Hey all,

I've posted here a few times but a lot has gone on since then... I'm Mark and I am finally scheduled to get the lap band on Monday, May 6 This happens to be 4 days after my 21st birthday... I was approved by insurance in early March and was going to be banded March 27 and was SO excited, in fact the call I was approved was the first time I'd ever cried tears of joy. It was such a motivator having been in the process since July 2012 that it was finally coming... until I fell flat on my face with the 2 week pre-op diet because I literally had to go on it a day after choosing my original date. Anyway, I was unable to have it done then as I had a pretty bad cold. My date was then changed to April 12 and I was doing way better with the diet, only to discover a week before that there was blood in my "stool" and would have to see a gastro doctor who later cleared me for surgery. Unfortunately, I'd had to go back on foods so now my date is May 6. It's been a very tough month unexpectedly just in life events and through it all I feel like, somehow, I've lost my ambition and true excitement about it and in replacement is a fear of the pain from after the surgery and having never had any sort of procedure done other than teeth being removed. I don't have much support at the moment because everyone assumes after the surgery is when they need to show it... it's been tough being 20 and going through all the whole insurance process, doctor visits, and research almost entirely alone.

If any of you have some uplifiting words or advice, I would wholeheartedly appreciate it since I genuinely want to be excited and happy that this gets to happen in my life and that I'll enjoy everything so much more being healthy and more confident about myself. I know it's in me but sometimes you just need a little help, haha.

I am sorry you have been through so much but everything you have gone through will just make you stronger and more ready. Hang in there. I so wish I had the sugery when I was much younger. You can do it!!

Well thank you really am trying to keep positive!

Good luck doll my banding is on the 7th but no matter the struggle to get it, it will be worth it.

((At least that's what I'm telling myself to stay focused))

The pain from the surgery is not that bad. You're just sore for a while. Just sore, not writhing in pain. Some people complain of gas pains but I did not have any and you may not either. You will be up and walking around within hours of having the surgery. Seriously, the pre-op diet is the worst part. You have definitely been through it with that side of things, so it should be smooth sailing from here on.

I'm 28 and having the surgery on May 6th. It sounds like this has been hell for you so far, I hope it goes smoothly from here on out! I wish I would have had this at 21. Since then I have been on several vacations and missed out on stuff because of my weight.

Parasailing

Riding rides

Zip line

Plane rides (didnt miss out but they suck when you are as big as me!!)

Go karts

Just overall getting tired too early to enjoy things with my son.

Think of the positive side. You are young! You won't have to miss out on things because of your weight! You can and will do this! Good luck!!

Thanks all! It is helping reading and being back overall on the forum.

And yeah, I travel a bit as well and it's just so embarrassing asking a flight attendant for an extension seat belt