SCARED...But want so badly to join...

Hello all...I have been a member to this website for quite sometime now, but have only posted a couple of replies on the message boards from time to time...usually I'm just a LURKER that religiously follows your profiles.

I started researching lap band surgery for one of my best friends and after she had hers (with much success I might add) I became addicted in finding out all that I possibly could.

My insurance will not cover anything that has to do with weight loss, so, I'll be self pay.  I have that worked out, but, terrified to follow through because I am a WORRY WART and terrified of what may result from the surgery...and the sad part is, it's not so much the procedure, but the what if there is a complication from it say 2 years from now, or 5, or 10??????????  I know, I know, I'm being crazy!

I have chosen Dr Curry, for 2 reasons....he seem to be a very compassionate doctor, always making time for anyone needing answers (regardless if they are his patients or not), and also for the fact that it seems no other office wants to deal with me only having a 36 bmi and no comorbities.  *I haven't checked in a long time, but that was the answer I was getting when I started.

Anyway....the dilemma I am having now is mainly family/friends oriented...they think I'm crazy to go that far away to have this done (Dr Curry's office is in Cincinnati, which I'm sure a lot of people are aware of....and it's approximately 2.5 hrs away from my home).

SO....MY QUESTION IS....WHAT DO YOU THINK??????????  Help me find a way to talk myself into following through....I'm so tired of being tired!

PS - thanks for listening to my craziness!!  And all of you have no idea what an inspiration you are to me!

So glad you came out of LURKDOM so we could meet you!   It sounds to me like you are picking the Dr you feel suits your needs the most and are confident in!~That is the hardest part...or so I thought! You do not owe anyone an explanation. Would they trust just anyone to perform surgery on them or go to the Dr they felt confident in? You might pose that question to them the next time they question you on your decision.

Hi, Im so glad you came out from lurking!!! Yor family and friends should supprt you regardless of who you choose!! they love you and only want the best for you right?? NOOOOWWWW.. Im gonna play devils advocate..
Lapband isnt like Gastric bypass, where you dont need to see your surgeon as much, you will need to see him every 6 weeks or so unless you extremely lucky and get perfect restriction right off the top. So you have to remeber you are driving 5 hours a day on days you need a adjustment or if there's something wrong... On the lapband board you see alot of girls not doing unfills if the are too tight because the doctor is so far away... My surgeon is a hour from me and the extra trips are extra gas.. You also need to think about support groups and informational people, such as a dietician.. Dr.Curry has a great attitude about the band and from what I hear his staff is awesome... so please dont think im trying to change your mind.. Just giving you things to think about..

I say JUST DO IT!  :)
Follow your instincts and you won't go wrong.
I know I have NO REGRETS and would do it again in a heartbeat!  It is my opinion that the health issues from being obese outweigh the chance of complications from surgery.
Good Luck!
Leslie

You are not crazy!  You are smart.  I researched the band, rny and the ds before I made up my mind.  I always recommend that everyone do the same before they make up their minds.  Don't rely on only your doctor either.  Doctors won't tell you anything favorable about a surgery they don't perform.  Go see several doctors.  Make lists of questions to ask and don't settle for a surgery before you have settled those worries you have in your heart.  Thinking about complications is one of the things I was most worried about so I visited the revision board here on OH quite religiously for awhile to see why most people were there.  I also was afraid I would "fail" my surgery so I wanted a surgery that would be hard for me to eat around.  You will have your own issues to deal with just identify what those things are and choose the surgery that is best for you.

Best wishes to you in your search for answers.  The only regret I have is that I didn't do this sooner.  My closet is empty, my cupboards are full and my clothes are baggy - I couldn't be happier!