My surgery was sheduled for last week, but because of my fear I changed the date till after January. Is it normal to have so many fears? I have read and heard so many horror stories. Will someone please put my mind at ease. How bad is the pain? I'm also afraid of being put to sleep. Thanks for any comments.

I understand your fears. For me there was absolutely no pain from the surgery itself. But the gas pain was bad, manageable but bad for a day or two.

I had gas pain but that was it. I never even opened my Lortab. I just used kids liquid Advil.

I was banded last Monday the 6th Dec and was very scared. I was ready to run away from the hospital! I broke down in tears in front of all the Dr's and nurses during my check in procedure and when my Surgeon came to visit he told them to give me the sedative Which I took!

The next minute, I'm awake and its all over. I've had gas pain like the rest of them have said and feel tight in the stomach. I've only been taking panadol to ease any pain and that works very well. I was very tired the first couple of days but still managed to walk around without a problem and do most things.

I had my gallbladder out at the same time and my Dr. also put 2 cc of Fluid in my band. So I think this is why I'm feeling so tight in the stomach

Tell your Dr. your fears. They will be very understanding and help you through the whole process.

Good Luck with your decision.

Thanks for your input. Just keep me in your prayers. I'm sheduled for January 10th

Can you feel the band inside? I know you can feel thr port

I know how scary it can be. You have gone through all the preparation wanting this and at the same time, it's utterly terrifying when it is upon you! SO many of us can relate! Honestly, I agree with one of the pps about telling your doctor how freaked out you are. They do this all the time so it's "old hat" to them, but there are patients that are petrified of having any type of surgery and being put under anesthesia. I am sure once you tell them, they will be very sensitive to how you feel. Honestly, they prepped me and gave me something when I didn't even realize it, next thing I knew I was chatting away and giggling with my husband, even teasing the doctor about singing AC DC when they wheeled me in LOL! Next thing I know.....well there wasn't a "next thing I know" LOL I woke up in recovery to a nurse rubbing my head telling me how great I did. I don't remember a thing. And I don't know about you, but I rather feel pain after and not knowing what the heck they did !

In the end, it's only YOU that can make the decision. It depends on how badly you want the surgery. Me? I would have walked through burning broken glass to have the surgery so nothing was stopping me, and while I'm scared of pain, I'm cool with you doing whatever you have to do as long as I'm not awake LOL. You have many people on here that can speak to the good, the not-so-good and the bad that can answer all your questions to try to prepare you as much as possible.

This is a life changing thing and it's WONDERFUL that you are taking it so seriously. Believe me, it will be okay no matter what you decide.

(For the record, I am now 154 and can feel the port from the outside to the touch, but never, EVER have I felt my band from the inside or outside--I couldn't even tell you where it is LOL!)

Oh thanks Juliansmom, that makes me feel a lot better after your post. I sure that I will do fine, but I'm just a big chicken

If you've done your research, then you know this is considered a relatively low-risk surgery. If you trust your Surgeon and the team, then let them be the professionals they are. They'll do right by you. And remember, for every "horror story" you hear about, there are thousands and thousands of "everything is fine" stories you never heard, because the person didn't post it somewhere. You're only hearing about the problems, which are very, very few compared to the number of surgeries being held every year.

I was banded five days ago. The anticipation was the worst, because of the natural fear of the unknown. But in my case, surgery was over in a flash, it seemed, and I was waking up with zero pain. I was well tended by the hospital nursing staff, and they responded to my requests for more meds whenever I asked. They were great.

Walking, staying hydrated, and passing gas are three issues not to be underrated. Getting out of bed and moving around does wonders to dissipate gas, and staying hydrated helps keep your stomach calm. Getting rid of the gas they pump into you will get rid of the majority of the pain. You're a mom of twins? You'll be fine!

Have the surgery, and get on with the rest of your life. You'll be fine. Good luck!

Dave

Thanks Dave: )