I just found out last week that my insurance approved the surgery and it looks like I will only need to cover the $500 deductible. I am feeling a surge of conflicting emotions.

I am excited, terrified, and almost grieving, if that makes any sense. I am so used to using food as a crutch that I am apprehensive of doing it differently.

The really, REALLY scaredy-cat part of me is terrified that I won't make it, or something awful like that. I have a 6-month old son and the thought of leaving him...it's unbearable.

Are these (somewhat) normal feelings?

TOTALLY NORMAL :thumbup:- I was in that boat not to long ago and it only got worse the closer to the day! It's over now and I'm SO GLAD I DID IT!!!

Do what I did, hang out on this site and post your every question!!

Hang in there!!! Congrats!!

I HOPE they are normal, because I'm going through all of that, and I don't have the final insurance approval yet!

The hardest part of all of this, for me, is going to be making that HUGE change in the way food fits into my life. It can no longer be the main thing I think about, and plan around, and use for comfort, grieving, anger, happiness, celebration, depression...you name it, food is/WAS the answer!

And, I think that having a baby as young as yours gives you a legitimate reason to be concerned about the unthinkable...but it is just that...unthinkable. Look at all the positive! We all get to concentrate on the positives!

Obviously I cannot forsee the future as to what will happen for you, but for me this has been a life-changing experience. I have a baby boy, he was almost 12 months old when I had my surgery. I did this largely for him and my other children (2 dds), but it did scare me as well.

I have had almost no problems. I have no complaints. I'm making good food choices most of the time and my weight is steadily coming off at a pace of about 10 pounds a month right now. I'm nearing my halfway to goal point and I haven't been this happy in years. If I could go back and comfort my pre-banded self, I would say not to worry, it will all work out great. I hope the same holds true for you.

Melissa

Any intelligent person is going to give a lot of thought to the risks of going under anesthesia, and having any surgery. It's good that you are confronting the reality of surgery! Each of us has to weigh this as we make a decision whether to have the surgery. The odds of you coming through the surgery just fine are extremely high but nobody can give you a 100% guarantee. You just have to do all your research and make an informed decision. Also, research the effects of being morbidly obese and what that does to your heart and your other organs and your lifespan, and your quality of life and ability to be the best parent you can be, and weigh that out too.

I too am so happy I had this surgery. Your mind hypes it up so must but it is almost over before it starts. Today I am proud to proclaim (and have been posting it everywhere!) my scale left the land of the "300's" this morning. I go for my first fill next Tuesday. I am looking forward to a continuation of the weight loss and maintaining the exercise program. The band is such a useful tool to all who use it the way it was intended to be used. I wish I would have done it years ago!

I am having surgery in 3 weeks - any suggestions? getting nervous! mer56

I have a baby boy, he was almost 12 months old when I had my surgery. I did this largely for him and my other children (2 dds), but it did scare me as well.

That is a huge (no pun intended) factor in my decision to go forward too. It is hard for me to carry him for any distance and I am constantly tired and out of breath. If I stay this big I will not be able to keep up with him. He deserves a healthy mother.

I also shudder to think of him getting picked on by other kids for having a fat mom.

Thank you all for your words of reassurance. I guess I have been a little overwhelmed by how fast this is all going. I had heard it was such a lengthy process and my experience has been the opposite thus far!

The quick response has to be because this is the right thing!

The people I know who have had the band have great things to say about it. It is hard, and it is not the 'quick' solution. There is still a lot of work, because this isn't the cure, just a tool to get where you want to be.

I'm thinking that it will be a really good thing for you, and that's why everything is happening quickly!

Up until the moment of going into surgery I was anxious knowing my life would never be the same. I can say I am confident that the decision to have the surgery was the best thing I ever did. I am only 2 weeks out and I feel like a new person.

THANKS! it is good to know that everyone has the same feelings - congratulations for making the decision for surgery when your kids are small - mine did grow up with a "fat" Mom - but hoping to do better with my grandchildren when they get here!

What you are feeling is so normal. I did nothing but pray until they placed the mask over my face. I was so scared that I was going to leave my husband and kids behind. Obviously, that didn't happen and I don't regret it for a second. My life is totally changed and I am happier than I have been in years. Stay positive and think about how much easier it will be to take care of your little one in a smaller body and the long term effects it will have for you. Best of luck to you!!