Serious 2nd thoughts...T minus 11 days

 If I had it all to do over again, I would have gone with the sleeve from the start. While the lap band helped me lose almost 100 lbs and gave me a couple years to live my life "normally", the past six months have been hell.

For me, the "less invasive" band surgery meant being put under anesthesia at least five times, having several invasive procedures, 3 major surgeries, 3 CT scans in six months which = almost 1000 x-rays and several other issues that may remain permanent. 

You are right to reconsider. 

Hello ALL,

First of all allow me to say THANK YOU for taking time out of your busy lives to reply so openly, honestly and kind heartedly to my post.

After reading,re-reading,praying & sharing your replies with my friends and family I felt 100% confidence in CANCELLING MY SURGERY! It should have been yesterday, Aug 11. I praise God for every one of your replies! I also received 20+ private emails from OH members begging me to reconsider the band. I just couldnt ignore the warnings.

At first I was disappoint that these experiences werent shared with me sooner, but I believe there are no mistakes and I needed to take this journey in order to be where I am today.

I have lost 18 lbs in the past 6 weeks increasing my protein, lowering my carb intake and cutting out diet pop. I KNOW it will not be easy. I will be challenged by plateaus, parties,eating out, and just life in general. The thought of having the band in me for life and the possible complications just didn't sit well with me.

Also, I am working w/ an eating disorder coach to find out what triggers my over-eating. I need to undertand the brain to belly association so I know the signs to watch for.

I haven't been on OH for over a week and when I just signed back on I felt immediate anxiety when the home page popped up....I am taking that as a sign to excuse myself from the site.

Thank you again for your replies...they may have saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life!

I have been and will continue to pray for my OH friends. I know all too well the struggles you face on a DAILY basis. It isnt easy, but it is our cross to bare

I look at it this way; It isn't cancer, it's obesity...I CAN BEAT IT with prayer, determination and the motivation to stay off that operating room table.

Best of EVERYTHING to you as you continue on this journey!

In Him and through Him,

Donna


If you want to continue to stay in touch, please friend me on FB.."DONNA RILEY CARTONIA"

 You should check out the VSG forum, there is no reason not to research other options, there are many out there. I am glad you made a decision that you are comfortable with and that you feel is the right one for you. 

I had surgery Sept 08 and I don't regret it. I believe it's just like my physcian told me, "it's a tool and only a tool".  Basically any complaints I "could" have, would truly be of my own making.   

"I CAN BEAT IT with prayer, determination"

I said that my whole life, that's why I finally had surgery....

Best wishes to you.