so many questions and not enough answers.....

I have had my consultation and am soon to meet with the nutritionist and physchologist....I'm having trouble deciding whether the Lapband or the Realize band is for me.  My regular doctor told me it was a good choice for me but to make sure they do it right so it doesn't slip.  What does that mean?  What makes it slip and what can be done to prevent it?  I'm having problems with the anxiety of the whole thing also.  Nervous about eating and the recovery.  I just don't feel like I'm getting all of the information I need and panic is starting to set in.  If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.  Also I'm trying to find a local support group in Decatur, IL.  Any info?
Thank you
Chris

Hello from one Chris to another Chris. The anxiety that you are going through is normal. Life style changes are a large part of any type of WLS. They are learned and it takes time. Just keep in mind that when you begin you will make a few mistakes along the way and do not be too hard on yourself. Just learn from the experience and move on. The one thing that my doctor's office is fantastic with is that he and his staff teaches the life style changes to the patient and they are also there PO for the rest of your life. I approach it this way - It took my almost 48 years to get to the point of my MO and I could just not undo those years in the blink of an eye with surgery. It has taken me many years to undo all the bad habits and I am still learning. The nice thing for me is that my husband had RNY also and we are a little support group under one roof. My sister had RNY also and she lives in southern IN.

Yes there are complications with all WLS surgeries. You might want to Google lapband slippage, I did and it came up with a lot of information. Here is one that I found that explains it and it is part way down on the page: http://www.laparoscopy.com/pleatman/Lapbandfaq.htm  Here is one from here on this site: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/lapband_risk_info. html 
One thing you might want to consider is to call the surgeon's office back and tell them your fears. They might have someone that can sit down with you or they might have some printed materials to give you. Or better yet you can sit and talk with the doctor again. There is also a Lapband forum on this site that has a message board that you can post questions on also. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/a,messageboard/boa rd_id,5359/ 

You are also very welcome to stay and rub elbows with the rest of IL. There are many bandsters that post daily here that can possibly answer your questions.

Chris

Hello

Welcome to the Illinois board. 

I have the Realize Band.  The difference between LapBand and Realize Band are so close.  I had trouble figuring out which one to choose.  Ultimately, I chose the one my surgeon wanted to use.  I figured he knows best.  each surgeon usually each surgeon does have a preference.  It is a hard decision because they are so similar. 

As far as slippage goes it usually happens from excessive overeating and/or throwing up excessively.  Now each person will be different.  Some will throw up hundreds of times and never slip others will throw up a few times and have issues.  That said I do think its hard to slip your band.  You have to really be not following the rules.  I have thrown up a couple of times because I got stuck.  I didn't chew enough....there is a learning curve and you will make mistakes like that.  Go on the LapBand and Realize sites on here and just read all of the posts.  I learned so much from everyone.

Good luck.

When I logged on this morning I was immediately brought to tears.  I posted with no expectations of getting any answers, it was basically a stab in the dark for me.   Thank you so much for your posts,  for the first time in months I feel hopeful and like I'm not alone.  I'm so excited to begin this journey yet scared at the same time.   My husband and I entertain a lot with his business and I worry even about eating infront of others, I know that may sound stupid but so many things have crossed my mind that I get a headache from all of the pro/con fights in my mind.  I've only been heavy since my children were born and now I'm in my mid 40's, I just want to enjoy the rest of my life and be able to do things with my grandchildren that will be memorable for all of us.  Thank you again....you've made me feel very welcome here.

Chris, it is great to put a face with the name. I just want to reassure you that you are not going to be punished and never have your favorite foods when you are PO. Eating is still one of our favorite past times. Food was given to man by God to enjoy as well as nourish our bodies. Your worry about eating in front of others - do not let the "food police" get to you or you worry about what they might be thinking about what you are putting into your mouth. I have had a few looks at me with what I am eating or am asked probing questions about if I should eat this or that and I kindly tell them that when my NUT and doctor cleared me to eat anything that I could tolerate it usually puts that subject to bed. There are many misconceptions out there with people thinking that WLS is punishment to the patient and we can never eat our favorite foods again. You will find out when you are PO how much you still enjoy food still but in smaller quantities. I will qualify that by saying that you might not be able to tolerate some foods but you will have to go over that with your doctor and NUT later on.

Chris