Sleeve scheduled for sept 16, band revision- Why am I so scared this time around?!

[Dreamer88 2]

I had the Lap Band in 2011, lost about 50 lbs and had lots of the normal complications. food not going down, productive burps, vomiting, resorting to slider foods, weight gain, port site pain, etc. So after the birth of my son I decided to have my Lap Band removed in May (2014). I spoke to my doc about revision, he was ok with it but I had to do all the presurgery crap again due to staff not properly documenting. They were afraid my insurance would not cover revision if I didn't jump through the hoops again because ins wouldn't cover it for just having port pain. So I have one more family doc appt, my psych eval was good and she approved me for surgery, I got my date of Sept 16th last week, and I am finding myself going back and forth questioning whether or not I am ready for this. For me, it's now or never. I am 25 so am still under my mothers ins which pays 100% for surgery, however in Nov I will be 26 and I will carry insurance from the hospital I work at and the coverage sucks. My first thought is that I am terrified of complications. I am scared something will go wrong and I won't be here for my son(he's 4 months) and I get mad at myself thinking how selfish this is to want to risk all this just to be skinny? Am I crazy? I don't know if it's because its a more invasive surgery and it's permanent where as lap band wasn't, or if it's because I'm a mother now, but I am overcome by fear. Anyone else have this irrational fear almost stop you from going through with it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[thesuse2000 698]

I was band-to-sleeve too. And I was pretty terrified as well. Our circumstances are different, but I can relate. Only you can decide what's best for you, but I'm SO very glad I went through with this. Yes - the risks of sleeve surgery are higher than the band, but overall the longterm risks of carrying extra weight outweigh them. Also - you're already halfway there since your band was already removed, so your surgery will be a little easier than mine was - band removed and sleeve done in one surgery. Your stomach will have already had time to heal from the first surgery.

[Dreamer88 2]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I keep telling myself all those same things. And also why did I put all this effort into the 6 month documentation if I wasn't going to do it? I chickened out of the band once before I actually went through with it as well, and everything turned out ok with that. I didn't keel over or anything!

[thesuse2000 698]

It's scary stuff. But you can do it!

[stacielynntate 88]

I also went thru the same thoughts. My dr wanted to do my revision in Oct last year but I said I need time. I'm now 8 weeks out and feeling so much better. I was nervous the day of surgery but then I was like if I don't do something now I may not be here as ling if I got the surgery done.

I wish you all the best

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

You are so young! My revision to the sleeve was life changing, life saving and I am a huge advocate. ..however. .you need to be ready. Really really ready. I will truly admit that I was a young mother at your age and not sure I could have applied myself to lasting success given my career, husband and babies. It is permanent and a big decision. I am not trying to talk you out of it just suggesting you listen to your inner voice too. Does your insurance cover counseling? How about a session or two with someone who specializes in WLS patients to discuss your delimna?