Update from Patsy

Hi everyone, hope all is well.  I haven't been writing much lately but I'm doing well.  I go to Moncton on thursday to get my staples out.  I am very very pleased with my surgery and my decision.  However, I'm going to step away from this site for a while as I find that alot of the posts lately are the type that put questions and doubt in your head.  I have so much faith in Dr. B and his support to give me the band, and am comfortable with my decision to go ahead with it, that I don't think doubt creating topics are the right thing for a recent surgery patient.  These discussions may help you with your decision of which way to go, but when it's after the fact, it's not good for the head to read.  So, having said that I'm going to step away for a while and will post from time to time, with some positive results of my progress.  I'm not sure where all the other post-op patients are, but now I wonder if they are feeling the same as me.  I'm not trying to put a damper on the support you are offering each other, but seems to be geared more toward the pre-op patients, than me.  If any of you want to contact me or ask questions, feel free to send me a message through the friend section and it will copy to my email.  I will gladly reply.  I wish everyone all the best in their progress going forward.  I will be back, but just taking a break.
Take care !!!  Patsy

Patsy,

I am very sad to see you go and I kinda feel like my post was the reason you are leaving and I want to say that i am sorry if this is the reason. I never meant you to feel like you haven't made the right decision.

I was hoping all of us could stay here post- op to help each other. I agree that most people on this board leave after surgery and I think this is shame because seeing the progress and sucess in  banded patients is what keeps all of us from having doubts.

If you feel reading this place causes you to doubt your decision, then I am sincerely sorry that my post could have caused you to think this way.

I have seen the band be successful on one of my best friend which is the reason I am going for that option. You are already super successfull and I do hope you keep us updated on your future success.


M

Now stop that !!!! it's not you or any one person.  It's just the topics of conversation lately.  It's ok for you guys to do your research etc, but for me I can't read it right now.  I did my research and took the word of the good doctor and have comfort in that.  I tried not to analyze it to death so I didn't mess up my own head.  This is the very reason I didn't tell many of my friends or co-workers.  I didn't want any negative feedback or doubt-creating conversations.  I was very happy with every step I took.  don't feel responsible for this,it's just me protecting myself.  I'm still recouperating and in pain and don't need any reason to question my decision.  So I just think it's better if I stop reading for a while.  I will come back from time to time to post my progress and results but won't be dropping by regularly for general reading.  I offered all I could before and after surgery to help you guys, but that's all I can say.  I feel bad that you feel bad, cause it's not you or any ONE person.  You will understand once you are post-op, I think.  You can still message me if you want to talk or ask questions.  I'm here for all of you and wish all of you very speedy surgery dates !!!!    Hope you understand, Patsy

I understand Patsy. We are all at different places right now. I wish we had all been banded on the same date so we could offer you more support.

Note- I wrote this at the same time as Patsy was writting her second post-  
Oh Patsy, we ..I am going to miss your posts. Have we driven you away?  I'm so sorry.  You are such a positive role model and your outlook fills me with hope.  I know you will be successful. Afterall, look at how well you have done without the band. Please reconsider and stay with us. Don't read the negative or questioning topics. It natural for many to question such a major decision on the verge of surgery. We are doubting ourselves as much as anything.  Certainly the research I've done tonight backs up my decision to go with the band. I'm a worrier and I will question things too death.  As for the complications we were debating, you have a choice. Either you can focus on the 1 in 30 have slippage or the more positive view- 97% have no slippage problems. Same statistic- same math, but a different attitude.  We need you to remind us of the positive view. However, you are early in your post-op. We need to step up and look after you. Clearly you are a positive person, but this early post-op remaining positive is not easy. You are still recovering from major surgery and naturally in a weakened state.  You don't need to deal with our c**p.  We need to be more considerate and support of you.
I hope you hang around. If not, I have no doubt you will continue to be successful and I wish you a speedy recovery. (but come back soon OK?)

Hi Patsy,
I am so sad to hear you are not finding this forum supportive at this ime.  I know the forum needs to give and take for you to enjoy it and I hope with my harping on about the DS and the research it has not caused you to find this site is not giving you what you need.

I am with Charlene, it is obvious the Band is working as we can see from all the fine examples.  People can log on and review all the success stories til the cows come home.   What you are bringing to the table, which is so excellent is the ability of people to follow your progress day to day and to get a real feel for what it will be like.  And as well, you will look back at your progress and the good and bad days yourself...and trust me...we all have good and bad days...

From your posts it is obvious you are a smart lady and you have thought about this, and you are geared for success.  I am sure your posts are helping tons of people....so the question is, what can we do more to help you.

Maybe as you are all done your pre op stage, perhaps it would help in your head to read the posts about those asking themselves the big questions about which Dr., which surgery...to just say....whew....glad I am past that stage.  Give it your all, you preopers...but I am moving on to the post op stage and my focus is different.  I know I am darn glad that I am done the research part of the trail...or the waiting....and as much as I do promote the research...whew!  am I glad I am past it. 

I hope as the days go by and you are feeling more tip top after your op... that you can feel better about reading and supporting...because...you are so darn good at giving this support...and we as your fellow members do want to give you what ever we can!        Please try to overlook the messages that cause you anguish, or not to feel good about your band.  You are living the dream that many here are waiting years for...so we all just know you will be another successful story!    And your advice to others here on how to move forward, how to feel better and how to get a Drs referral are pretty darn good....we would miss you so much...please stick around. 

Take care,
Catherine

ps.  one thing that tells me how important your thoughts are, and your posts are....is the fact that you put them right on the table today here in this post.  You get the real topics out there.  Your honesty is so important and we care for you alot because of it.

Patsy, you may want to come over to the main lapband board. There are hundreds of posters there and it was a blessing to me in my first year of the journey.

Glad to hear you are doing well! The lapband was the best decision I ever made in my life and I wsh for you the same success that I have had.

I do spend alot of time on the main lapband board.  There are alot of post op people I can relate to and appreciate their conversations.  I love the NB site because I feel I know everyone.  but we are at different stages and at this point in time I feel I need more post op help.  Thanks for writing back.  I will still check in on the NB board from time to time, but right now I need more.  I'm doing very well but need to hear stuff from post-oppers.\\\

I'll be back ~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!