of their protein requirements. As a robust, 6-foot-4-inch, active male requiring 94 grams per day, the average of 60 grams per day is insufficient for me. The protein requirement is determined by height, weight, gender, and intensity of physical activity.

With the band, I discovered that I will not be permanently forbidden from consuming anything, but certain foods require so much energy that they are not worth eating. For instance, I do not consume stringy flesh.

I'm not saying I'll never eat cake again, but I had to wrap my head around the idea that a portion is a minuscule piece. The average portion size is 3 to 4 ounces. Therefore, when I visit a steakhouse and am served a 16-ounce sirloin, that's four meals. I used to consume two hamburgers weighing a half-pound each. Now I can consume whatever I want, whenever I want, up to the band's limit. I pay close heed to my protein intake, my fruits and vegetables, and my water intake the majority of the time. I make a concerted effort to consume sufficient water each day in order to facilitate weight loss.

I exercise, but I've discovered that it doesn't have to conform to the social norm. Exercise is the movement of mass over a distance. When you move more mass (you are the mass), you will expend more calories. Examples of physical activity include gardening, rowing a boat, stair scaling, and mall walking. It does not require gym organization or a formal exercise session; it must simply be completed.

I have sagging skin, but I have no intention of undergoing plastic surgery. I've been married to the same woman for thirty years, and I have no desire to impress anyone.

At 235 pounds, I have regained a small amount of weight. In addition, I'm less strict with my dietary restrictions. I regained 248, lost weight to reach my current weight, and have maintained it for the past year and a half. I now consume ice cream, a candy bar, and even a sundae, but the band has me under control so I cannot go crazy. Everything must be balanced. And I am thrilled to have it there.