Hi, I am so glad to find this group. I was just approved for my lap band surgery on February 26th. I am a 52 year old wife, mother and friend I hope. I still wonder sometimes if I am too old to be doing this but then I look at how much life I still need to live and I know I'm not. For me, it truly isn't about being the hot thing anymore, it's about feeling great. I have suffered for 10 years with a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in both my knees and am truly tired of the pain and the limitations it causes me. My husband and I love to RV and I want to be able to enjoy it to it's fullest!!!!!! Any suggestions to help me prepare better for the upcoming surgery? Vicki :eek:

Once again, reading these posts have helped me stick to this journey that's just starting for me. I see my surgeon Friday - finally - for my consult, and then send to insurance. Approvals w/ my company take about a week, and I will qualify, so...surgery will be in in March. Lately I've been having second thoughts. I can't believe that this could actually happen to me-- the weight loss you're all describing. It seems so out of my grasp at the moment. Size 10 jeans, really? I would be happy just to WEAR real jeans! I wore size 14 for a couple months way back when I was 21. That's the closest to being normal I have ever been.

I know it won't be easy. I know somebody who has lost about 90 pounds in the past several months, but recently her band slipped - so it's been hard. Now I'm starting the pre-surgery jitters. Knowing that you all have had success and believe it was worthwhile for you is very helpful to try to calm the "I can't do this" thoughts I'm having.

The journey to get to the point I am at has been frustrating, jumping through all the hoops. Everything already has been expensive - $249 to see the pschologist, etc. I'm starting to question my choice of program, surgeon, and can I really live the rest of my life without splurging at the Chinese buffet?

Once again, reading these posts have helped me stick to this journey that's just starting for me. I see my surgeon Friday - finally - for my consult, and then send to insurance. Approvals w/ my company take about a week, and I will qualify, so...surgery will be in in March. Lately I've been having second thoughts. I can't believe that this could actually happen to me-- the weight loss you're all describing. It seems so out of my grasp at the moment. Size 10 jeans, really? I would be happy just to WEAR real jeans! I wore size 14 for a couple months way back when I was 21. That's the closest to being normal I have ever been.

I know it won't be easy. I know somebody who has lost about 90 pounds in the past several months, but recently her band slipped - so it's been hard. Now I'm starting the pre-surgery jitters. Knowing that you all have had success and believe it was worthwhile for you is very helpful to try to calm the "I can't do this" thoughts I'm having.

The journey to get to the point I am at has been frustrating, jumping through all the hoops. Everything already has been expensive - $249 to see the pschologist, etc. I'm starting to question my choice of program, surgeon, and can I really live the rest of my life without splurging at the Chinese buffet?

Boy do I understand your pain and worry. My surgery is Tuesday and yesterday I read all the problems that people have had with bands on here and thought, " What am I doing to myself?" Then I remember my knees, back and overall feeling of lethargy and I say, "Oh yea, tha'ts why". I believe we all have had so much pain from being obese that we are strong and can do this as well. Lifestyle change is hard, especially this one but what is the alternative, to gain more and more? I choose the new beginning.

Hi everyone,

I had my surgery 2 weeks ago tomorrow and am so happy I found this site. Most of these posts were written months ago, and I was wondering how you feel now about having this surgery done. Has it been successful for you?

Hi, I'm 55 and got my band 3 months ago. I can honestly say that it is the best thing I have ever done. Someone the other day told me I was in the "honeymoon stage" but I don't believe it. People are so ready to think negatively. Honestly, once you have the band, you will not be sad that you cannot pig out at the Chinese Buffet. You will be so grateful that you have no desire to pig out and even if you try you will give it up very soon after eating. It just takes away that need to devour everything in sight. I'm right now trying to figure out how to take in my bras so I don't have to buy new ones yet. No, no regrets here at all!