Hello im sitting here in the UK reading all your posts about the lap band. with a operation date of 20th February 14.

Im getting so confussed about this lap band thing, all the pre op posts on this site are very interesting, informative but for me im getting into a slight pre op tizzy.

As the day approaches im self questioning myself, should I be doing this, am I that bad that I need a operation.

I like most have been yo yo dieting most of my life so now its time to take hold of this weight issue I think! Whats driving me forward with this is my health. Im fine right now but if i dont change, well what can I look forward to High blood presure, diabetis, joint problems.

I think there are more pros than cons with this procedure.

Can anyone tell me whats with this "im having bad gas" issue i keep reading about on these blogs. Over here we sometimes call it wind. Is it very common post op does it last long, and can you take medication for it?

Pre op diet starts Friday, this is one thing that has stopped me having this op ages ago. Mush food, ect for two weeks not sure i will cope with it.

The gas is from the surgery. The surgeon pumps your abdominal cavity full of gas to create a dome so he/she will have room to work. They say they try to suck it out when they're done but not all of it is taken out. The gas then gets absorbed eventually by your body. But sometimes a pocket of gas can sit up by your diaphragm where there are a bunch of nerve endings. This manifests itself as shoulder pain. Sometimes very painful shoulder pain. The rest of the gas comes out as "wind."

It is temporary and the surgery is worth the discomfort!