Let me start over, I was typing this then it went away!

Here goes!

I was pick from a "lottery" to be in a study through my ins. about weightloss surgeries. I was hoping to get the sleeve because I've seen others do amazing with it, but I was chosen for lap band. Back in Apr. I did all the appts. with all the specialist and did my 2 week liquid diet. on the last day of the diet I had appendicitist and had emergeny surgery. So they put my file on hold. I got a call two days ago saying the panel chose lap band and I have to have it within the month. I start work Aug. 10 so they scheduled it for Aug 7. I dont even know what to think about all this. I'm freaking out. I dont want to tell anyone about it. I'm hoping I can get to work after two days. IDK.

I have to do this surgery to save myself from a worse surgery. I have a rare brain disease. If I shock my system and lose a lot of weight it is possible that it will go into remission. If I dont have the surgery then I have to have a shunt put in my brain. I really dont want a hole drilled into my head so Lap Band it is!!! There is a chance this wont work and I'll need the shunt anyway but I gotta try. But what if something goes wrong and I die in surgery and my kids dont have a mom because she went in for surgery because she's a fat ass. Now please if you are reading this, help me prepare. How do i get my mind set for this?

Wow, that's quite a story!

First, I hate to tell you this, but having surgery on the 7th and returning to work on the 10th is highly unlikely. Most people need 5-7 days off to recover.

You said you were told you would have Lap-Band rather than picked it. Be sure to educate yourself to the facts of the surgery and life after. The band is a tool not a magic fix, it will require you to change your eating habits for a lifetime in order to be successful with the band.

Get a clear post op diet from your surgeon before surgery so you can prepare at home ahead of time, too. Has your insurance had you meet with a nutritionist? If not, I would highly recommend that as well so you have clear guidelines to follow after surgery.

Best wishes to you, be sure to let us know how it goes.

WOW ! Sorry to hear that but glad you are taking control.it seems like your kids can hear bad news rather u go under for lap band or brain surgery.I think the lesser of the two is Lapband.I have not heard of anyone dying while getting a Lapband placed.I think it's worth it for you and your children .good luck !

THanks!

Yes I had to meet with all the specialist. I have to do this. So I have to stick with the lifestyle changes. I'm just really worried, by BF had lap band and all she did was throw up after she ate and it ended up slipping and she had to have it removed a couple years later. Plus she didnt lose any weight. I dont want that to happen to me.

i was banded july 9 u really have to followthe diet or it wontwork

CB2, there are a lot of reason why the band does and doesn't work. I can only tell you what I know personally. My experience so far has been amazing. But, I'm also the "compliant patient" and I do exactly what my doctor and nutritionist says.

There were probably reasons that your friend was throwing up all the time that may not of been the bands fault but really her own. There are rules you must follow to be successful with the band. Eating slowly, not combining food and liquids, chewing like crazy. There will be foods you won't be able to tolerate post-op, but most times they're the foods youl shouldn't be having anyways (breads, chips, Pasta, etc).

As for your nerves about surgery - completely legitimate and completely normal - but the best thing I found is to make a list of pro's and con's. I know you said the surgery wasn't really a choice, that it was critical to your brain improving, but unless you are 100% on board with this procedure you can fail at it.

And lastly, most programs have a psychological eval you have to go through; I highly recommend taking advantage of time with a therapist. If you are an emotional eater, or have a food addiction, you really need to work through it before surgery. Placing the band does not stop hunger, and it won't screen your choices for you. That was a BIG learning curve for me.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and keep us posted!

thank you. I did have a eval in April. I'm just nervous about it all. It's going to be really hard with the liquids and mush food. and then never eating hamburger meat again. but I have to do it. If I say no to this then I have to say yes to brain surgery.

I understand being nervous just follow your dr orders and there is a lot of support on this site.my doctor said vomitting is never Ok and if it happens to come in immediately.so it's also about not going months without seeing if doctor and dealing with issues if they arise.