Calling all bandsters...I need your words of wisdom!!!

Ok. I have gone to the Lab Band Messageboard and it is way to busy and I don't feel at home there. So, I would like my fellow Kentuckians or anyone else that visits here to give me some words of wisdom My surgery is 11/20. I just found out a few days ago and I don't really have alot of time to freak out because I know there is alot to do. I am sure that it is normal to question the type of surgery that you are having and be afraid that you will fail. I am sure that everyone, regardless of the type of surgery feels this way. What I want to know is: 1) How hard has it been to lose weight? 2) How hungry or starving do you feel? 3) What is the hardest part of living with the band? 4) What have you learned that no one told you before having the surgery? 5) How much weight do you expect to lose and how long do you expect it to take? 6) How do you feel about the band (love it/hate it)? 7) Would you do it again or would you have RNY? 8) How often do you have fills? 9) What does restriction feel like? 10) What is the key to success? These are the questions that plague me. I want the good/bad and ugly. I know my decision is the right one. I just want the truth and to really know what to expect from those that have done it.

I'm sorry I can't help but I wanted to let you know you miss spelled. Isn't it Lap Band and not Lab Band. Just wanted to point that out. Quit worring you will be fine.

Lol. I keep doing that. Lap Band Lap Band Lap Band. Thanks Jane You are so smart.

Youll find its alot easier to type when you aren't drinking Wine. How will we get thru Thanksgiving without Wine? Now this is a scarey new problem. All the stess of the extra special friend guest and no Wine. OMG we will need to take xtra pills this day. Jane

LOL...Jane I am not going to say a word...Just laughing ....EXTRA SPECIAL FRIEND GUEST.... Love You Amy

What are you doing home? Call me. Jane

Ok. I didn't drink that much wine!! What is Rick gonna do this year without drunk Mimi? I typed this before the wine anyway. It took me a minute to figure out who the special friend was. I thought that you didn't have visits from her and I know Amy doesn't either. Then I remembered....DUH!!! I can always walk home if that special friend is bugging me and I have an excuse. What are you guys going to do?

I think I will just work....LOL...JK...I am working but will be getting off early...probably by 2....I didn't realize you were slow Mimi.... Amy

Mimi, I too can't answer your questions, but if you like I can ask Patti from work to give you a call...She had Lap Band a week before my surgery, and may be able to answer some of your questions...Just let me know... It's normal to be worried, but try not to worry too much...Dr Tom will take good care of you... Love You Amy

Ok, I know you said that you had gone to the lapband forum.. and didnt have much luck. I think you should post this on the forum and see what kind of responses you get... I know theres no place like home (the kentucky forum) But its definately worth a shot. Also I know a few lapbanders that I work with that have done extremely well... I dont know details but they have done excellent. I know im not much help here but dont worry everything will be fine. You have the best doc in the world! Dont sweat it... we will all be cheering you on to the losers side at the hosp.