I started the process back in Oct. I have completed all the doctor visit requirements, and am about to go for my third visit of supervised diet. I have Aetna, so I will be submitting in Jan. Have been looking forward to surgery so much, and then today, for some reason, I log on, read for about 30 minutes, then this feeling of being really scared hits me. Not of the surgery, but of what comes after. Seems very difficult from all the posts I have been reading, and I am just plain scared. I am not even sure of what exactly.

It is surprising me because yesterday I had a really good talk with my daughter about the surgery. I talked about my health issues that will certainly be addressed by losing this weight and keeping it off. I was feeling so positive. What the heck is going on with my head?

Hi Lonestar,

I am not sure how I can comfort you, but I can explain my feelings before surgery. When I made the decision I never looked back. I knew I had to change and this surgery was the most reasonable and logical answer for my situation. I also was realistic that the surgery would help mostly with controlling my hunger, but I will still need to work hard staying on my diet and exercising more often.

I also read many posts from different sites of people's experiences with the lap band. But I tried to put it all in perspective as well. I like to read the success stories most of all. The negative stories, I noticed, did not tell the entire story. Some did not reveal that they were not following the doctors and nutritionists advice. Instead they will blame the lap band. Maybe that is the way they function in their lives anyway, blaming others and other things for their lack of success. The disadvantage we have is we really do not know the people who are telling these stories.

So, I would advise you to focus on the success stories, and put the negative stories in perspective since you don't know the entire story. I am not saying that there will not be anything negative experiences resulting from the banding. No, there will be some difficulties. I had some difficulties at the beginning, but after talking with my nutritionist I realized I was doing some things wrong and also I was still trying to change some of my eating behaviors. Therefore, I learned from those mistakes and made the necessary changes. I am sure you will do the same.

But the reality is the Lap Band does work, we need to learn to work with it. So, try not to be too nervous, but decide to commit to a new lifestyle that will allow you to be a better person. Also, it will help you to be a better mother for your daughter who will learn good eating habits as well.

Joyce

banded 11/15/07

highest weight 242

weight before surgery 236

two weeks after surgery 226

four weeks after surgery and currently 223

I have got to tell you something....I felt the same way about a month before my surgery. I too was not scared of the actual surgery but of the issues afterwards. Please do not feel you are alone with this. Me as well as many others have felt this way. I also have Aetna, did the 6 mo supervised pcp visits, nutrionist/pysch evals, 5 yr proof of obesity.

The first wk was not fun, the second got better, and fantastic by the 3rd wk. Unfortunetaly i do not have restriction right now, so my wt loss is slow. But that will change soon i am sure with my first fill.

I wish you luck on your new journey/life. Make sure you get to support meetings to meet with acutal patients who have had the surgery from your surgeon. Thats what i did, and it made me feel very calm to meet people at diff stages of the lapband post op.

Good luck, and let me know how you do, okay? If you have any questions, concerns let me know.

Sincerely,

Debbie

Joyce1115 and kuchiegrl1 - Thank you guys for your responses. I have really thought about everything you said and you are so right. I am going to take time this evening to think about why I chose to have the lapband. The change it will help me to make in my life, is something I cannot walk away from. The thought of having real long-term success with dieting and exercise and the improvement that will make in my health, is not elective, it is mandatory. And I know, there will be difficult times, but like most positive things in your life, the benefits will outweigh the negatives. Thanks so much for your comments.