Finally the day of my surgery is here 12-29-10 but I have been having mixed feelings about the surgery. I want to loose weight, I want to feel healthy but I feel scared and afraid that something bad is going to happen. I was originally schedule to have my surgery on Dec. 15th. I went to the hopital and was ready to go in but I started coughing and the anestisiologist canceled my surgery and sent me home to recover from the cold I had. Since then I feel like being in a roller coster with my emotions and descisions. I've been reading about all the complications and all the side-effects and it just made me think twice about the surgery. I need some advice on what to do. I can't postpone my surgery becasue after Dec. 31 my insurance will no longer work with my current hospital and doctors.

HELP!!!! Is it really worth it to got throgh the pain and complications? Does the lap-band really work or should I try one more time on my own????

Hi,

I went through the same thing. I went to a couple of doctors and ended up throwing out the information they game me. But, I finally realized that I would have done it without the surgery if I could have. I need help. You have to make this decision for yourself. But, don't let fear over come your brain. We take a chance every day we live in over weight, unhealthy bodies. If you have the surgery something could go wrong. If you don't have the surgery something will go wrong. That's just my thought about my surgery. Good Luck!

I definitely went through doubts both before and after surgery. Now that it has been a year and I have lost a substantial amount of weight I am 100 % sure this was the right decision for me. I still need to work hard and lose a good deal more weight but I know that getting banded was one of the tools that I needed.

Hi,

I went through the same thing. I went to a couple of doctors and ended up throwing out the information they game me. But, I finally realized that I would have done it without the surgery if I could have. I need help. You have to make this decision for yourself. But, don't let fear over come your brain. We take a chance every day we live in over weight, unhealthy bodies. If you have the surgery something could go wrong. If you don't have the surgery something will go wrong. That's just my thought about my surgery. Good Luck!

Did you have the surgery?? How was it and how many pounds have you lost?

Finally the day of my surgery is here 12-29-10 but I have been having mixed feelings about the surgery. I want to loose weight, I want to feel healthy but I feel scared and afraid that something bad is going to happen. I was originally schedule to have my surgery on Dec. 15th. I went to the hopital and was ready to go in but I started coughing and the anestisiologist canceled my surgery and sent me home to recover from the cold I had. Since then I feel like being in a roller coster with my emotions and descisions. I've been reading about all the complications and all the side-effects and it just made me think twice about the surgery. I need some advice on what to do. I can't postpone my surgery becasue after Dec. 31 my insurance will no longer work with my current hospital and doctors.

HELP!!!! Is it really worth it to got throgh the pain and complications? Does the lap-band really work or should I try one more time on my own????

Bear in mind that many folks who have the band and are doing well are NOT on these boards. They're out living life and doing well.

I've been banded 21 months, no complications so far and lost 170 lbs. I still have some to go, but even if I never lose another lb, I'm thrilled with my band.

I also take very good care of my band, I rarely overeat (not perfect.. lol), I don't take NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.), I don't drink carbonation. I try not to keep it very tight.. just enough to control my hunger, not so tight that it's physically restricting.

Yes, it's worth the post-op discomfort. Yes, it's worth the learning curve on how to eat with the band.

Almost everyone has moments of doubt before the surgery. This is normal. You'd be strange if you weren't at least a little apprehensive.

Hope this helps

Finally the day of my surgery is here 12-29-10 but I have been having mixed feelings about the surgery. I want to loose weight, I want to feel healthy but I feel scared and afraid that something bad is going to happen. I was originally schedule to have my surgery on Dec. 15th. I went to the hopital and was ready to go in but I started coughing and the anestisiologist canceled my surgery and sent me home to recover from the cold I had. Since then I feel like being in a roller coster with my emotions and descisions. I've been reading about all the complications and all the side-effects and it just made me think twice about the surgery. I need some advice on what to do. I can't postpone my surgery becasue after Dec. 31 my insurance will no longer work with my current hospital and doctors.

HELP!!!! Is it really worth it to got throgh the pain and complications? Does the lap-band really work or should I try one more time on my own????

1. It is very normal to freak out this close to surgery. This is a big deal and is life changing - it think it would be odd to not have some anxiety about it.
2. Most of the people who have been issue free with their bands are NOT on boards like this. Before my hysterectomy, I made myself nuts reading peoples stories. People tend to write about the bad stuff and it seems that way less of them write about the good.
3. If you could do this on your own, you would have already.
4. I had my surgery on 9/24 and I would do it again in a minute. The little bit of pain has been COMPLETELY worth it.

Hang in there - you will be on the other side before you know it.

Take Care...

:{{{{HUG}}}}

I am having my surgery tomorrow too. You wouldn't have been to the first appointment if you didn't believe in your heart this is the right first step for you. Lap Band isn't the answer to being thin forever, but it is what many of us need after years of growing stomachs and instant gratification, secret eating and looking for the "magic pill" to get the weight off.

I have been ANXIOUS, but not fearful. I have faith in my doctor.

I completly couldn't agree more that the problem with many support boards, including one I have been on for many years for back pain, is the people who have healed and had success move on to live their lives, while those of us who are nervous and researching meet up with those looking for reasons why their procedure didn't work. The percentages are far in your favor. Your Dr. wouldn't ok you if they thought you couldn't make it.

Go back to that place where you BELIEVED IN YOURSELF.

My name is Michelle, and I will be looking for your follow up on Thursday as well as posting mine!

See you on the other side!

Thank you for all your kind and warm words. I just received a called from the hosptital to confirm my surgery. It will be tomorrow at 1:30pm and after hanging up with the receptionist I went to my husband to tell him that I wasn't showing up for it. After reading your posts I have regained my confidence and thanks to your kind words I will go over to the other side. I keep you informed on the outcome and please pray for me as I am encountering fear and it does not feel good.

Thanks!!!!!

My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner! Best wishes to you.

Sue

Thank you for all your kind and warm words. I just received a called from the hosptital to confirm my surgery. It will be tomorrow at 1:30pm and after hanging up with the receptionist I went to my husband to tell him that I wasn't showing up for it. After reading your posts I have regained my confidence and thanks to your kind words I will go over to the other side. I keep you informed on the outcome and please pray for me as I am encountering fear and it does not feel good.

Thanks!!!!!

Carvey- What you are feeling is completely normal! Make a list of your risks due to surgery (which are extremely slim) and health risks due to obesity. One is definitely going to outweigh the other, by A LOT. I had my surgery 11 days ago, and I was EXTREMELY anxious about everything. Mostly the actual surgery at first, but let me tell you it really is nothing to be worried about, and you can trust me because I am a TOTAL baby when it comes to doctors/hospitals. It will be over before you know it, and the pain is very minimal, nothing you can't handle. Just stay on top of your pain medication, every 4-6 hours, for the first few days after surgery and you'll be fine. Some people never take any pain meds... After surgery the thought of not being able to eat started setting in and I was definitely having food depression for a few days... but the liquid diet doesn't last forever! You will be able to eat again, even foods that you love, just in smaller portions.

Today was my post-op appointment with the surgeon, and first time I've stepped on the scale since surgery. Down 15 pounds! I swear I smiled from ear to ear... This is definitely worth it.

Good luck to you, and update us on how everything goes! :thumbup:

still nervous but more confident!!!!

thanks everyone for your kind support!

Hi, My name is Cindy...I'm having surgery tomorrow too. I just got the call, have to be there at 9:30...I am also extremely nervous (and very excited). Hope all goes well for you all...

It has been a long and hard day today. I feel like crying and crying. I'm getting my things ready for tomorrow as I was told I am going to spend the night at the hospital. My house seems to be a mess I have things all over the place as if Im packing for a long vacation. I decided not to answer my phone becasue I don't want anyone to discourage me from doing this. It's hard but I know I will make it through!

I am currently on a two week Pre-op liquid diet. I've heard this is the hardest part. My surgery is scheduled for Jan. 7th. I have already lost 9+ pounds. I can't wait to shop, buy, and the wear some of the clothes I have been looking at. I am already feeling healthier. Everyday that passes I feel more sure that I'm doing the right thing. I think a support group is great for answering questions, one on one contact with others who are dealing with the same feelings as you are. If you can go even if its only once in awhile, do it. You gonna be great.

Hi, My name is Cindy...I'm having surgery tomorrow too. I just got the call, have to be there at 9:30...I am also extremely nervous (and very excited). Hope all goes well for you all...

How did all go???

I am now part of the banded community and it feels great!