Ok, my surgery is in days (tuesday). I've reviewed all my pre-op documentation, done all my shopping, have my own shelf in the fridge, purged all 'off limits' items from the pantry.

I'm starting to get nervous. Can I really do this? Will I remember everything? Will I screw up? I'm kinda freaking about 'getting stuck' - do you really have to go to the ER everytime this happens, or can you just PB it back up? How often should I plan on going to the ER? How long will it take me to learn to slow down & chew fully?

Can I be successful at this after failing so many times in the past?

Will I be recovered in time to decorate my house for Christmas & have family in town?

So many thoughts - I can't even sleep. Thinking of asking my surgeon if I can take an ambien tonight to get some sleep. :help:

Take a deep breath. You can do this.

I have about a month and I am trying to deal with the same things. But WE have struggled with far worse then this.

I believe in you.

Take a deep breath and think positive thoughts. Go thru the before and after pic's and get the happy feeling.

Oh Cerrin,

I'm taking a deeeeep breaaaath noooooowwwww....At least I had the motivation to walk on the treadmill this AM.

Still Shakin....Can't let my Hubby or kids see it though!

I feel the same way. I dont want my mom to see me nervious. Because then she will get really paranoid making me worse. So I think meditation is great and deep breathing is the only way I know to keep myself from freaking out.

I also tell myself No I am not Nervious. Just excited. lol sometimes if I let to myself I will believe it. lol

But seriously, If we didnt feel some nerves about doing something so serious something is wrong with us. It is ok. You have done your homework you are prepared. You can do this.

I am proud of you! You rock!

I've been exactly where you are. Just think about how much better that you're going to feel. Think about all the new clothes you're going to be able to buy. Think about how much better people are going to look at you professionally. Think about all the people that are going to think that you got a lot smarter becasue you lost weight. Have fun with it. Don't worry about it. Both my wife and I had the lap band the same day, it besides marrying her, it is the best thing that we've done together.

John

John,

How long until you and your wife felt better after surgery? I know this is an individual feeling, but I'm wondering if I'll be up and around a couple of weeks after. I've got my entire family coming for Christmas!

And have you ever gotten something stuck? I think I'm most worried about having to go the the ER in the middle of the night!

Thanks for helping me remember all of the positive thoughts! I will try to keep them at the front of my mind the next few days!

As I tell all my patients, it up to each individual. I was riding a stationary bike in our living room that afternoon, with in 6-8 hours after surgery. We had surgery on Tuesday and went back to work on Wednesday(the next day).

When you hear about people getting "Stuck" it is nothing like you would imagine. Everybody has a diffierent food that they have trouble with. Mine is romaine lettuce. I don't have trouble with anyother kind of lettuce, just romaine. My wife has trouble with chicken. When you get "Stuck" it is a wierd feeling that lasts from 5 minutes to 1 hour. The weirdest thing is when you feel it go through the band into the lower part of your stomach. When you get "Stuck" sometimes if you get up and walk around it helps.

I've never heard of anyone going to the ER. The worst case scenario is your doctor has to take the Salene out of your band until it goes through into the bottom of your stomach.

Just think about how good life is going to be, not what you are afraid of.

John

John,

Your words are very encouraging. I'm glad to hear that getting 'stuck' isn't as bad as I perhaps had thought. I used to have trouble with lettuce while pregnant - I wonder if that will be my problem food w/the band? I guess I'll just have to wait and see. Any of us who've dieted before know that we all make sacrafices - I guess yours is Romaine!?!

I'm also glad to see that you were up so quickly after surgery. I have been trying to walk every day in preparation for this. Anything I can do to get myself ready! You are a real inspiration. I'm glad you're working with patients in the field passing your inpiration and knowledge on to others.

Together, we can do this! Thanks again...

At two weeks and one day after surgery, it was as if someone drew a line in the sand and I felt just terrific!!!

If you follow, on December 5th you will feel so-o-o good you will wrap all your Christmas presents!! Ooops, back that up--you will go Christmas shopping!!!

I'm just five weeks post-op now, and this week (before I had my first fill today) I actually FORGOT I had the surgery I felt so good!!!

The very best to you...

Take a breath! Calm down, you will be fine. Welcome to the site. Donna

I don't have a surgery date but plan on having it done before the end of the year. I go in for consults on 11-28 & 11/29. I am freaking out too. I am afraid it won't work for me. And i will pay 12grand and still be fat and miserable.

A lot of us current bandsters went through the same thing....<br /> <br /> I was so scared i literally was shaking.. But i'm now 8mths post-op 63.5lbs less and loving every minute...<br /> <br /> You will do great!!!!<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/hug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Hug" smilieid="260" class="inlineimg" /> I would do it again in a heart beat!!

You can do this and you WILL be successful. I guess I am different from most people. They only stress I had pre-surgery was "Let's get on with this and get it done!" I was about to bite myself with anticipation and looking forward to starting my new life. And......my new life is WONDERFUL!

Not to scare you, but if you get through the Bowel Prep, the rest of it is a "Piece of Cake". For my wife and I that was the worst. Good luck. Have fun. You'll be in our prayers.

John

I bought some of the things I know I will need for after surgery. Man I am getting prepared.

Well, tomorrow is the "Big Day"! I am so encouranged by your words of wisdom. I continue to read them when I get feeling anxious.

I have done the research. I have a great surgeon. I have a great facility. I have terrific support from my family & friends. I have paid cash (hee hee - that's always a motivator!)

I AM READY. In the words of Todd Beamer "Let's Roll".

I will let you all know in a couple of days how went.