Ok, I'm freakin' out! I have a surgery date of 9-18-06. I am currently doing my 4 weeks of pre-op liquid diet (yuck) and it's driving me crazy. I'm excited to finally have my surgery in sight but I'm scaring the crap out of myself. I keep reading all these horror stories and I think I just need a little reassurance from people who have had it done. I know this is the right thing for me because I have tried everything else out there and each time I try it gets harder. I am currently 147 lbs overweight, I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, GERD, heart problems, etc... and I'm only 33. My dad died at 59 and I can see myself in the same boat if I don't get a handle on it soon. I have my stress test tomorrow and hopefully everything goes well because that surgery date hangs in the balance depending on this test. I have only told my Husband, Brother, Sister, Mother In-Law and 1 friend. I still haven't told MY mom, and I don't think I want to because she's hard to deal with. I told work I'm having a hernia operation, and I feel terribly guilty about lying, but it's none of their business and they would not be helpful. Have any of you told work something besides lap-band and how did it play out for you? Do any of you have difficult Moms that you didn't tell and how'd that work out for you? Any words of encouragement, or even constructive criticism??? I need all the advice you can give. :omg:

It is something to be nervous about, but the odds are in your corner, sweetie. As far as telling, I told anyone. I mean, it isn't like you couldn't or can' t (lol) look at me & tell i am fat, everyone was happy i was doing something about it. Do your research & that will help you know if you are making the right decision - that will help your nerves. Good Luck!

The band is the best thing that has happened to me in my adult life. Follow what Poodles said above about changing what you eat, and you'll be happy. I think the number in my signature below says enough for me.

Good luck!

Thanks jj & 91, I'm just getting nervous the closer it gets. I still haven't decided to or not to tell my Mom, guess I need to hurry and decide huh? Do you truly feel it's the best thing? I guess I keep thinking 'what if I'm making a huge mistake?'. I've been looking into this for over 3 years now and I keep hearing good but also bad, and the bad scares the hell out of me. I really appreciate all the comments from everyone. Thanks.

I tell everyone. You have to have a really good memory to be a successful liar, and most days, I can't remember s*. And I have not had one single negative comment from anyone.

I don't think being a private person and keeping your medical choices confidential makes you a liar. I think thats a rude thing to say.

I don't think being a private person and keeping your medical choices confidential makes you a liar. I think thats a rude thing to say.

Actually, it's just an old saying: "A liar should have a good memory". I did not realize anyone would take it personally, especially since the statement was totally about ME, as in I am a lousy liar because I can't remember spit.

Please, everyone, allow me to clarify my statement...I do not think failing to tell people you had WLS makes you a liar. If they ask you point-blank, "Did you have surgery to lose weight?" and you deny it, that might be a different story, but even then, you still have the right to disseminate your personal information as you see fit. And if I was really, really uncomfortable about having people know, I might lie thru my teeth.

There are some people you have to tell, however. I went to my Ortho guy and in the course of the exam, he touched my port. The poor guy jerked his hand back like he had been burned! "What is THAT???", he wanted to know. His eyes were as big as saucers. I think he had visions of the Alien movie.

Having healthy boundaries and realizing that you have the right to your medical privacy is a good thing.

Thank you for clarifying your statement Carlene, I appreciate that.

Noone should ever have to feel like a 'liar' for choosing to keep some things personal and confidential. Especially when it comes to a medical decision.

Labradoodle

I have my surgery date on 9-20-06 also who is doing your surgery

April

I feel the exact same way as you , I am having the surgery on 9-20-06 with Dr. Kuri . I think it is normal to be freakin out ..but I think it is a good decision for both of us

I have not told my Mom she would worry too much about me going to MX and my Dad is sick , so she has enough to worry about and to do taking care of him. I have told my grown children becaus they are my best friends and understand and want what I want for me

Good Luck

Jitters and doubts are normal....everyone has them......and the pre-op diet seems so severe at the time but trust me it will over before you can turn around...I dreaded the pre op diet and thought I couldnt make it but I look back now....shucks...it wasnt THAT bad....dont have fear but have faith in God.....much love

dont have fear but have faith in God

WOW, I like that. Maybe a little corny, but as soon as I read that I felt a little more at peace with my decision.

Just a little update for those of you who are interested...

I had my pre-op appointment today. Everything is on track and I am all ready for surgery on Monday.

Thanks all of you, for all of your replies.

Aww April you are such a sweetheart. Best of luck hun, you'll do great.

Well it's 9-18-06 at 4:40am and I'm on my way to the hospital. All of you who pray please remember me in your prayers, all all of you who don't please send me good thoughts and wishes. Thanks everyone.