i am doubting myself

I have been peeking around for 2 weeks and have decided to join, i have learned so much just by reading everyones posts.  I have done some research and spoke with my medical doctor and we decided wls was definitely for me.  I have decided to go with the band.  I have my surgery scheduled for this friday and now im worried because of all the negativity i have read (although I appreciate the honesty) Does anyone have some good advice for me, or am i setting myself up for failure again?

There is no "perfect" WLS, and you need to keep in mind that people tend to post more often when they're having problems than when they're doing fine - it's just the nature of an online support site.

Here's a link to an article I wrote, The Big Decision, that might shed some more light on the subject.

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=aifyj4dab &v=001X6jYJeFlGfIlwI-A92bskBOALdOFbND2v-YO9_M87hdZliydRemKSk XskAr9j-f3LVsT-zlVFCR0xw8vuYQPmwo56xo4x_9c9g_wuX6T5zo%3D

Jean

Jean, we must have been typing at the same time, and you beat me to the "send" button - LOL.

The best advice I can give you is while reading other's stories, you shouldn't compare yourself to anyone.  Each person is different.  Each journey is individual.  You'll get posts from people begging you not to get the band.  And then others, like me, will tell you it's the best thing they ever did.

You need to make your own decision.  I believe with any type of WLS, the hardest part are your thoughts.  Staying focused is the key.  And remember that the band is only a tool.  We still have to do the work.

Jean (one of our bandsters) sent out a newsletter today that you would really benefit from.  She talked about weighing all the statistics on whether or not to have the surgery.  For me, the stats of having it far outweighed the stats of not having it.   

I know for me, I tend to post on this board more so when I'm struggling than when I'm doing well, so keep that in mind as well.  

I wish you luck in your journey.  Keep us posted.  
~ Barbara

Thank you, and i will keep that in mind!!! Congrats on your acheivement!!!

At your stage of the game, doubt is a good thing.

You SHOULD be doubting and researching all of your options.
If you have access to local Support Groups -- where you can meet people who have had different types of surgery -- GO.

Read, ask questions, research -- and make the most informed decision you can.

I have had great success with my band (lost over 100% of my excess weight in 18 months, maintaining for 9 months now) -- but if I had it to do over again, I think I would have had the VSG.

I am starting to have some Reflux issues (may have had it all along -- but it is going from 'silent reflux' to regular old, 'it hurts' reflux) --- who knows if I would have this with the VSG ---

Attending my local support groups and reading here, it seems clear to me that well over 50% of Band patients experience some issues starting about 2 - 3 years post op.

Kath,

Even Wasabubblebutt (or MWG) admits that reflux is very common after VSG. And VSG hasn't been "mainstream" long enough for anyone to know if sleeve patients eventually have surgery-related issues.

What we really need is a CURE for obesity!

Jean

Kath I just wanted to correct a "myth" from Jean:

~Even Wasabubblebutt (or MWG) admits that reflux is very common after VSG.~

No she never said that. She said SHE has constant and severe problems with reflux.............CAUSED BY THE LAP-BAND! She has permanent damage to her esophagus from the band and THAT is what has caused her reflux.

Also from my understanding, and WBB may have stated this also, I think a lot of ppl have had some reflux after the band TEMPORARILY for the first few wks. or so and are advised to take something for it during that time.

I am possitive about my first statement, the second statement, as I said, I think is true. You might ask about this on the VSG forum.

~VSG hasn't been "mainstream" long enough for anyone to know if sleeve patients eventually have surgery-related issues.~

VSG can have some issues as can be the case with any surgery. However if you go read on the VSG forum and compare the % of complications by surgery date compared to similar surgery dates on the band forum you will find that the bandsters having WLS the same time as the VSG'ers your comparing them to are posting far fewer complications for the same length of time!

That being said..........I do hope that your problem with reflux can be resolved quickly! Good luck!!!

I beg you to reconsider having a band placed inside of you. Even if it means postponing your surgery you would greatly benefit from another WLS.

Good luck with whatever surgery you choose, and yes it is normal to feel the way you do just before surgery....any surgery.

Thanks for your encouragement!!