Nurse_B

I have a question for those of you who have had to deal with friends reacting negatively about the band. How do you deal with it? I have a VERY close friend, and although she says she supports my decision, she hasn't been exactly supportive. She is concerned that I am giving up on diet and exercise on my own, and that I am making a quick decision. The thing is, and I have told her this, I have been contemplating this decision for a very long time. Now whenever we speak, she is telling me what I could do instead of surgery, and trying to basically scare me out of my decision. I don't want to lose a friendship over this, but she is stressing me out!!

srussell8 thank you for sharing your story. I feel for you, it's hard to make changes for the better and get on a different path, especially knowing that some will not be joining you on it. I know in life there are times we move on and grow apart, it's just sad when it's over a change that is necessary for us to become healthy. I truly hope my friend understands once the surgery is over. Ever since I posted on here, I have tried to be firm with her in telling her this is my decision and I understand your concern but her support is needed more. She says she understands, yet scrutinizes my food choices, and exercise habits. She says she is concerned because I have failed so many times and given up, what makes this different? When I explain why it's different and why this is GOING to work because failure isn't a choice here, she shrugs me off like she doesn't believe me. We have been on a cool down for a few days, and frankly I just don't discuss this with her if she brings it up. My hope is that she has a more understanding outlook once the surgery takes place. If not, I have to be willing to walk away from things that are only holding me back in a unhealthy lifestyle. It's sad, but this is going to happen whether she is there or not. I am just very thankful my parents, siblings, and co workers are being supportive at this point. I hope for you one day when she sees the light she reaches out to you to help her in her journey. It's a very sad feeling to be cut off from someone who once meant so much to you.

First, it was a great idea to come on this website to gather information and find support. I'm actually quite surprised your physician/surgeon suggested this surgery. I have no idea how much you need to lose or your health issues, but the reason I'm surprised is because of the emotional and psychological part of it. I'm not saying you are immature or not ready, but in general I know in healthcare we tend to try supervised weight loss, nutrition and therapy until you are a tad older. The biggest concern is that you wouldn't be in a place where you can optimally be ready for a lifestyle change so permanent and different from your peers. This age is hard to stand out on your own because you are so closely influenced by your peers. My hope for you is that I'm totally wrong about this and you are mentally and psychologically prepared. Good luck to you and ask any questions or for support on here if you need it, these people are wonderful.

I have a funny story when I got my gallbladder out. My nursing instructor at the time was an OR nurse. She was talking to us about anesthesia and said that in her OR when a patient took very little to get knocked out they would call them a cheap date. When I woke up in the recovery unit, I asked the nurse if I was a cheap date. I don't remember doing it, but the OR staff got a good giggle out of me knowing what that was!

Good luck, I hope it goes by quickly for you! Bring whatever you use to help you fall asleep, like a book you are reading, it can help!

There are a few reasons why no caffeine before surgery. First, caffeine is a diuretic, and can cause dehydration especially on a liquid diet or a new diet that is cut back. I have also heard that caffeine can possible cause erosion where they band is placed? I will have to research this one and ask the surgeon at my consult visit. Also, with all of the manipulation with your stomach, ulcers can be an issue, and caffeine unfortunately can add to that risk. I'm sure there are better reasons but that's what I came up with!

Welcome!! I am still awaiting my surgery date, and like you am anxious to begin!

That's really tough to do this with little support. I'm glad you came on here, these people are WONDERFUL. I have never met perfect strangers who were so warm, inviting and helpful. Any questions you have, put them out there. If you need support and someone to listen, be prepared because so many people will help you out. I hope for you that as you explore on here you become more at ease and excited for your surgery. As for the sleep study, it will be over with before you know it. Bring anything you like to do before bed to help you fall asleep.

I'm going to sit down and talk with her. I don't want this to be an issue, but I want her to understand this is a huge life change and if she is going to be around, she needs to be on board. It's sad, but I do think it has to do with jealousy a little bit too, as many of you have said. I know how it feels, I'm happy for people when they lose weight, but I also wish that for myself. I feel bad I feel that way, but I do get it!

Thanks guys, all great advice. She is a big girl also. She just had a baby a year ago but hasn't lost the weight. She has had liposuction in the past so you think she would understand. I think there is an element of jealousy there, and I hate to even think that. I made the decision when I decided to get the lap band it was my decision and no one else was going to sway me. I just wish she could be there for me, she usually is the friend that is so understanding.

I don't have any insight in the surgery center, but just wanted to say welcome!! I'm so glad I joined this site. No surgery date for me yet, but I hope to have surgery before the fall.

Hello! Have you had a sleep study before?? It's a pretty easy test, you get to sleep through it (I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty good to me!). Only thing is it can be annoying because they hook up leads around your body and they can get in your way. Do you think you are nervous about the surgery part, or the afterwards, and that's why you are feeling down?

Hello!! I'm going to UW next Wednesday for my first consult meeting. I'm also in the Madison area. So glad you guys are on here and we can chat about our experiences.

It's interesting that you bring this up. I was looking online last night, actually searching for people who complained about the band. I want to get all of the information possible. About 90% of the discussions were people who were expecting a miracle, something for nothing. When I have told people my decision, their first thought is "Oh you are going to get so thin, and you won't have to do anything!". My response is, really?? IF that was the case, everyone would be covered for weight loss surgery and physicians would be BEGGING their overweight co-morbid patients to have this surgery. I'm always shocked at my patients and their attitude about medicine in general. Some people expect to do nothing and have things like weight loss surgery, and medications do the work for them. When I educate my patients that they have to change their lifestyle on top of taking their hypertension medication, I get a lot of interesting responses. I can't tell you how much I love this site, I wish anyone on a path to weight loss would come on here and see the positive outreach, and the support for people to adopt a healthier lifestyle!

Good luck to you!! I hope your weekend doesn't seem like it's taking forever. Sounds like you are pretty set

Glad to hear you are doing well!

That's a pretty good deal!! You can have it in your dreams without feeling guilty. Think of something extra delicious before bed tonight to eat, enjoy!

Oh that would be hard with other people eating around you!! But, now you know you can do it, even with others around you not doing the same thing!! Congrats on the weight loss, what a great way to start the journey!!

You may want to ask your surgeon what the protocol is. I am considered "inpatient" only because they don't have a surgery center to do the procedure as an outpatient. This may be the case for you as well. If you have it early enough, they usually send you home the same day if no complications and if you can go to the bathroom.

Are you self pay? Did you have to do nutrition and psych? My consult is next Wednesday and is love for it to be scheduled quickly!

Do you have documented weight discussions from the last two visits? Usually if they can establish your current problems have been addresses, they don't need that much to look at.

Sending you prayers and warm wishes!!

Hello!! I have my first appointment with my surgeon next Wednesday. Does anyone have any advice on questions I should ask, or things that you wish you knew before the procedure?? I want to make sure I show up ready to get all the information I need!

Thank you, I'm jotting all this down in a notebook so I can refer to it at the appointment! I'm sure there is so much I'm not even aware of asking yet!

So glad to hear all is well!!