Hi everyone! Got a question.....Let me set it up first. I'm a fairly claustrophobic individual. I don't like people in my space, flying in airplanes (although I have to travel for work), cramped spots with LOTS of people (like movie theatres, concerts). I'm sure I will lose some of this when I'm down in weight - at least I hope.

I'm telling you this because I'm wondering if I am going to feel "claustrophobic" with the band. Surgery is Friday 3/25 and every once in a while when I think about what it may feel like I get kind of strangled. Like I'm being choked just thinking about it. Is this normal? Can you feel it in you? Yes, getting down to the wire and getting cold feet I guess. Does this make any sense?

Hi FeelYoung, Yes, I think it is normal to feel a little nervous as the surgery date approaches, I know I did. But, I'm sure you will get a lot of responses to your post and will be assured that its not a horrible experience. As far as feeling the band - no, I can't feel the band. However, the port area will be sore afterwards. As for me, I feel great now and can't even tell the band is there unless I eat or drink. Other than that, I pretty much forget it's there. Good Luck to you on your upcoming surgery!!!

You will NOT feel that way at all! Being nervous is normal, but I didn't feel anything from it, no pain at all. I was sore on my belly from being cut open, but that was it. In the beginning you feel kinda tight if you eat too fast. But you will learn how to eat. I think it feels like a brain freeze in my stomach if I eat something to fast, it goes away in a couple of minutes. It is nothing like what your describing. After surgery, I didn't even know it was there! Congrats on you surgery date, it was the best decision of my life!

Laura, we all wondered whether we'll be able to feel the band after its put in! Claustrophobic or not, that's a perfectly normal thing to ask. And the answer is no, you cannot feel the band itself around your stomach. It only makes itself known by its effects, by how you feel when you eat too fast, too much, or take too-large bites.

I'm pretty claustrophobic too. I felt that way thinking about getting my band, I still do, I just put it out of my mind.

Good luck!!

Patty

Hi Laura -- I'm mildly claustrophobic (with other major phobias!) and the band doesn't bother me at all that way. Not the surgery, not the recovery, not day-to-day life with it. I can see how the idea of something cinching your stomach would suggest a feeling of being closed in, but in my experience it doesn't happen. And with less body I have a lot more space around me!

I have an interesting twist to this question. I used to wear eye glasses. Then I had vision correction surgery 7 years ago. It was awful because being able to see clearly for the first time truly invaded my space. It took years to overcome the fact that people were everywhere. I used to stand in front of the class doing oral assignments but I felt safe behind my glasses. When my glasses were gone, there was no barrier between me and the people. I remember having a panic attack while walking through a casino because everyone was so close to me. Nothing had changed since people were always surrounding me in public, but once your eyes get fixed they are RIGHT THERE, they are everywhere!

The reason I told you that story is because I don't have the same feeling with the band. As a matter of fact, I never even thought of band-related claustrophobia till after reading this post. Things that make ya go hmmmmm...

But I can always feel my band around my belly. I'm constantly aware of it, especially in the morning.

I'm claustrophobic too, and I haven't felt ... confined by my new band.

WoW! You all are so amazing and supportive. I really appreciate all of your thoughts and the time everyone takes on the board.

I know I'm being melodramatic, feeling a loss, etc but I also KNOW this is the right thing to do. As you said Jack, and the most important reason I am doing this is all the comorbidities that can arise. I've very fortunate right now the only thing I have trouble with is my cholestrol, some ankle and knee pain. However, turning 40 last year made me realize I am not immortal.

It's time to face reality - if I continue down the path I am headed, I may not have another 20 years. Or at least not another 20 years able to do what I want to do. So, I made the decision and I know I will feel much better after the surgery on Friday. I'm looking at this as a "rebirth" or fresh chance to take control of my life and do something important and healthy for myself. Again, thank you to everyone and I really have never "met" a nicer group of people who are so caring and supportive. Wish me luck and I can't wait to meet you on "the other side"!

Hey, Laura, 3/25 is TOMORROW! You'll do fine. Bring some slip-on shoes because you won't want to be messing with laces, etc.: clogs are good. See you in Bandland.