My husband is very supportive of what I am choosing to do and has never questioned my decision. For the first time last night he asked about the complications. I've read up and know that the biggest complication is from the surgery/anesthesia itself. He knows it's always a risk to have surgery. I'm just wondering what you all may have done to calm the fears of family. I just had a breast reduction last year and have never had any surgery problems in the past.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Crystal

My family was very concerned about my decision but their fears were put to rest when we got to the surgery center and the nurses and Dr. assured them that they would take good care of me. (and they did)...

I've been through 8 surgeries including lap band and it was by far the easiest I've had to go through. I would not change my decision..I'm so happy with my results so far. It's been one year since my lap band surgery and I'm so happy with my results....

I wish you the best in what ever your decision may be...

My husband is very supportive of what I am choosing to do and has never questioned my decision. For the first time last night he asked about the complications. I've read up and know that the biggest complication is from the surgery/anesthesia itself. He knows it's always a risk to have surgery. I'm just wondering what you all may have done to calm the fears of family. I just had a breast reduction last year and have never had any surgery problems in the past.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Crystal

Wow! This is a hard one. I've been through 5 surgeries where I had to be under general anesthesia including 4 other surgeries using the twilight method thats a totals of 9 surgeries. I know my family were very concerned before, during and after surgery. I believe what helped my family is prayer. The sense of having each other there helped a lot too. And the way I acted before going into surgery. I always try to stay up beat even through I felt like a frightened little girl on the inside. But what helps me is prayer and my belief...That gets me through every time. Make sure he knows as much as you know about the surgery. What will happen before, during and after surgery. Make sure he knows about the post-op care and instructions. I don't know how many people you've told...But it's always nice for a friend or family to wait with your loved one... it sort of keeps their mind preoccupied. I hope this helps you in someway.

SHOUT OUT TO MY FELLOW BREAST CANCER SUVIVORS! WE'RE IN THE PINK!:wink2:

Edited October 9, 200817 yr by Melolo

I am concerned about my wife having this surgery too but with that being said I started doing lots of research on my own. Sounds like the biggest issue is anesthesia complications which are a part of every surgery. My wife has never been really ill or had any other surgeries so we are hoping this goes well. She is finishing up her 6 month supervised process this month and has done tons of testing to meet the insurance requirements in hope of a late November or early December band date. I too support her decision to get this done.

Lap band surgery is cutting into your body, so yes, there is a chance of complications. But the incisions are quite small, the surgery is relatively quick (under an hour) and the risks of remaining obese far outweigh the risks of surgery itself. I won't say "most" but a great number of us have this surgery not for cosmetic reasons, but for health reasons, and the health benefits are far greater than the health risks.

Crystal - Like everyone has said you do have risk with any type surgery. It's all in the hands of our Creator. I have had over 12 kidney stones in my life time and by far having the lapband done was the easiest!!! In fact when my doctor came by the next morning to check on me - I was like are you sure you really did something to me???!?!?!? I was banded 09/24/08.

Good luck!

Thanks to all of you! I hope my confidence in the procedure carries over to him. He has been with me through a few knee surgeries and a breast reduction so he's aware of the general surgical risks. Maybe the difference is that this is an elective procedure (necessary, but elective). I think the last time when they made me fill out a Power of Attorney and Living Will at the hospital on the morning of admission scared him quite a bit... I can understand that. Again--I am comfortable with my doctor's abilities and I'm hopeful that he can feel that. Thanks again! This site is a God-send.

Use your own history as an example. I've had 5 procedures in my life, starting age 5, which required me to be under general. I have never had a problem with recovery. Never had an infection either. Of course there are risks, goes without say, but hey, I can walk outside my front door and get run over any day of the week. Far more chance of that happening when you look at odds 1 hour surgery once compared to leaving my house 365 days of the year?

I also helped my partner to come to terms with my decision by pointing out all the health benefits and basically, how much happier I am going to be.

You are at more of a risk from complications due to being over weight than the actual lap band surgery. There are several great books on Amazon to help both of you with this. I would recommend Lap Band Companion for him. I am 56 and had my first ever surgery ( knee) just a few months before Lap Band. I have never beed hospitalizeed and yes I was worried. Get some books on the subject .