I feel nervous about putting the lap band inside me. I sometimes feel as if I should try harder to loose weight and feel as if maybe I should not go forward with the procedure. Are these doubts normal? I feel scared about the affects of the band because I hear good and bad things. I am sooo confused!!

I was banded on April 7 and I have to say the roller coaster ride of emotions before the banding is a bit overwhelming! You experience every emotion possible - IT IS NORMAL!!!! :smile:

You will also have more emotional roller coaster after you are banded so be prepared. I had some mood swings and blue/tearful times the first month out. My surgery itself was not bad and recovery was actually pretty easy.

As for the "taking the easy way out" idea - that is just not true. The band has helped me immensely in losing weight, but it is NOT EASY! It takes dedication, hard work, planning, and willingness to make lifestyle changes.

I always was a person who could set goals and work hard to achieve them, except with my weight. I felt like a total failure with no self control. I was sure I would be a big failure at the band too.

Well, guess what? I am being successful with the band! It has been that extra push I needed to lose weight and I am certain I will be able to keep it off!

I always felt I was hungry all the time and because other people were not hungry all the time and constantly focused on food like I was, I figured it was a moral or will power issue, that I was just a weak person. I expected the band to "punish me" when I ate too much and prevent me from being able to give in to my cravings.

What I have experienced is totally different. I do not feel that constant hunger now and do not crave nearly as much as I used to. Sure, I have to make good decisions on what to eat, and have the right foods available. But, now that I have my band, I know what not being hungry actually can feel like! I can eat, get satisfied and go for hours without thinking about food. I am sure this is not just psychological - it is a physical change from the band. It is a totally new experience for me!

I do not think I am at my sweet spot yet, but the difference I feel is astounding. I have had 3 fills so far with a total of 3.0cc in my band. I have lost a total of 58.8 pounds including my pre-op (35.8 since surgery). I still go out to eat with friends and family. I eat until comfortably full and do not obsess about food like I used to.

I have gone from a 2x to a 16 so far and have gone off my diabetes meds, cut my blood pressure meds, and no longer take pain killers for joint pain. I am having my C-pap titrated this week as it is too strong. The rewards are beyond my wildest expectations.

Like many of the posters above, I only wish I could have done this 30 years ago.

So go into this experience, should you decide to go ahead, with your eyes wide open. It is not "easy" and "the easy way out". It is hard work and dedication. But the rewards are amazing. It has given me just the extra edge I needed to make the commitment and stick with it. I am about half way to my goal and am determined I will get there and keep the weight off.

Good luck in making your decision and with your weight loss.

I love my band! :smile2:

Edited July 25, 201016 yr by Froggie D

Thank you, thank you, thank you Froggie D!! That is exactly what I needed to hear. I was personally going to go through with this anyways, but have been having a lot of worry & doubts. Your post helps put my mind at ease.

Tracy

Very helpful post everyone. It has helped me out. I have lost 19 pounds and cant wait to loose 130 more! I am feeling much better now mentally about this and am ready for surgery. Good Luck everyone!!:bolt:

Good luck to both of you, Trazola and LOVELYLADY. You will do great. Follow everything your surgeon tells you to do, just to get a really great start.

Post and let us know how you are doing!

:bolt::welldoneclap:

I think it is only natural that we have doubts & anxiety going in to have surgery.

I have anxiety myself but like others have said I only wish I had done this in my 30's or 40's or even 3 years ago when my PCP first recommended it.

I know I can lose weight , I've done it many times before never getting to goal and never being able to keep it off for more than a year.

Now I can't wait to get it done so that I can hurry up and lose my weight , getting to goal and this time have a real hope of keeping it off.

All I'm looking forward to is having it done so that I can really enjoy my 50's the way I should.

I am being banded Aug 3rd!!! I am so ready, it has been a long road to get there.

I also am having the same doubts as everyone else but this thread has really helped. Thank you all for posting your experiences!