help!

[newmaude 0]

My surgery date is getting closer and Im getting extremely nervous to the point that I'm beginnning to talk myself out of it. I need some words of encouragement from those who have the band. I guess Im needing to know that it will be ok and that Im not making a horrible decision . :tt2::laugh:

[mgmagnolia 1]

Newmaude,

I know exactly how you feel. For me the waiting to get to the surgery was much worse than going through it. I was banded this past Monday July 27. I was very scared but it hasn't been bad at all. It's a big change but think of all the positive things this will do for your health. My surgeon said that the health benefits add 7 years to your life.

You can do it! Nothing in this life comes easy and Girl, I know that you are so worth this. It's all new and that is scary too. You don't know what will happen. But so far, none of my worst case scenarios have come around. I'm feeling good and moving good too. You will come out just fine. Try not to scare yourself to death. :crying:

[Teacher07 3]

Maybe this will be what you need. Today I cleaned out my closet and threw away 3 bags of clothes that were way to big for me. It has only been 6 months and I down over 60lbs and feeling great. It has been the best decision of my life and I will never regret it. People look at me differently and even though it is sad to say, I think I have gained a new respect from some people. DONT TALK yourself out of it or you will regret it for the rest of your life.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

My surgery date is getting closer and Im getting extremely nervous to the point that I'm beginnning to talk myself out of it. I need some words of encouragement from those who have the band. I guess Im needing to know that it will be ok and that Im not making a horrible decision . :)

Sorry, no can do!

The band doesn't work for everyone, and I don't know you; you may be making a horrible decision! But if I knew what specifically you were afraid of (pain? being hungry? slips? what?) that could maybe be addressed!

If you're just scared of surgery I can address that, too!

But in the end, you make the call. It's a decision we all have to make for ourselves...weigh the odds, etc.

It surely was the right one for me and many of us here.

[Catherine55 43]

Hi! I had some moments of doubt before my surgery. One thing that really helped me is that I wrote out a pro/con list and would look at it whenever I was waivering. Once I had put the pros & cons down in writing, the decision was so obvious to me. I put my list up on my blog during the last month -- feel free to take a look.

I love my band -- it has been such an amazing tool for me. While I still have to work at exercising and planning my meals, it basically makes it impossible for me to overeat. I still enjoy good food and nice wine, but in smaller quantities. I am 9 months post-op and am down about 53 pounds. I'm literally in the best shape of my life, and I feel healthier, more energetic and more attractive than I've felt in YEARS.

Hang in there! I can recommend a book for you -- Weight Loss with the Adjustable Gastric Band (they sell it on Amazon.com). It really helped me to figure out what to expect. Also, reading blogs was a huge help for me when I was making my decision -- and they are still a big source of information and inspiration -- there are a bunch that I read on a regular basis.

Best wishes to you!

Catherine

[Catherine55 43]

Actually, it looks like I posted the pro/con list back in May. Here is a link, in case you want to see it (and my thoughts post-op on the things that freaked me out before I had my surgery): Chronicles from Band Land: Reflections on my Pre-Op Journal

[greytz 4]

I had some doubts as with any surgery but I was so focused on losing weight and getting healthier I truly was ready no matter what. I believe it is normal to second guess yourself on any big decision you make in your life. I had a rough patch in the very beginning because I came out of the hospital with stomach flu. It was when I thought what the He--? But after that, I do what I am told by my surgeon and work at it. I have absolutely no regrets and I love my band. I would not have it any other way.

[Erin18 143]

I had surgery Friday, I was scared too everything went well, the gas pains aren't as bad as yesturday the first night was kinda bad but yesturday when I went home it felt the same, the first night at the hospital sucked cause I felt sick to my stomach cause I took a pain med then they gave me this nausea stuff and I felt better and it helped me sleep, but don't be nervous that makes things worse, you're doing the right thing, the gas part is the only thing that hurts but when it passes it'll feel so much better ah hope mine goes away soon good luck and don't be nervous (:

[newmaude 0]

Thank you guys so much for taking the time to respond to my post! I really really appreciate it and the words of advice have help to ease my mind and have made me more comfortable with my decision. My pre-op is on monday and Im sched to be banded on friday aug 7th. This website has been the best source of info so far. HAve a great day guys!!:thumbdown:

[BJT 0]

I was sitting at the kitchen table working from home when I made the decision to undergo the Lap Band surgery. Now that I've made it, I'm anxious about moving the process along. I've discovered this forum, quite by accident, and after reading some of your stories, I'm more than ever willing to leap right into changing my lifestyle. I'm so disgusted with being obese. I hate looking at myself. More and more, I've begun to isolate myself from life and I'm sick of what I have become.

My first visit with a lap band doctor is tomorrow at 9am and I can't wait. I've already received the preliminary approval that this is covered by my insurance.

Can anyone tell me what to expect? I'm sure I'll be weighed, but what else will happen prior to having surgery scheduled?

I see too that the process of weight loss is slow with the lap band. Can someone tell me what the average is?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Can someone tell me what the average is?

The average is 1-2 pounds a week. Keep in mind: That's an AVERAGE (which means some lose faster, some more slowly) AND...it's not steady. You won't get the band and start dropping 1-2 pounds a week. It happens when it happens and depends on you, your fill level, your surgeon, what diet you choose (as in healthy or not so) etc etc. So that's just a rule of thumb.

[Effielin 0]

Before my surgery was scheduled I had to attend a seminar, meet with the surgeon and nutritionist and have an EGD and barium swallow. I am self pay so did not have to mess with any insurance issues. I am scheduled for August 11.

[Penweary 1]

Its the wait, It truly is excruciating.

I agree that a Pro/Con list is a good idea. Think back to why you started all of this. For me it was hypertension, sleep apnea, chronic severe knee pain, the inability to play with my son for more than 5 minutes without having to take a break or not being able to take him to an amusement park that he wanted to go to because I know I cannot ride with him. If losing weight results in loss of co-morbidities and the gain of being able to partake in your life instead of spectating than can it really be a huge mistake? I don't see how.

GL, keep up posted. If you have it done Friday just know that I am TOTALLY excited for you and completely jealous!

[georgegirl 0]

Everytime I look in my closet for something that isn't too tight to wear to work, I am reminded why I made this decision. Being banded 8/25/09 and can't wait to be out of the plus sizes.