So I am almost 3 weeks post op now. My incisions are healing great, and I don't think the scars will be too bad. My visit with my surgeon was pretty quick, and unfortunately I did not get a fill, that will be at my next appointment. Basically went over how I was doing, what kind of foods I can start introducing, and answering all my questions. I really like my surgeon he's an easy going guy, who is very patient. He was pretty impressed with the weight I had lost, but informed me that the weight loss is going to slow, and I may even gain weight as I introduce food into my diet. I was kind of bummed out by that, but so far no weight gain. On the down side no loss either. I have gone down a size though. Now I need to learn how to sew. I would hate to buy more clothes until I go down at least a few sizes, and I have some clothes I just hate to give up.

Last couple of days there has been stuff posted on the forum that really kind of has me worried about my decision. I am reading so much about how that years after people get the band they start having problems. I knew going into this that there were possible complications, but the numbers seemed so low, but on here is seems the numbers are very high. The other surgery I was considering was the sleeve. And on here it seems that a number of people have converted to the sleeve, and have had much better results with no complications. Its a bit depressing reading these things, and it has me kind of freaked that 3-4 years from now I am going to end up with some major problems. I wanted a life change, but a good one. Now everytime something feels a little funny or when some pain kicks in I am wondering if its the beginning of something major. I have to keep reminding myself that I am only 3 weeks pre-op and I feel pretty damn good considering. I also have to keep reminding myself why I chose Lapband over the sleeve. There is no getting back that part of your stomach they take away. If I do have problems with the band I can have it removed. But all the talk about has gotten me pretty discouraged about the whole thing. I already am dealing with some serious emotions of loosing food as a comfort, and quitting smoking. So I guess I need to stay away from the threads that shed a pretty negative light on banding, and has posters bashing eachother left and right.:thumbup: I started comming here for support, because there is no support group where I am at, and the nearest one is 2 hours away. So I will just stick to the threads that are more supportive, even though the ones that become a day time soap opera can get interesting its hard not to want to see what is next. But those threads just aren't productive. I like this site a lot though, and it has been very helpful so far.

I hear you, sister! God, this can be one depressing as hell place can't it? I went through the same thing when I was first banded. All of the negativity on this site had me seriously worried, but here is what I've found to be my truth:

Banding was the absoute BEST decision I ever made. My only regret is that it wasn't around twenty years ago. I honestly think I'd pay double for my band. It has changed my life in so many positive ways, and the weight loss is really secondary; it's the peace of mind that's the main thing.

I was banded December 22, 2008, and I'm down almost 70 lbs. It's been a lot of work and a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, I think I'm the only person in the world that really knew exactly what they were getting into with being banded.

I don't know if it's the doctors that are inept. I don't know if people aren't being properly educated as to what to expect and what not to expect when they're banded, or maybe people only hear what they want to hear...I don't know. I do know this, though; you have to be ready to do your part. The band is only a tool and the weight won't fall off, magically. There is no easy way; if there was I would have found it!

I think that a lot of the bitching and moaning comes from people who don't do what they're supposed to. You'd be AMAZED at the people that post on this site that they're still drinking carbonated beverages, or they're 4 days post op and can eat an extra value meal from McDonald's and they just can't seem to figure out why their band isn't working...it MUST be the band's fault...yeah, that's it.

So, you'll get nothing but rave reviews from me about the band. I'm thinking about renaming my kids after my band, that's how much I love it. You know, like those crazy Nascar fans that have kids named, "Petty" and "Dale", and "Nas." I could rename my daughter, "Lapbandeeah" and call her "Bandie"...yeah...I think I'll try that out today to see how it works!

Best of luck!

I get banded tomorrow and I love the postive words from you both...i'm a postive person by nature and find that every struggle has an upside....I too felt overwhelmed with the negative feed from other bandsters....I'll keep you posted to my progress...currently....198 tomorrwo I get banded......crg2cng