It has been interesting to me to realize that I'm not scared of the food regimen. I know it will be no picnic and there will be times that I will be so frustrated I won't see straight, but I also know that is what I need.

What is making me nervous is more medical. I have narrowed it down to three main issues.

1. I'm concerned that I will always be thinking of this foreign thing inside me. I was at Jazzercise the other day doing crunches and I wondered if I would be able to do the same thing with the port. I know people have run marathons and such after being banded so I feel sure there isn't any exercise restriction once healed, but it is something I need to know. I have to be sure that I can be okay with living with this. I have a small fear that I will end up doing NOTHING because I will be so nervous about messing up my band.

2. Lap band seems relatively new and I'm concerned that we don't fully know the long term effects. What happens 20 years from now?

3. What if I mess up and have to go to the hospital? I think I'm quite responsible, but it seems that you can't always control everything. I'm concerned that something will get stuck and I will have to go to the hospital where they know very little. I'm concerned that I will do something stupid (like eat the wrong thing or too much) and it will kill me.

I have my initial meeting with doctor in a couple of weeks and will ask him about these things. But I was interested to see what you all have to say?

I know that without a doubt, doing nothing will lead me to bad health and sadness. I start feeling guilty because I "should" just diet already and lose the weight I need to lose. But I've tried numerous times with varied success and I know that in the long run I can't do it on my own.

Everyday I feel more and more confident that LB is the right choice for me. I just have to get myself right with my concerns.

I was just banded a week ago today so I'm not sure I am a good one to answer all your questions and frankly I don't have the answers to all of your questions. But as far as the lapband being relatively new, that may be true for the US, but it has been available in Europe for years, in fact Sharon Osborne, (not sure if you know who she is, but she is married to Ozzy Osborne), had a lapband put in over 20 years ago and I think in just the last couple of years she decided to have it removed. That is why I went with the band, because it is reversable unlike the gastric bypass. Not sure that this eases your mind any, but just thought I would throw it out there. Good luck to you.

Thanks! I will talk to my doc about all of these things. I'm just so curious what goes through everyone's mind during this process.

I have had some of those same concerns. My doctor told me that after the healing process you can be normal and do all kinds of activities including twisting, turning, etc... so jazzercise should be good. As far as 20 years from now, if there are issues it can be removed. But those 20 years will be a better quality of life if done properly. Last going to the hospital for complications, yes they may not have expertise in the ER for bariatric lap bands but they can call the doctor who does and they know life saving techniques to save you regardless. My doctor advised me that no lap band complication would be life threatening. I think all of these are natural fears and questions and you are right to ask all of them to your doctor. I am fearful everyday of my choice but I know if I do not do something I will be worse off. My surgery is scheduled for next Monday, 11/23. No turkey day for me. :thumbup: Everytime I get sad for missing the food, I think of the long term positive effects. Keep the faith!