With surgery coming up this month....I get more and more anxious when people post and post then have surgery and don't come back...does this freak anyone else out?

Do you mean here? Or is this something you see in real life at your surgeon's office?

There's no reason to be freaked out about it; it certainly doesn't mean that anything is wrong. Online support just isn't for everyone. Maybe they don't think they need it in addition to the post op visits with their doctors and 3D support groups.

All you need to worry about is what works for you. Support is critical, but whether you get it here or elsewhere is entirely a personal decision.

We have tons of people that come on and read up, then go have the surgery never to be heard from again unless they start having problems. There are also a lot of threads on here from people that did come back and post their experiences.

It's only natural for you to be nervous and excited. Just remember to come back and let us know how you did! :)

Thanks gang...just nervous I guess...

I think people drop off because they are doing well...and don't feel the need for support or get too busy with their new life. People who have problems tend to need to post.

I don't know about the statement that "those who have problems tend to post more" or that those who post are those with problems.

We get a pretty even mix here.

Like many Bandsters, I've had more than my share of bumps along the way.

But now my doctor has informed me, I beat all band stats and lost over 90% of my excess weight. I'm at his goal,:clap2: although I plan to lose another 5-10# (12# more would be awesome) if I can.

So now my only problems are getting fills - docs think it's OK if I don't lose more weight, but the designer jeans makers apparently feel otherwise, LOL . So I'm always aiming for that (mythical?:rolleyes ) "Sweet Spot" of restriction. And I'm getting ready for the next step, which is plastic surgery to reclaim my 'girlish figure' :nervous !

But I've learned a lot being banded a zillion years (feels like it) and I try to share what I've learned with other veteran Bandsters and newbies and pre-ops alike. It's a journey, we might as well do it together.

We do get an even mix of happy healthy bandsters and "problem" bandsters. But think about the number of people banded, do you think that 50% of those people have poblems? I really think that those that come here for support and information and then stay after a healthy banding experience are less common. I know about 20 people that are banded that never go to a support meething or come here. They are happy, healthy and out living their life, no support needed. But those that struggle, need to support, and help of people going through the same things. I am here to stay in contact with my friends, and to give support. Sometimes I am also here for support myself, not band related but life related. ~Mandy

The few days post surgery I couldn't imagine sitting at my computer reading or typing. But now I'm back and have already gotten some help with problems I've been having as a result of my surgery - Thank you to everyone.

Hi! I was banded over a year ago (in June 2005). Lost 107 lbs so far. Gained a boyfriend, a life, new friends and WAY too many activities. I don't post much anymore but I do check in! This site is amazing but it's really super incredible for pre-op stuff. I got SOOOO much info here for that. And now I've got great restriction, got my eating worked out and am still losing weight.

So there you go! No need to be freaked out!!!!

I was banded May 2005 and still come here. This is my support group for adjusting to my new life - although my new life means losing weight, quitting my job of 16 years, leaving the US and friends, etc. All these changes probably mean I have more need for support than many others.

I think this site is for those who need it /when they need it That's the gift of the internet. Celeste

I was banded on October 3rd of this year. I am scheduled for my first fill next Monday. Thats when I will begin to post and ask questions. So far things have been fairly simple and straight forward.. no eating just sipping. This is my first week of actual food and I am so scared to eat I just do the comfort zone thing and have cream of wheat, soup and drink a ton of water. Stand by next week though I will be asking for help and ideas on food to eat!!! YOU WERE WARNED.... LOL

Neal