Awaiting surgery and am having doubts - any thoughts - pro or con?

[Guest jalasamom]

Zzzzzzzzzz

[ralheit 1]

I really don't think that the slippage and erosion are as common as you think. When people have problems, they post for support or help. But all the others who don't have those problems far outnumber the ones that do. I was the same as you, I was so excited and anxious to have it done and the day I was approved I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It became real then and some fear set in. But I wouldn't change anything now. I am very happy as are most of the people here. You follow your doctors rules and do what you're supposed to do and you will be fine.

[StephM 0]

If you weren't anxious and having second thoughts I think we would all be VERY worried about you. I, and I am sure most of us, was scared to death and almost called the hospital the morning of surgery to cancel. What if I died on the table? What if it slipped? What if my stomach erodes? Then I looked at all the things that were more likely to happen. Lowering my blood pressure, cholesterol, and most of all my weight. My life would not only improve in longevity, but in quality also. If you have had positive thoughts up until now, I would say you are ready for the surgery. Just be ready for some depression the first few weeks after surgery, and the plateau you will hit a few weeks after surgery.

Good Luck!

[Iluvharleys 15]

You are just going through all the normal thoughts, it's only natural. You have to remember this is a support group, and most of the people only come to these sites when something actually goes wrong and they need an answer. Then, there are some of us that are so addicted to this site that we are here all the time! :scared:

[*susan* 1,709]

Being nervous and second guessing yourself before any type of surgery is perfectly normal. My understanding is that slippage is not nearly as likely now as it was several years ago. To be honest, slippage and erosion are not that common. As with any surgery, there is a certain amount of risk involved. But, the benefits far outweight the risks. You probably have spent a lot of time on the complications forum. Focus on some of the other forums, look at the before and after pictures, read some of the success stories of those who have reached goal and/or lost over 100 pounds. The band is a truly wonderful device. It will change your life for the better and I seriously doubt that once you have it, you will ever regret it.

In the mean time, please do not hesitate to ask us about any specific concerns or questions you may have. We are here to help you through your entire journey in any way we can.

[health1st 1]

I agree with everyone, to be a little afraid is normal and I think slippage is NOT very common. But I was just one of the lucky ones and had a slip.

HOWEVER, I am so glad I was banded. Yes, I was in a lot of pain, blaa, blaa, blaa,, .....the important thing today is I feel the best I have in 15 years. As I rode my bike in the foothillls of the Rockies today, I cried with joy and thanked the universe that I am on my way to being healthy and maybe a normal weight! I could NEVER have lost weight like this by myself. It feel so good and it is SO WONDERFUL not to feel starved all the time dieting.

Yes, there is some risk but what is the risk of being obese the rest of our lives?

[Guest jalasamom]

Thanks so much for the input. You were all very helpful.