Cold Feet?

I went to a seminar about lap band surgery and everything sounded very positive.  However, after reading various posts on different websites, I am very concerned:

1. will I encounter a lot of discomfort like nauciousness and pain right after the surgery?  Is this definitely going to happen, or is it an individual thing?
2. will I have trouble sleeping because of the port?
3. will I lose my hair?  Can I ingest enough nutriants to avoid this?
4. Basically, if I follow my docs instructions, am I going to have the problems I note in 1-3 above?
5. Anyone out there have Dr. David Elliot perform their surgery--if so, is he good?
6. I only weigh 220 and want to lose 80 pounds--how fast will that happen?
7. Does anyone out there have a negative story to share--I am a bit nervous about all this?
8. Did your type II diabetes get better after surgery?  How much and how fast?

I jam ust uneasy about all of this--yet I think it's worth the risk--can someone tell me like it is?

Thanks

Welp second guessing things happens to us all.LOL
1. there will be pain and discomfort and it depends on your pain tolerance,your Dr's soft touch and your expectation of pain afterwards. None of it is unbearable though.You will get meds to help with any discomfort.
2.you may have some discomfort at first but should not after healing with the port.
3.I never lost my hair . The band is not a malabsorption surgery so if you follow your diet you should do fine.
4.If you do what you are told you should not have any real issues w/ 1-3.
5.n/a
6. Weight loss varies from person to person but if you follow the rules and diet and get god aftercare ,keeping up with fills and all you should be able to do it in a year or so. Remember though wt loss with the band is slower than other WLS and you have to work at it.So the timing is really up to you.
7. no negative stories I love my band !!!!
8.n/a

OK ....so telling it like it is . First off  RESEARCH the band and pick a surgeon you trust and go in and talk everything over with them. This will help you decide IF the band is right for you and they can answer all your questions. Also talk with the staff and make sure your ins will cover it and what they want to approve you and what your surgeons requirements are to operate. If you are self pay REALLY think about it b/c the aftercare is extensive and can be expensive! There will be pain and discomfort with all WLS and there will be rules and risks with all WLS so the best thing to do is read as much as you can and talk to your surgeon about your specific situation and then decide what you want. For me the band was the way to go .It is not for everyone and IS NOT a quick fix for sure! Good luck on your journey :)

THANK YOU for taking the time to write back!! Reading your email was very helpful. I am willing to do the work and follow the instructions. I just need to be brave! :)

Thanks again.

Farrah.

1. the pain after surgery wasn't so bad.. minimal slept on couch for about 2 weeks then to my bed
2. Port pain not often but sometimes when I exercise 2 years post op tho
3. I lost some hair not a ton tho
4. You shouldn't have problems but some do.. the band works differently in different people
5. Not my doctor sorry hopefully someone else reponds
6. I would say 1 year or 15 months maybe? I lost 100 pounds in approx 14 months but I weighed 313..I think it's safe to say the first chunk of weight maybe 20-30 pounds will come off somewhat quickly a few months but anything after depends on you ... food consumption, exercise etc
9. I was on the brink of diabetes with within the first three months I was all normal again :)

there was a post a few days ago from people asking about the band.. good vs. band. I really don't like to get into that debate.. but I love my band.

I pray to god not to be among people developing complications with Band... this is my last hope and I will do my part to lose the weight and reverse my diabetes. I am on so many pills, blood pressure, cholesterol, anti anxiety, etc!!! I don't think it will get better although I am doing all I can do to lose weight and control my diabetes. My A1C is 6.2 with diet and exercise and only Metformine... but I am not able to lose anymore.. I am stuck between 200 to 225 pounds. 
 
I am seeing my doc, surgeon, for the first time consult on Monday. Your emails really helped me. Thank you for taking the time to write back.

I will keep you posted.

Farrah 

Hello Farah22. I am actually seeing Dr. Elliott at this time and he is the surgeon I chose. (If you are talking about the D. Elliott at Henrico Doctors in Richmornd, VA). His staff seems very knowledgable and I have heard great things on him from coworkers and others in the community. He is the chief bariatric surgeon for HCA Richmond hospitals.

I saw him in January and see him again once I complete my last two months of my supervised weight loss time with my primary doctor.

From my understanding, lab band does not have the malnutrition worries of other surgeries. My sister had the gastric bypass, did beautifully but must take a supplement for life. From what Dr. Elliott and Mykala (his nurse) said supplements are not required but a chewable supplement is recommended to be on the safe side.

My best advice is to do the one on one appointment at Henrico doctors with him and his staff. That initial appointment put me at ease and gave me the chance to write down my questions before hand and get answers.

On a great note, his staff is great. I found it a relief and gave me comfort.