Hi!
my intention was not to scare but to seek support and understanding. I have been alone in my banding(i live too far to go to support meetings) and I get very little advice from my surgeon. I feel I have gotten more info from this site than I ever dreamed to find out.
Honestly, I don't regret the surgery. While the weightloss has been slow, I know it is because of my excercise habits not being what they should be. I come from a family where obesity and type II diabetes runs rampant. So, in my opinion, if you are committed and ready for lifestyle changes, I would go for the surgery. Even with the little that I have lost so far, I feel 100 times better than before the surgery. Today I got into a pair of jeans I bought pre-op(3 sizes too small)...it was such an amazing feeling! I
Also, I can say that this was a very easy surgery. I opted to stay overnight and was bored to tears! the pain is minimal if you follow your doc's directions. but even though I have been having issues with choking, I don't regret having the band.
I have learned so much since last night from this site that I know my choking will get better and I have had some encouraging posts about excercise that have put things into perspective.
All I can say is that I have been quite ignorant as to how to behave properly with the band, but now I know better so it's up to me to do better for myself.
Just be sure to have a good support system in line, not having one, I believe, has been my downfall.
I hope this has helped in whatever decision you go through with. Just know that some posts, like my own, may sound a bit scarier only because they seek information and support for a trial that is being encountered.
I'll keep you in my prayers tonight!
God Bless
Keeley