Hi All,

I just joined this site. I am going through True Results in Phoenix, AZ for my self-paid lap band surgery. I am scheduled for sugery 6/20 and I am started to get scared and wanting to cancel. I am reading a lot about "sliming" and how horrific of a time some people are having. Of course, I have read how well some people do, but it is the "bad" news that is sticking with me.

I am also afraid of feeling like I am starving on the liquid diet. Mostly I am scared of food getting stuck as I am a teacher and have limited time to eat. And I'm afraid of things like my hair falling out because of poor nutrition.

Can anyone help me with my sanity before I freak out and cancel the surgery?

Mind you, the main reasoning behind getting the surgery is health concerns. I have diabetes on both sides of my family. I had gestational diabetes with all three of my pregnancies, and recently my blood pressure has been on the high side for me. My doctor assures me it is not "clinically" high, but when I am used to being 100/65 or lower and I am now registering 150/100 I am concerned.

I would love some of your helpful input.

Hi,

There are positives and negatives to everything. Firstly, did you not go for a psychological consult before having this surgery? I was forewarned at my 3 seminars that I attended of what to expect. If you do as your doctor and nutritionist tell you then you shouldn't have any problems.

I had a problem because my port flipped but it was fixed in a simple day surgery. I was in and out within 4 hours. The band surgery my doctor makes his patients stay overnight in case of any complications. This is a major surgery and you really have to be ready for it. It was now or never for me and I heard and read stories as well. If you're scared I think a lot of us were scared. I was banded on 12/28/12 and I have no regrets.

I did it for health reasons as well. The fact that there is a history of diabetes should be enough to do the surgery. Embrace yourself, you deserve to be healthy. My daughter is also a teacher so I appreciate where you're coming from. My daughter is having vertical sleeve surgery on June 18th. She too is also self pay. I wish you well on your new journey and here are some (((hugs))) from me to you. Good luck!

I think it is very natural and normal to be scared before the surgery-I was too. Not everyone has sliming and vomiting...I have been fortunate to have not experienced any of that yet. I was banded on 4/29. So I'm still new to all of this! I have had my first fill though and I've been doing well with the band.

I too had gestational diabetes with my daughter. I didn't want to have diabetes when older. That's one of the reason I went for the lap band. It can also be removed. It sounds to me like you are having the surgery for all the right reasons. And it is normal to get scared about it. There are many people who have had no issues, like myself to date. I'm very glad that I had this surgery. I'm seeing real results and for the first time in my life I have energy and I'm feeling great. And if for some reason you do have some issues there is always this forum to help you and of course your doctor. I think if you want to be successful you will. It's all in what we want and decide to do.

The liquid diet is tough. It's rough. The best advice I can give you is to stay busy. And go for those sugar free popsicles. They were a lifesaver for me! Those and also tea's and diet snapple. It's not easy but it's doable and you'll get your body ready for the surgery and used to the liquids for right after the surgery. It's no fun, but if you really want to do it you will. And it gets easier, which is the best part!

I'm no doctor, but that blood pressure DOES seem high. My sister had her sleeve done yesterday, she's doing great! I'm scheduled for my band on 7/9. The fact that you are apprehensive and even have doubts is totally understandable. You are, after all, making a huge life change and commitment. Follow every instruction to the T, and you'll be on your way to a healthier life! ???¸

I have been banded a little over 2 years now and the absolute best advice I can give you is to listen to your own body before you listen to other peoples experiences. I had alot of trouble with vomiting in the beginning. I know now that alot of it could have been avoided had I just called my Dr and not listened to my coworkers who had also had the surgery and were telling me i just had to deal with it.

The liquid diet is pretty rough. Not sure what your restrictions will be but i could have almost anything that was sugar free. I had alot of sugar free popsicles, Jello, and pudding. I lost 15 pounds in that 2 weeks.

I went through the psychological evaluation and the visits with the dietician but I still did not fully grasp just how much of my life would change after surgery. With all that being said I would not change a thing. I am at my goal weight. I am off my blood pressure meds that I had taken since I was 25 years old and I have never felt better.

Good luck in whatever you decide Keep us posted.

Thanks for all your wonderful feedback! This is a great group and I am glad I joined!

I think that more obese people are malnourished than wls patients. I don't think that is why we experience hair loss. I

You have every right to be nervous. It is not to be taken lightly. Just do your research and make the decision in what is best for you. You will be fine either way.

Welcome btw!