What is normal?

Hello everyone, I am brand new to this site. My name is Valarie and I am weeks away from getting my date. All my foot work is done and accepted. The insurance company has all my pre-qualify requirements sitting in thier hands. I was told that it will be 6-10 more days until I get my date. Anyways, I am freaking out now. Is this normal? I have been planning this surgery for over 3 years and now I am scared to death. I am emotional and excited all at the same time. I feel VERY unstable as far as my feelings go. My Dreams are really freaky.Also, now everyone around me is acting all weird towards me.. like I am doing something wrong or I am a coward.. whats up with that. I have remained sooooo postive  about everthing and now things are changing. anyone else ever had this ?? I have been doing practice" post -op surgery runs" for about 3 weeks, like trying to eat puree food , or chewing 30 times each bite, or not drinking with my meals, I am struggling with these minor  things , should this be a sign telling me I am not going to be able to do it? I am ordered to lose more weight befor my pre-op date and it just stressing me out even more..thus making me gain I am told that the surgeon will cancel my surgery if I don't lose 12 more pounds. I weigh in at 259 and I seen people as large as 600 pounds having this done. so whats up with that??  Can some one please help me!!

LOL - you have not even begun to freak out yet.  You are already on a wild ride, get set to the loops.  Our minds are very interesting & love driving us crazy.  You will freak out quite a few times at every stage.  It's all "normal." Good luck!!

You are very normal!!!! I think leading up to surgery I experienced every emtion there is.  And all the way up to the point they put me out I kept thinking I can still walk away from this. I practiced proper eating too before hand and thought I will never be able to do this and I still think that way sometimes.  I currently don't have restriction so its kinda a free for all for me right now.  If I understand things correctly your band will tell you when you haven't eaten right so you will quickly correct things.  You will never get it perfect because guess what we're human and we make lots of mistakes its just who we are and its normal. As far as other people are concerned just keep in mind that your doing this for yourself and not them - I know its hard not to let them get to you but just come here (OH) and vent away there is so much support on the OH site I would be lost without all my cyber friends. You may want to check with your surgeon's office to see if they have any suggestions on a pre op diet to help you loose that weight.  I know Dr. Curry's office has us do 2 weeks Medifast.  Not so much for weight loss but more to shirnk the liver. Your going to do great ~ everything your going through is part of the process and is normal. Hugs Amanda

Thank God!!  Thank you to those that responded, I kept checking this and no one would reply byt 15 people read it, I was thinking Wow I am messed up..lol

Hi my name is Cindy and I had my surgery on the 2nd of May with the same Dr. you have. He is very good!!! The entire staff was a great help to me. I too had many mixed emotions and like you many of my family and friends started acting strange. Some have still  have not contacted me since my surgery. Don't let this get you down.....there is a whole world out there waiting for us and lots of new friends to be made. Our family will come around when they get used to the idea. Most of them don't know what it is like to be traped in a body that you do not like. I will add you to my friends list if that is all right with you. Let me know when you get your date. Don't be afraid of the surgery.....It was a breeze!!! Good Luck

Thank you! I added you to my list and awaiting your approval. I am glad there are people like me out there

Dr. Ben-Meir and his staff is great! He will have you do 2 weeks of an optifast diet before surgery (at least that is what I did last April/May) Do not worry how others are acting around or toward you (yes - easier said than done) But you are doing this for you and YOUR health!  As for practicing "post op" stuff.. really - practice chewing well and not drinkng with your meals. And do not worry if you are struggling with those - heck - I am a year out and there are days that I stuggle not to take a drink with my meals.. lol  Take a few deep breaths and relax - you will be fine!