debbie813

Thank you so much for your encouraging words - I appreciate them so much!

My surgeon said that to avoid blood clots after surgery I would have to walk 10 minutes out of every hour and that I culd not sleep more than 8 hours because I needed to be up and walking. Does anyone know how long this is for? Is it forever? I plan on flying for 6 hours in a few months and on top of it, I'm afraid of flying, so I don't really get up and walk since it makes me more nervous. Any info anyone could share is much appreciated. Thanks!

I'm around 90% sure I want this. I've done everything except my ECG (this afternoon) and my pre-op appointment. My thoughts change constantly from "I want/need this" to "omg, what am I doing?" My surgeon doesn't do a pre-op diet either, but I have been substituting shakes to get used to them. My date is April 27 and I still have 5 lbs left to lose.

I've been researching this for almost a year. I wasn't absolutely convinced but went through the process knowing I could "opt out" any time. Finally decided in January to go forward, was approved, etc. I was looking at July or August but because of my work schedule I asked if I could have it done sooner. This was yesterday. The Physicians Assistant came back with a surprising answer - I could have my surgery on April 27th! So I'm going for it. I got the time off and I think I'm ready. And of course I'm so nervous. I have to have my pre op appointment next Friday and still have 6 lbs to lose (I've lost 18 lbs from my heaviest). Is it normal to be this nervous? If I think about it I could have a full on panic attack. I feel like it's the right decision for me, but I also grapple with the guilt and shame of not being able to do it on my own. Does anyone else feel that way? What do you think is the best way for me to get over my fear and guilt? Any suggestions? On Saturday I'm having a final (for a while) nice dinner -- I even feel guilty about that. Can you tell I suffer from guilt? Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. You all seem so nice -- I hope to find a community here where I can share and get to know everyone. Thanks for listening.

I'm sorry your friend wasn't more supportive of your decision. It sounds like she cares about you. You might tell her that you made this decision after a lot of research and soul-searching and you really hope she can support you no matter what. Sending you good vibes.

I'm curious - for those people who are a month + post op -- What is your average diet on any given day? Do you go out for lunch or dinner? How does it work for you? I went out to dinner with a friend who had the sleeve a few years ago, she was comfortable going out to dinner and ordered a regular meal, had a few bites and took the rest home. Is that normal? I usually only go out once a week and wonder if I'll be able to do that again. Any and all info much appreciated. I really love this board and everyone has been so helpful.

My surgery date is also April 27th! We can do this. I know it's hard but we'll get through and do great! You work from home, so you can gauge when you feel it's best to go back to work. I took 3 weeks off, but I'm hoping to go back after 2. Sending you good vibes!

Thanks everyone for your input. I just found this quote, "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength" - Leo Buscaglia. I have to remember that!

Thanks!

I'm waiting to find out when my surgery will be, should hear soon. In all the materials my doctor provided, there wasn't anything about a pre-op diet. Is that possible? Am I missing something? Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, First I'd like to say how happy I am to have found this forum. I just turned 50 and for more than 35 years I've been obese. There is not a day that goes by in which I don't think about diet, food and body issues. I had considered both gastric bypass surgery and the lapband surgery. And I think lapband would be easier in the long run. I have a lot of fears running rampant in my mind. Death, complications, emotional issues and of all things - hair loss. I've noticed that hair loss seems to happen to a lot of patients. I'm really not that vain, but of all things I take pride in - my hair is probably the only physical attribute that I like about myself. I hope that doesn't sound too shallow. How did you all finally make the decision to do the lapband? Are you happy you did it? Do you have any regrets? Would you go back and do anything differently? I look forward to reading through all of these posts -- and hope I can hear *your* thoughts. Thanks for listening.