Nurse_B

Even though I haven't been banded, I have had surgery and am also a nurse and educate my patients on surgery. It can be overwhelming and scary to think about. When you go in, don't be afraid to ask questions. Have them show you the equipment they use to monitor you so you may feel less anxious about surgery. Also, usually the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will come in and talk to you. If you are uneasy, they can give you something to relax. Everyone there wants this to be a positive experience for you so speak up and let them know your fears! They hear and see it all and usually are very good at reassuring patients. Also, many doctors would be happy to give you something to calm your nerves in the days leading up to surgery. Don't feel silly about being on edge, even I as a nurse who is around surgery is nervous about it too! You will be in and out before you know it, and have great advice for the next person who posts they are nervous!

Hello! I'm interested to know how many appointments people had from consultation to surgery? I know this can vary greatly with insurance vs. self-pay etc.

I have been looking for any reviews on the place where I will be having my surgery. I work in health care and I know UW is a great hospital, but I don't know much about my surgeon, Dr. Jacob Greenberg. Anyone out there have surgery at UW in Madison?

I will have my first appointment with the surgeon on July 3rd. I am self pay so I am not sure what to expect as far as a time frame. I am excited to get the surgery over with, but I know all of the appointments before hand are necessary and for my benefit. I'm just impatient!

Hello! I am new here also, and like you, am anticipating a huge change with my relationship with food. I actually like to exercise and be active, but I have to work hard at the food part. What is your particular pre-op diet?

How exciting!! I found myself laughing out loud when you described your pleasant surprise at the scale!! I love reading threads like this, it just confirms my decision of getting banded.

This is a great thread, and I am happy someone thought to ask the question of how long you should be out. I have alerted my boss and lead RN about the surgery due to taking time off. Both were very supportive. I have slowly shared with other co-workers. They are all very positive and reassuring people, but I still am not sure what to expect when I tell people. We all eat lunch together during the same time, so I think they would notice the change in my diet, and hopefully the weight loss!

Hello! I am wondering if there is a big variety in how often everyone weighs themselves? What do you find is a good fit for you, daily, weekly, only at your doctors visits?

Hello! I am in the same boat as you, I have made the decision and am meeting with the surgeon for the first time on July 3rd. I, like you, am also ready to get my life back and to be the person I want to be! I work in healthcare and I find myself often feeling like a hypocrite, giving advice and education on how to be healthy, when I am not living that life myself. I am not sure what finally clicked for me, but I am so ready to be done with living my life around food and weight, instead of living for all the moments I am missing out on! I look forward to hearing about your journey, hopefully we can both be a support system for each other!!

I just recently made the decision to do the lap band surgery. I will be having my first appointment with my surgeon on July 3rd. I have always been overweight, and my parents have always supported my efforts in losing weight. Both of my parents have been successful with losing weight by diet and exercise, and they found a program that really works for them. I have tried a million things, but nothing seemed to work. I was nervous to tell them because I thought they would tell me I was taking the easy way out, and to keep trying to lose weight by going to the gym, joining weight watchers etc. I was pleasantly surprised when I told them I had made a decision regarding surgery, they both looked at me and said "Do it!". It felt like a HUGE burden had been lifted off my shoulders. I have since told close friends (one of which wasn't as supportive as I would have hoped), my sister, and a few close co-workers. I have always been someone who appreciates the opinions of those close to me, but when I made the decision to get the surgery, I also made the decision that no matter how others felt I knew this was right for me. Having the support of others only furthered my feelings that this was the right choice.