Day before Lap Band Surgery-HELP!

[Clairebell 0]

I am scheduled to have lapband in 2 days and feeling completely paniced. I have been on every diet under the sun, from phen/phen to HGC. All with the same results, I lost weight then gained back the weight and then some. Lately I have been feeling so tired, defeated and helpless. Rather than giving up I decided to look into lapband, Now just a few days away I am feeling a little selfish, guilty and worried about something going wrong during the surgery. The selfish part has a lot to do wit the expense, as I am paying for it in full (insurance wont pay) and I am worried about what I might be putting my family through. I am also worried about complications during the surgery. Any words of wisdom out there?

[minniekitty 44]

I'm getting banded on August 12 (also self-pay), and the feeling of guilt for "taking the easy way out" crossed my mind a few times the past couple days.

But, we have to remember that taking care of our health isn't selfish. You're actually helping your family by getting this surgery, because you'll likely be around much longer and your own quality of life will increase so much (and that positivity will definitely rub off on the people around you!).

Second thoughts run abound, especially since you're so close to this life-saving and changing operation. I wish you the best of luck, and don't feel selfish for taking the time to take care of yourself

[minniekitty 44]

double post, sorry.

[MustangMama 2]

When I went from excitement to worry just before surgery... I would go on Obesityhelp.com's homepage and just click through pages and pages of before and after pics. I mean sometimes I'd go through 5 or 10 sets of them... thinking... "I'm gonna be one of those Afters!" That always helped me get my head back into it. it reminded me there is in fact a prize at the end of this waiting for me. And it helped me. A lot. Best of luck to you... the day or 2 before surgery are crammed with nerves. Concentrate on the positives and you'll be alright.

[jen120 23]

Your surgery will be great! It's ok to be nervous and have some doubts, but you have made the right decision. You should never feel guilty for doing something to improve your health. I'm sure you constantly put other people first...this time is for you.

Good Luck! Let us know how things go.

[sandiburn 23]

I agree with everyone. I am also a self pay. My surgery is this morning in.........wow...... 1 1/2 hrs. I am still a little scared. However, I know that this is what I need to become healthy for my family and for myself. My mom had a massive stroke 5 yrs ago and lost 35% of her brain mass and it was mostly caused from her not taking care of herself. I dont want my family to go thru that. I know that if I cant be good for me first, that there is no way I can be good for them. Its funny how our mind can play such tricks with our emotoins. Follow your gut. What is it saying to you. Its ok to be selfish if its for the right reasons. Good luck with your journey.

[cat lady 10]

Take a deep breath and relax.....we all had the same feelings right before surgery. I can tell you that the surgery was very easy for me and I am 63 yrs old. I was afraid of complications but so far.....none. Being selfish to better your health is a good thing and we all finally got to the point where we needed to get selfish and think of ourselves! Good Luck & God Bless.......CAT

[perrysmom 0]

Sorry your insurance won't cover.

Like others have said -- look at the expense from the point of view that you are attempting to make sure you live a long healthy life so you can be there for your family.

Kala: you aren't taking the "easy way out". From what I'm reading and from what a coworker who is coaching me (she's 3 years post-op) it still takes determination that we will follow our instructions about the food and the exercise. We can't return to old eating habits and sit around all day. The band is a tool for us to use in our life-changing weight loss journey.

I'm just starting my banding journey and have to attend an informational seminar on August 11th before I can see the doctor. The post-op food regimen scares me a little and I've never been one to exercise. But I'm at the point where I am desperate about my health. I'm killing myself with my own body.

I wish all of you the best!

[perrysmom 0]

My surgery is this morning in.........wow...... 1 1/2 hrs. I am still a little scared.

I hope the surgery went well! Best of luck to you!

[2FIT2BFAT 0]

I am on day 3 after surgery and believe me when I say, that I had all the same feelings your are having. I think most of us do. I decided against that sports car I could have had and and going the the healthy sporty body that I will have. I am a self pay too. So far I feel great and no complications. Its strange how you can embrace new feelings on your life and food. You will be fine and I say go for it. ! Best of Luck