Hi Eveyone, great site!! I just got my surgery date for 2/25 and I am scared out of my mind. Not only does the lap band scare me but I have never had surgery before so that makes it 100 times worse. I know this is the best thing for me but... I don't know I can't be completely sure. I'm so confused!!

You will be fine... talk to your nurse, they are very helpful with fear. The surgery is very short (my doctor does it in 30-45 min.), you'll be off the table quick and on your way. Some people even go home the same day. Everyone is different, but it's worth the pain in the long run. Try to focus on the positive, that's what I'm doing. Be informed, try to go to a support group. Michelle

CONGRATS first and foremost. I wish that I were in your shoes. I have had a gall bladder removed and also a c-section. To be honest I was also SCARED to death of surgery. I balled my entire way into the surgery room for my gallbladder like a big baby. The worst part of that was the gas pain when I woke up. My sholders were killing me. My c-section also was not bad and I was awake, nummed up obviously. They have TONS of doctors in the room monitoring you so you will be fine!! ) Keep us posted. I am sooo happy for you!!

Hi!! Congrats!

Being nervous is a normal reaction, and quite frankly, I'd be worried if someone wasn't nervous!

I'm a nurse and was also nervous about surgery as I had never had it before. The one thing that helped me was reading the threads on this board - I knew I had made the right decision. Particularly, there is a thread on whether you are happy with the band - many people all say that they never regretted their decision and are so happy with the results - this really helped me.

Ask many questions and be prepared - PM me if you need to ask anything, I'm sure I can steer you in the right direction.

Take care,

Jen

Congrats on getting your date!

Concentrate on the end results... that is something worth being happy for sure!

I think being nervous is completely normal and I have no doubt I will feel the same way when I get my date. Good luck to you and rejoice - you are going to be fine!

I just had my surgery on Tuesday, and I had never been more scared in my life. Things went fine, and although I am struggling with the post-op diet, I know I made the right decision. I guess if I could handle a 2 week liquid diet on my own, I wouldn't have needed the surgery, thats what I keep telling myself.

You will do great. Once you have made the decision, one of the hardest steps has been achieved. It is natural to be scared,I would be shocked if you weren't. You will be in capable hands and when you wake up will know you have started a new chapter in your life. I have only been banded since 9/21/07 and it was the best thing I have done. I need to push myself to exercise, I still lack that umph, but do not regret the decision. I started at 383 pounds and am down to 342...so much more to go. But trying to take it one day at a time.

I always say if I could do it anyone can.

Keep us posted on your success.

Thanks everyone for the words of support... it really helps. Especially from people that have been there and those who are in the same position as I am. How does eveyone deal with the fact that this decision is for the rest of your life and can we mentally and physically keep on track for the long haul? That was also a big quesiton for me since I will be living with this for quite some time!

I have to take it small steps at a time. I plan to be living with it for a long time also, sure hope so anyways. The thing that keeps me sane or semi sane is that I know how much better I will fee, physically and mentally and how much better I will look. Mentally in many ways is the more difficult part . But when those days start to get me I think of all the things that will so drastically change once I have lost the weight. The stares will stop, the teasing and comments. All those things most of us have dealt with for so so many years. So that is how I keep it together. I still need to really listen to those and push myself into the exerecise. I am so bad at keeping to any type of exercise routines or commitments. Hey if I was good at it, I never would have gotten in this position.

You will do great,you have already proven your strength by making the decision to have the surgery.

Support from others has helped me a lot.

I'm right there with you...my surgery is less than two weeks away and I'm a big ball of nerves!

I'm sure all will be well for you, and good luck!

I Got The Same Date 2/25 And I Am Scared. Not Scared About The Surgery But What Can Happen Afterwards Such As The Many Side Effects

I wanted to respond because I was very similar to you - scared, never had any kind of surgery, having to deal with this FOREVER, etc.

My surgery was on 10/25. It truly was not a bad experience for me at all. I mean you are sore and people have a variety of levels of gas pains but it really is all quite manageable.

The thing that probably worried me the most was the thought that I was going to be "unable" to eat what I wanted. I thought I would be frustrated and angry about that. But honestly, that's not the case. I just had my 2nd fill and the great part is what it does to your appetite. I just don't think about food or being hungry much at all. Even when I think I'm "starving" I get full really fast. It seems like the cravings are almost nonexistent. I allow myself to eat something if I'm really craving it (or think I am) but it takes so much less of it to satisfy that craving.

So----what I'm trying to say is I'm now comfortable with the fact that it is a lifetime commitment. It is GREAT!

My boyfriend bought me a pair of flannel pants to wear after surgery around the house and I couldn't get them past my thighs the day after surgery. Well tonight I not only got them on but they are LOOSE! I've lost less than 20 lbs but there is a BIG difference.

Good luck to you and just keep researching so you'll know what to expect and I hope that you will also be very pleased.

Thanks again everyone... and good luck to everyone that has had the surgery and those waiting like me!! I just wanted to pose one other question for those that have had the surgery. I was told you are not supposed to drink coke after the surgery. Now I'm not the type to drink it all day everyday but once in a while after drinking only water I crave it and will drink a glass here and there to satisfy it. What am I going to do once I have the surgery... is this something that over time in small amounts can be tolerated or is it a no no forever?? Thanks again everyone I am so glad I found this site!!!

Hi,

I'm new to the site today.This is great!! All of us in the same boat and having the same fears. I am not officially approved yet but the bariatric nurse tells me she does't foresee any problems!! I hope not !! Just wanted to say hello and hang in there!!

jaunderwood

I am pre-op, and decided to quit my pop habit now. Every morning started with a stop to get a Polar Pop of Diet Pepsi, then switched to Diet Dr Pepper, interlaced with Water...Well, I'm happy to report, I've not had a pop since Wednesday! I've had my moments, especially in the morning.

For now I am drinking unsweetened ice tea. Which makes my very British hubby shudder, he doesn't understand why anyone would want ice tea! But he is being VERY supportive of my decision.

So for me, it's a HUGE deal to give up carbonated drinks, but I try to think, this is one step I can do NOW to get ready for the surgery.