Hi! I'm new to the forum but I've been reading a LOT about lap band. I finally have a date - Nov. 30 at 7:30 am. I'm excited, scared, and wondering if I'm making a mistake doing this (like a bunch of others that have done this). I start my pre-op diet tomorrow and am okay with that.

Glad you all are here. I'm gonna need everyone to get through this. Two weeks of thinking about is already driving me nuts!:faint:

Welcome! I think the different stages you're going through are normal. It's a big decision and one you truly want to be committed to.

Remember that there's an over-representation of problems reported on this board, simply because people tend to turn to message boards for information but also for support. The psychologist I saw for my psych evaluation also said that there are people who crave attention due and get it by hyping or exaggerating medical problems. I'm certainly pointing fingers (I wouldn't know where to point!) and it's the nature of nearly all message boards. But you do have to take that in consideration. There are many threads I don't even open because I really don't want to read about problems. However, if I have that problem, I'll probably be glad it's there!

Good luck!

Thanks, Longhorn! I've been following your posts and you are so upbeat and optimistic. Good advice on "don't go borrowing trouble!" Personally, not so much looking for attention as much as support. My DH is absolutely fantastic and I love him so much, but I don't him to be the sole source for me. He deserves a break, too, cuz he is so wonderful, and I'm looking to this board for the right level of support. So far, you all are so great. Really like the overwhelming supportive posts vs. the few and far between negatives.

Welcome WorthTheWeight!! You will find lots of support and information here as Longhorn has said. I think she said it best when how she described the message boards. Be careful about what you read and always remember to follow your gut.

No advice on this board should ever supercede your own DR. These people are not medical Dr's let alone surgeons....LOL But you can learn alot about what to expect and what to do to overcome some obsticles that you may encounter.

I read the board alot the prior 2 months before surgery. I wanted to hear how people were reacting to the adjustment after their bands were placed. I wanted to see what people were eating and the different meal or recipe options that I could gather here.

I love hearing the testimonials of those who have lost most to nearly all of their weight and how they feel now about their decision. I know it is easy to second guess right now, when we are so early out in this very long journey. I just keep telling myself to give it a year and then reevalutate the same decision.....

Good Luck on your surgery and Welcome to the November 07 group.

Congrats on the date, WTW! How exciting. I know I was freaked out beforehand...you'll get through it with us all there by your side. We've all been there (or very shortly will be), so we understand. Hugs.

Thanks, Longhorn! I've been following your posts and you are so upbeat and optimistic. Good advice on "don't go borrowing trouble!" Personally, not so much looking for attention as much as support. My DH is absolutely fantastic and I love him so much, but I don't him to be the sole source for me. He deserves a break, too, cuz he is so wonderful, and I'm looking to this board for the right level of support. So far, you all are so great. Really like the overwhelming supportive posts vs. the few and far between negatives.

Wow, I'm surprised you could understand what I wrote, it's so full of typos!

But thanks for your kind words. I think there's much value in this board or I wouldn't still be here. But I'm learning what to ignore and what to discount and what to value. My doctor, nutritionist, and psychologist all found me very knowledgeable at my various consultations and it was almost entirely due to this board. But at one point, after reading about one unpleasant episode after another, I even posted a question on another board asking if the way the band works was through aversion therapy?!! :biggrin1:

Of course, now I know how it works. But I still haven't figured out why some folks are compelled to run to a message board to post, "I just threw up."

If you haven't already, you might want to read Khaliah Ali's book, "Fighting Weight." She does a great job of describing her life growing up and eventually getting Lap Band surgery. She looks fantastic, too!

Good luck as you prepare for the big day! :clap2:

You sound just like me pre-op!! I think just about everyone worries themselves sick about it. That's totally normal. I was crying on the way to surgery, and the song that came on the radio was "I'm too sexy for my shirt", had to laugh. I knew it was a sign from somebody saying I was doing the right thing! haha. I obsessed on this board, it got worse and worse right up until surgery, and talked to my sister-in-law who also had it done. I just knew for me I HAD to get it done. You'll know what's best for you.

Welcome and congratulations on your date.:clap2: I came here looking for reassurance prior to my banding and found it to be very helpful. I was banded on 1 Nov and have had a really good run so far. Everyone's here to help. I agree with Kristin... any major issues should be discussed with your dr.

You all are SO great!! I really appreciate all of the great information and positive thoughts. I'm going to go through with the surgery, I know. I can't keep telling myself that the next diet will work when I know it won't. This is going to keep me honest so I'm really looking forward to it.

I'll keep reading and learning and even occasionally ask a stupid question. I will definitely let you all know how it goes. Started my pre-op diet today (hate that word) and trying out different Protein shakes. Great advice!!

Keep the good vibes coming!! :biggrin1: