Newbie & Scared

I am still on the fence about LapBand surgery and looking for information.  Actually, I think I have made a decision, but I am scared to death. I have a ton questions and a ton of fears.  What if, what if,what if...  And I have no personal support system and no one to talk to this.  On Thursday, I scheduled an appointment with my primary care physician and I have scheduled to attend an information session at the UW Bariatric Clinic.  And I have been shaking ever since.  I just got off a ten year rollercoaster of divorce, and I am jumping on another rollercoaster.  Can I really do this???  I don't know, but I have to do something to get healthy, before it is too late to see my girls into adulthood and on to lives of their own.

Scared is an understatement. I just had the RNY and everything you can think of went through my mind.  Just pray and stay informed from the individuals on this board they are knowledgeable and have much info to share.  But....make sure you weigh all your options. I started out as strictly Lap BAnd only.  But for many different reasons I later decided to have the RNY and I"m so glad. But it's not for everyone.

Check out the Lap BAnd board and RNy board and the other surgery types and talk to your surgeon.  Make sure which one will suit your needs. Don't let anyone else make that decision for you.
Good Luck & God Bless,
Candy

I had the lapband  surgery at UW Madison. They are such a great group of people! we love Dr Garren and Dr. Gould. My partner had the surgery too. We both went to Meriter Hospital and were shocked at how wonderful this hospital is. It has made me change many of my docs to Madison, although my primary care doc is still here. this website and the lapband forum is a wonderful source of support. Stay off the main OH board, though, they are likely to give you inaccurate info on the band.

We have a pre and post weight loss surgery support group in Rockford because it is too far to go to Madison , especially in the winter. IT will be this coming Monday at 7PM at the U of IL College of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave in room S-232. It is for pre and post surgery folks, band and RNY, all docs, all hospitals, family members welcome, come on and join us! We are really a nice bunch of people. For more information call us at 815-262-4517. 

Also, this IL board has parties and the next one is March 7 in Elgin. If you read the daily roll call you will get to know us. There will be lots of support for you here even if you have no personal support system. 

Connie 

I would love to go to a meeting although I have to take my daughter into Chicago this Monday for a Dr. appt. and they sometines last 3+ hours.  Since I have to take a day off work to do it, we make a day of it.  I will see what time we get out of her appt. and try to be back in Rockford in time for the meeting.  In case I don't get into town on time, when is the next one?

I would love to meet others and talk.  I have so many questions and fears, and no one I know has been through this. 

Thank you so very much for making me feel welcome!!

I'm not  a LapBander, but I think all of us here can relate to your fears. It is scary to do something BIG like this--and surgery is big.

I had my DS about a year ago and my life has never been better. My health is great, I am living the active, physically pain-free life I was meant to live.

Yes, this is a roller coaster, to use your analogy. But remember, roller coasters can be fun!

Best of luck to you on your journey,

Nicolle

Only you can make the decision if this is right for you.  It is a life style that you will have to work at.  It's not a quick fix. 
I think it's very common to have the what ifs and the fears and the excitement all rolled into one.  I would like to suggest that you surround yourself (even if it's just on-line) with people that have had lapband and really be a sponge.  Understand the process and what to expect.  As Connie mentioned Rockford has a great support group and there are quite a few people on the IL board that are from your area.  Keep in touch and ask questions, give support and receive support.

Follow your heart.
Christina