Questioning My Surgery on Tuesday

[falcon66 0]

I am a 38 y/o male with a BMI of 40 with sleep apnea, 5 knee surgeries, and Reflux (at least my doc said my upper GI showed that, I did not know) I have went throught the 6 month diet, psych, etc. at a relaxed pace over a course of a year. My wife was not supportive at first (did not think I needed it)but now is supportive of my decision ( i now weigh 280 I graduated high school at 145). I went through considerable obstacles(time and financial) to make sure I was doing the right thing. Was at peace with my decision until two days ago and have started to re-think my surgery. I have tried numerous diets and programs and have lost weight before but did not mantain. My concerns are below any insight or opinion you could give me would be appreciated it, even if you have to call me a wuss.

1. Since this surgery has only been in the U.S since 1999 who is to say I won't have to have a future revision since I am only 38. I was clear with my doc when I told him I wanted to do surgery once(he agreed). Who is to say that band won't erode in ten to fifteen years

2. Will I be able to function at social and family gatherings and fit in at meals etc in the future. I am concerned about being on a business trip and not being able to drink a beer, or eat a steak with a future employer etc.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

1. Since this surgery has only been in the U.S since 1999 who is to say I won't have to have a future revision since I am only 38. I was clear with my doc when I told him I wanted to do surgery once(he agreed). Who is to say that band won't erode in ten to fifteen years

2. Will I be able to function at social and family gatherings and fit in at meals etc in the future. I am concerned about being on a business trip and not being able to drink a beer, or eat a steak with a future employer etc.

You have the last minute heebie jeebies. Lots of people do.

1...no one can promise anything about anything. Frankly if you don't control your weight (which is trending up) you may not BE here in 15 years so if the band were to fail then, it would be moot. Further; it's sturdy and inert. Unless you abuse it by not following the rules, it should last as long as you do. Risks of slipping and erosion are real, but are low. 5% is the top figure I've seen. It has only been around since 1993 (that's when they started testing it) but the materials it's made of have been around (and used in the body in various ways) much longer. No one can say you WONT need another surgery, but odds of it, at least relating to the band, are low.

2. You can't have beer. Unless you like it flat. Oh boo hoo. I love beer too, but honestly if someone walked up to you and said "If you give up beer I'll make your weight problem go away" would you say "NO"? If so, you need AA, my friend! You CAN drink...have a bourbon and Water or a glass of wine or a grey goose on the rocks. Life does go on without beer. AND maybe some day you can drink it. A year or two post op I've read of people who can but just don't bother. If you are one of Dr. Cavazos's patients then I am sure he's told you that the goal is for you to be able to eat just about anything, but be satisfied with less. So you will only eat 3-4 ounces of steak instead of a side of beef. Big deal, really. I was told that some can't eat untoasted white bread (it balls up) but many can. I was told that some of their patients don't eat stringy red meat (well ick, anyway. I don't like my steaks stringy). I am 3 months post op. I have 3 cc's in my band. Dr. C is filling me slowly because he says the point is to hit a good zone where I can eat what I want, in small amounts, and be full for up to 5-6 hours. What you will have to give up...snacking, carbonation....is minor compared to what you gain. food won't be your master any more. YOU will control it. Unless you are one of those people who earns a living by winning the "who ate the most hot dogs" contest, I don't think any future employer will look at you and think "Man I don't want him he only eats 4 ounces of red meat". no...they'll sit a fit man who eats to live, not lives to eat.

Being nervous is normal. Many of us were. But, it IS reversible if for some bizarre reason you really really can't handle it. Even that, though rare rare, happens. Odds are, you'll be unhappy the first few weeks post op as you heal but can only have liquids and are starved. Then you'll get over it. You'll start to realize this thing can really work for you long term. You'll see life differently. It's worth it. Don't let your fear stop you.

[falcon66 0]

No I am not an alcky I have not had alcohol for 3 or 4 months, but I do like the taste of beer. Thanks for the reply

[BethFromVA 5]

The surgery here is relatively new (yes, since the late 90's, I believe), but the surgery itself has been around overseas since about 1980. The good news is, the mistakes that were made early on have been improved and fixed.

And I too am to the point that if I have to give something up, so be it. I want this weight loss too much. If you think the food issue is going to be a hang-up for you, maybe you are not ready. You have to get to that point where you have to have give and take. Some things you may have to give up. I may miss them, but I won't mourn them. I'll just find better things I CAN have and relish that.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

No I am not an alcky I have not had alcohol for 3 or 4 months, but I do like the taste of beer. Thanks for the reply

I was exaggerating for comedic effect; just wanted you to know I wasn't implying you were an alcoholic just because you like beer. I personally love beer and am not an alcoholic either. The thing is, it's not such a big deal to "lose" beer, really. Good luck to you; hope you figure it all out and are at peace one way or the other!

[CHACHA 0]

I too will miss a cold one on a hot day. But will not miss the heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, ect.

Restless monkey, i so get your sense of humor, i don't know why everyone else doesn't get it!!!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Thanks for the support, Chacha! I pretty much try to laugh at everything but need to remember not everyone here knows me! LOL I'd never insult a stranger! :cursing:

[CHACHA 0]

I have an extremely sarcastic and perverted sense of humor, forever hurting someones sensitive feelings at work. I think that comes with age. I am so not politically correct!

[GreenEyedLady 0]

Restless Monkey, I too, had to laugh. Life is too short to be so serious and yes I believe it comes with age. Thanks also for putting this whole 'life after lap band' into perspective. As one who is just starting this journey, I can use all the "realism" that's out there!

Falcon66, best of luck to you. I'm sure you will do very well. Pls keep us updated with your journey.

~Cathy