Hey all...

I got the call yesterday from my surgeon's office that I've cleared all the pre-op and insurance hurdles and can come in for a consult and schedule surgery.

I have to admit, this call put kind of a chill on my mood. I started second guessing my decision to do this. I've been successful with my pre-op weight loss having dropped 21 pounds in 7 weeks and doing very well following the South Beach Diet plan.

I've found no difficulties in following the SBD and have never felt better getting rid of the white flour, processed sugar, and starches from my diet and making much better choices on whole wheat grains, lower fat meats, cheese and dressings, artificial sweeteners or using naturally sweet foods as sugar replacement in recipes.

As my family doctor suggested if I can do SBD and stick to my current excercise plan for life do I really need the surgery and the possible side effects of PBing, Slimming on certain foods....foods I know I currently enjoy and are part of SBD plan. I mean I'd need to made modifications on making smart food choices and exercise anyways band or no band, the only thing the band will do is control portion sizes of those same foods but may make eating some of them very uncomfortable.

So now I'm having second thoughts and wondering all over again if I've made the right decision :scared2:.

Is getting cold feet pretty common for folks a few weeks before surgery ? If so how did you avoid over thinking and changing your mind about what seemed like a great choice and desirable life change only 1 or 2 months ago ?

I think the second thoughts are common. Here's the questions-- have you dieted before? What pitfalls did you run into those times?

I knew that the Band was right for me because I AM a successful dieter-- I've lost hundreds of pounds in my past, only to gain it all back plus some each and every time. I needed a tool that would control my appetite in a way that made me not hungry between meals, etc.

My husband, on the other hand, also has a lot of weight to lose. He has never really dieted, though. So he started his 6 month pre-op weight loss plan and is doing great. He's lost 30 pounds without much effort (just changing his food choices), and walking. He has decided to see if he can make this lifestyle change permanent, and forego the Band for now. He may change his mind later, and opt for the band if this change doesn't work.

I think you should address your second thoughts. It is major surgery, and you need to be sure you are making the right choice for your life. If you've never really dieted before, and it's working for you, and you think you can make it a lifestyle-- great. But if South Beach is just ANOTHER diet-- one that you are motivated to do right now-- but will probably end like all the other diets (if that's in your past like it is mine), then maybe the Band is for you.

good luck to you, whatever you choose!