I am being banded tomorrow. 2/27/08. I am all nerves. I know I am doing the right thing for myself. I know. Yet, I have all these lingering fears. I have always expressed to everyone, especially woman, to love themselves, to embrace their individual size, to not buy in to society's image of beauty...and I still feel this way. I am being banded for my health not my looks, but I still can't help but feel guilt.

Dr. Merriman in Louisiana is my surgeon and I have confidence in him and his staff, but I fear complications because they drill the possibility in your head. I am scared, nervous, excited, guilty, anxious, happy, fearfull, stressed, and somewhat overwhelmed all at the same time.

I weigh 330. I am 5'2" I need a change and I am so proud of myself for making it...it just seems so drastic. Yet neccesary. I'm mixed up obviously.

Wish me luck. Wish me health. Im a bundle of nerves.

Hey Ready.

I just sent up a little prayer for you. I feel the same way. My band date is 1 week from today, March 4th. I'm doing this for my health first and foremost....if better looks come along with it then so be it...haha. I've been overweight all my life and I've acceped it. But I want to live a healthier life the next 30 years over what I've lived these past 30 years. From what I understand and heard, everyone is nervous and scared with all the information our bariatric programs drilled in our heads. I'm trying to look beyond the actual surgery. Look forward to losing the weight, feeling better than you've felt in years, shopping for new clothes...etc. That's what keeps me going right now. Good luck tomorrow and for the rest of your journey.:biggrin:

That is the best advice. Thank you. New clothes. I can't even imagine buying clothes from a store that sells regular sizes. Going with friends and not just sitting down and waiting for them to finish shopping because the only thing in the store that would fit me would be...socks? That would be just an amazing experience. I have been in plus sizes for as long as I have had a fashion sense. :biggrin:

ready,

i am having surgery on the 29th and share your anxiety (im having plastics after losing 150 lbs)... i keep hearing that its normal, but dang its scary... specailly those wavers you have to sign!

just keep healthy and i'll see you in bandland. good luck tomorrow.

You go, Girl! You're doing it for all the right reasons. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your healthy life. Kathy JB

Oh! Those waivers. I signed those today. Ahhh! I got the chills reading them, but I know that you have to sign those in any surgery.

Best wishes Ready, sending positive thoughts your way.

Banded last Wednesday and did 10 day pre-op down 20 pounds in 15 days---crazy but true. Can't wait to walk in any store and be able to find hot clothes in my size.:biggrin:

Hey Ready...said a prayer to the guy above for you and will keep you in my prayers tomorrow also. I know you are nervous but try to focus on what this will do for you. I, too, look forward to walking in a store and pulling something off the rack without even trying it on! You should just be so proud of yourself for doing what you are doing. Good luck

Best Wishes, I have been anxious and scared myself, going to my first meeting tonight

Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts. Also do you know where to go to look at before and after pictures? That seems to calm my jitters.