Now I'm Scared!!

I have my Lap-Band surgery schedule for March 2nd.  I have been extremely excited about the surgery but after reading some of the horrible experiences, I am scared.  I do not know what to do.  I thought I understood most of the side effects but I must have not been informed like I should.  I know everyone's experience is different but I really am confused.

It can be scary, and some do have horrible experiences but many have wonderful experiences....better you find out all now and not after, you still have time to change your mind if you choose to.  But cold feet is not unusual.....I was in the preop "holding area room, had all IV's and prepped to go and I felt like running right out of the hospital....

I can only speak for myself.....I am almost four years out, the first year I lost most of my weight..90 pounds, stalled and bounced around 10 pounds for the second and third year....just recently have gained back 27 due to a groin pull and a unfill (the unfill was because I had become too tight in my Surgeon's opinion...but I think I had my first stuck episode).....I am now refilled and starting once again to lose the 27 gained.......

So all in all things have gone well for me........I had a very experienced and skilled Surgeon (I asked for his stats and researched) I followed all my pre and post op instructions to a T and followed the band rules about 80% of the time for the last 2 1/2 years.

Now I ask myself where would I be if I didn't have the surgery.....I know where I would be and it wouldn't be good or pretty......of course when I had my surgery the options weren't as varied as they are now............

Do I expect that the band will last forever? I'd like to think so but it might not and I will deal with it at that time. Will it be trouble free....it might not but I am going to do everything I can to give me the best odds.

So in conclusion I wouldn't trade my being at a "normal" weight for the first time in my life for anything and if that means taking a risk or a chance then so be it. It was my choice and mine alone, I did what I thought was the best for me..........and that is what you have to do for you!!!

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.......and whatever you do decide to do, do it with all your heart and with no regrets.

Michele

Thank you so much for your insight.  I know that right now at my present weight I am miserable both physically and mentally.  I do plan on going through with the surgery and would love to keep in touch.  thanks again

Well, remember you are doing it for you.....me I was at risk of death or complications if I didn't have the surgery so for me it was worth the risk....

Please keep in touch, I would have no other way!!!

Michele

I have the same surgeon as Michele and also have had no issues. I will be 2 years in june. I had my gallbladder taken out in july of 2011. Over christmas I ate to many German Christmas goodies. I started at 262, I was 197 in the hospital (gallbladder). I have put on 10 lbs from my lowest weight. The reason I chose Lap band is to lower my BP, which I did. It went from around 180/110 to 120ish/70ish. If you have a lot of weight to lose or have eating" issues" , I would definately advise against it. You can very easily eat around the band, and many people tend to go to "easy foods" such as soups or shakes because eating meat will make the band work.

My doc told me about the possible issues, if your's didn't ,  RUN....

Good Luck

 I also got really scared and discouraged after reading so much negativity being spewed on this forum. I finally just stopped reading them. You will notice that it is the same people who are so negative.
You just need to remember that your lab band is a tool, not the solution. You still need to exercise and have an eating program to follow. Chew your food really good and slow way down, and I believe you can avoid most problems. Listen to your body.
I did a lot of research before surgery, but most everything important I learned after by experience. 
Example, I read over and over that you must eat slowly, but it wasn't until I got stuck for the first time that I took that advice truly to heart. Some things you just have to experience (hopefully just once)
I haven't had my band long, just a few months, but it was the best decision I have ever made.
I learn new things about it and myself every day. Don't let the Negative Nancys get you down.
Enjoy taking the leap into a new life.

Please don't mistake medical issues as negativity. Many people have issues with the band, it is a fact, you cannot ignore it.  I am lucky (so far no issues) I would never dismiss fellow banders experiences. The success of a bandster is part luck, part work and has a lot to do with the Doctor you choose. Additionally, IMHO, most people here, you would consider "Negative Nellies", truly want want to save people from going thru the same agony they went thru.
 

My hats off to them, for continuing to try to help those who have not had WLS.

What you said is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks so much and i'll let you know how my surgery goes.  God Bless

10:52am EST

Please consider also reading the negative aspects. Do not only read the Good, include the Bad and the Ugly. If you have a lot of weight to lose or if you have eating "issues" such as a sweet tooth, reconsider your choice. I am not being negative, I do not know your personal details, but please listen to all sides not just info from Bandsters that have not had any issues.

thanks so much for posting this i amin the same position about to get approved and now im stalling due to some of the post here i just feel like is it worth it? but with the responses you got i will too do some soul searching and make sure this is the best decision for me too. thanks again