...and now I'm a little hesitant.

Has anyone else felt this way? I bet that's a stupid question. Of COURSE there are others who have felt the way I do right now, and that is this:

I've been on a liquid diet now for a week and have lost 6 pounds, so if I can do that, why do I need the band? I'm scared that something will go wrong during surgery. After all, this IS major surgery, right?

Now that I've waited so long to be approved by insurance, and I'm acclimated to the liquid diet, and I'm not smoking pre-surgery, and I passed all of the pre-op tests two days ago, and I've arranged for someone to fill in for me at work, and the big day is looming........

..........well, I'm experiencing some fear now with thoughts of, "Is this the right thing to do?"

If anyone felt this way before being banded, and has come through just fine, please give me some reassurance. Thanks.

Everything you are feeling is normal, we all fear the surgery. I could lose it too, only I couldn't keep it off. You will go through lots of emotions before you day comes, try to keep your mind off it by staying busy, read everything you can about the surgery so you feel comfortable with what you will be going through. Good luck, and don't forget to let us know how your surgery went!

Hi Bullwinkle---

We all have those same thoughts and I agree with Harley Girl. There are several diets out there we can lose on, with me it was the Atkins. But, when I started adding my carbs back in, here came to weight too. Plus, I will tell you this, two years ago, I almost had Gastric Bypass. I was approved for surgery by my insurance and everything was good to go...until...the night before surgery, I was so emotional and could not stop crying. I decided to not do it, I felt like something was going to happen. I decided that I would try to get the weight off on my own, and had a few successes, but here comes the weight again. Anyone can lose weight, but how many people can keep it off. The statistics show not many at all. I will be rooting for you that you make the best decision. Either way, you need to be comfortable with your decision. Good luck to you.

Bullwinkle - You can do it! I had fears too. I had undergone gallbladder surgery and a C-Section in the past, but for some reason, this freaked me out. I finally realized that it was because it was something I was CHOOSING to do. Once I realized that I wasn't going to suffer some sort of divine punishment for doing something positive for myself, I calmed down and got through it. You will too. Just keep reminding yourself of the positive things you want to gain from this experience. Good Luck!

Honey,

You are so normal...I was so nervous...I kept thinking that something would go wrong and I wouldn't be able to have my surgery....I wanted it so bad, but at the same time I was just scared to death....I had even gone thru open-heart surgery, and I was more nervous about the lapband than open heart....It will be fine...and you will be so glad you have been banded...after it was over, I just kept saying, its over...its really over...I have my band....now three weeks from surgery, I am feeling better each and everyday...good luck...and let us know how you are ....you have a great group of people here that are ready to be your support, anytime...

Di

I cannot begin to tell you how reassuring all of your comments are!! Thank you so very much! I am worried that I'll have trouble relearning how to eat slowly without having PBs, and I am worried that I have smoked a few cigarettes last week (about 7 for the entire week) and that they will not be able to put me under. I had carpal tunnell surgery, however, and they put me under just fine for both of those surgeries and I didn't quit smoking. The good thing is that I'm not smoking now at all, and I've lost 11 pounds pre-op. Again, thanks for all of the support!!!!!

Bullwinkle

We have the same banding date, May 4th. I know what your feeling especially with the smoking. I know it is so much healthier to quit but it is so darn hard. Along with the fact that you are not supposed to GAIN weight while waiting for surgery.....sighssss....its hard! Anyways...you can do this! Will keep you in my thoughts.....keep your eye on the prize!!!!!

Susan

Susan!!!

THANK YOU for understanding and for your response. Good luck Friday morning. Perhaps we can check in with each other after we're banded.

I just keep thinking that something will happen and that I can't have this surgery. I ate two radishes last night!!! I am not supposed to have ANYTHING but the MEdifast and sugar-free Jello and popsicles!!! I also had one cigarette this morning!!! I can breathe very, very deeply, however, and not wheeze or anything.

I'm going to put the patch on my arm just now and then go to work. Let's check in with each other, okay?

Bullwinkle - don't eat before your surgery! Not only could you jeopardize your chance to have the surgery, you could jeopardize your health if you go through with the surgery and don't tell the docs you ate.

Bullwinkle---What did your doc say about the smoking issue? Mine told me that if I did't quit, he would not do the surgery...how do you deal with that? I am trying to quit myself, not just for the surgery, but the last couple of days have been so hard. I find myself saying once I had one, blow the rest of the day and have another. Its the same with the dieting. Its all crazy!

sounds like all is going to plan. Im undergoing the surgery in 56 days (not that im counting!!) im apprehensive and knowing others feel that way is very reasuring!

The surgeons are so experienced and careful it is very unlikely anything could go wrong. Good luck with your surgery and i hope to hear great results soon!

Hi all, i am waiting to have the band fitted i live in england and i too am going through the scared feeling reading all your advice has given me more courage to go through with it. Thank you Ann xx