so i get to have my apt tomorrow to talk to the doc about my ref and all but now im like sooooo scared my best friend had gastric in October of last year and died from it in dec two days before Christmas and now all of that is hitting me at once and i have all of this rushing thru my head like what if it slips what if it does not work what if the worst happens and it all goes sooo wrong omg now im kinda panicked someone please anyone have these same fears what about after you had your band put on was it all worth it

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

The band's mortality rate is significantly lower than gastric bypass, if that eases your mind (0.05% compared to a 0.5-2% mortality rate). It does come with its risks, and they've given me some second thoughts as well. I haven't been banded yet, so I can't tell you if it was really worth it or not. I'm scheduled for surgery on August 12, so I can understand the panic.

It's a huge life-changing decision, but definitely the safest out of all WLS procedures.

Hi Torirose, so sorry to hear about your friend. Make sure you talk about her with your dr tomorrow. He may be able to put your mind at ease or he may suggest you wait a while. Either way, best of luck.

thank you bunches and im just like cold feet kinda thank you girls

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

The band's mortality rate is significantly lower than gastric bypass, if that eases your mind (0.05% compared to a 0.5-2% mortality rate). It does come with its risks, and they've given me some second thoughts as well. I haven't been banded yet, so I can't tell you if it was really worth it or not. I'm scheduled for surgery on August 12, so I can understand the panic.

It's a huge life-changing decision, but definitely the safest out of all WLS procedures.

so i get to have my apt tomorrow to talk to the doc about my ref and all but now im like sooooo scared my best friend had gastric in October of last year and died from it in dec two days before Christmas and now all of that is hitting me at once and i have all of this rushing thru my head like what if it slips what if it does not work what if the worst happens and it all goes sooo wrong omg now im kinda panicked someone please anyone have these same fears what about after you had your band put on was it all worth it

The first thing I can say is that your apprehension is normal. Many pre-banders feel the same as you, even without knowing someone that died. I was not apprehensive at all before surgery, but that is because I have had back surgery that, because of my weight, required not just my orthopedic surgeon but also a neuro-spinal specialist. I have also had 4 other surgeries over the years. You would do well to heed SageTracy's advice to talk to your doc about it and also research the band thoroughly. If you do not feel comfortable, you may want to wait until you do. The more you know about the lapband, the better off you will be once you decide to have it (or not to have it).

My experience with the band has been positive. I am a slow loser for a couple of reasons, the chief reason being the back surgery which prohibits me from doing strenuous exercise like running. But I power walk 3 miles every morning before work. I love it. I started this journey a size 26 and I am now a size 14 (bottom), 16 (top). I hit my sweet spot 7 fills out and haven't been back to my surgeon since. No complications. I am currently working long hours at work, but that will end in a week or so; and when it does I am going to kick my weightloss program into high gear. I am an emotional eater, so being hungry all the time was never a problem for me. My band has been immensely helpful because there are unpleasant consequences to overeating.

This forum is very helpful, keep reading. You will find people that feel the same as you (as well as others that feel the complete opposite). In essence you can get a 360 degree view of the band here - the good, the band and the ugly. Again, keep reading.

All the best to you on your journey.

~Fran

thank you bunches and im just like cold feet kinda thank you girls

Don't be scared of the future. I am banded, have been since 12/20/08 and am to goal. I am 58 years old and living a wonderful life thanks to the band. I am off all meds and feel like a kid again. I walk twice a day during the week and swim most of the weekend for exercise. I was refused by insurance the first two times but fought until they gave in and only had two weeks to prepare for surgery. This is a life change and there are many things they do not tell you at the seminars but you will learn along the way the best way for you to handle them. Good luck and don't look back, look to the future with a new slim and healthy you.