lap band on Friday - VERY nervous !

kspapst · November 6, 2008

Hi, I'm new to viewing and posting on web sites. I am leaving tomorrow for Fresno, California for my pre-op visit before I get my lap-band on Friday 11/07/08. I am very nervous. I have a real pain/surgery phobia and I researched this for many, many months before deciding to go ahead with this procedure. I actually backed out of Gastric Bypass surgery 3 years ago because of my intense fear of pain and vomiting which goes along with the surgery (I'm told):smile2: Anyway, I have severe arthritis and I have had increased pain in my right knee for quite some time. It is definitely related to my weight, but I need a knee replacement and the surgeons want to wait until I have the lap-band before going ahead with that one. Taking weight off first will help with the new knee. I am "bone-on-bone" - in other words no cartilege left. I have tried Hylgan shots, cortisone shots, acupuncture, and heavy meds. Nothing helps. So, I hope to help myself by losing some weight quickly and then scheduling knee replacement. I wish I could calm down about the issue of pain, but it is always in my mind. Besides the anticipated pain from the surgery and excess gas, I need pillows under my knee and lots of meds to even sleep a little bit here at home.:wink5: How will I be able to handle getting out of a tall hospital bed and walk around the room when I can only hobble around (sometimes with a cane) in the best of circumstances??:tongue2: Does anyone have any suggestions for someone who is older than the average lap-band patient and with arthritis? Thanks a lot. I hope to hear from others in my situation about this soon.

Maggies · November 6, 2008

Welcome Kspapt, Congratulations on your surgery date Friday. As you can see we are close in age, and I just had my lapband surgery on the 29th. of Oct. Everything went great. You will have pain after the surgery, but each day you will feel a little better. Just make sure you sip your Water and walk. Walking helps get the gas out of you. I have very little pain now, just where the port is and it is very minor. You will do great. Maggies:shades_smile:

Maggies · November 6, 2008

Yep, me again, as for your question on walking in the hospital. The nurces will help you get up and walk around. Also, I used one of there walkers the first time I went by myself. Trust me they have seen it all, and are so helpful. I had two nurces, one morning, one afternoon, that were the best I have ever had. I can't say enough good stuff about them. So sit back and enjoy being taken care of.

Maggies:shades_smile:

vballmom · November 6, 2008

Your fear is normal. We all had fear of the surgery and the unknown. If you have confidence in your surgeon and your decision then you will be fine. Tell your surgeon about your fear of pain. I had a pain pump and liquid vicoden. There is no way to avoid all the pain, but it will pass quickly. The end result will be well worth it. As for the gas pain, get the gas strips. Also for the shoulder pain a good massage or heating pad helped a lot. Try to stay positive and only look to the future of walking with out the pain and getting back to things you enjoy doing. I have lost seventy nine pounds this year.

I had such bad back pain before surgery, but now I can walk and stand for hours. My husband hates it because I can go shopping again and spending too much money. ha Best Wishes and keep us posted.

losingjusme · November 6, 2008

i, too, was extremely nervous/anxious before my surgery. it truly was one of the best things i've done for myself.

best of luck to you.

Brandy~ · November 6, 2008

Good luck! You will be fine :rolleyes2:

I wish you a very speedy recovery and hope to see you back here on LBT very soon!

Old Goat · November 7, 2008

Hi: To someone who is older, look like a kid to me I am being Banded the 19th Good Luck we are taking the 1st step to better health.

Momma V · November 7, 2008

Hi, I'm new to viewing and posting on web sites. I am leaving tomorrow for Fresno, California for my pre-op visit before I get my lap-band on Friday 11/07/08. I am very nervous. I have a real pain/surgery phobia and I researched this for many, many months before deciding to go ahead with this procedure. I actually backed out of Gastric Bypass surgery 3 years ago because of my intense fear of pain and vomiting which goes along with the surgery (I'm told):thumbup: Anyway, I have severe arthritis and I have had increased pain in my right knee for quite some time. It is definitely related to my weight, but I need a knee replacement and the surgeons want to wait until I have the lap-band before going ahead with that one. Taking weight off first will help with the new knee. I am "bone-on-bone" - in other words no cartilege left. I have tried Hylgan shots, cortisone shots, acupuncture, and heavy meds. Nothing helps. So, I hope to help myself by losing some weight quickly and then scheduling knee replacement. I wish I could calm down about the issue of pain, but it is always in my mind. Besides the anticipated pain from the surgery and excess gas, I need pillows under my knee and lots of meds to even sleep a little bit here at home. How will I be able to handle getting out of a tall hospital bed and walk around the room when I can only hobble around (sometimes with a cane) in the best of circumstances??:smile2: Does anyone have any suggestions for someone who is older than the average lap-band patient and with arthritis? Thanks a lot. I hope to hear from others in my situation about this soon.

I wish you well tomorrow. I am still waiting for a surgery date and I'm very interested what others have to say about the lap band. Good Luck:thumbup: and keep us posted! Momma V