By Sandi Henderson

As you start your journey, whether you are exploring the idea of weight loss surgery, preparing for gastric banding, or you have had your surgery and are learning how to use this new tool to get the weight loss and improved health you want, surrounding yourself with others who are successful band patients can really help to jump start your journey.  Of course, your doctor's advice always comes first.

Having someone to call or email immediately with questions or just to speak with really helps.  Knowing you are not on this journey alone can be pretty motivational.  There are many ways and reasons to learn from others:

• You can learn from others mistakes before you make them yourself.  Then, when you make a mistake (and we all do), you will have someone to discuss it with.  Someone to laugh about it with, to cry about it with, and, most importantly, someone who understands exactly what you may need to do to stay successful. 
• Go to weight loss surgery support groups.  Attending a group meeting gives you a safe place to talk about what has been going on with you personally, and to hear other people's stories.  It also gives you the opportunity for some continuing education as new topics are discussed. 
• Find out if your surgeon's office has an "Angels" program.  This would be other people with bands who act as mentors.  If so, request to have an angel reach out to you, and stay in contact with them. 
• Consider attending at least one support group before surgery.  Go.  Ask questions.  Keep attending those meetings and stay in contact with other successful patients.  Learn, keep learning.  This is an ongoing journey.