Not done yet and scared???

Hi all, I have had trouble with my weight for years and years, have done optifast and lost 20 kgs but of course, over time put that back on. I'm seeing a surgeon in two weeks and am very nervous. Do I want to do this or not? I definately want to learn to control my weight better as I am scared of future health issues. Did most people feel the same? Are there any questions that I should ask when I see him? Most of you seem happy with the results of your lap bands but are there down sides. I just want to be aware of all or most issues before I go down this road. Can anyone help me?

Well Jackie,
I was exactly the same, in fact I even told my daughter (she had it 3 yrs ago) that I thought she was mad..now here I am with only a few days till I get my band. I am being done on Tuesday after a long 12 months wait for my private health to kick in.
It is a huge step but we each approach it in different ways.
I asked my daughter what was her honest opinion now that she is down to her goal weight...her answer said it all. she said if anything happened that her band had to come out she would step in front of a bus!!
very powerful words for me.
it is not an easy desision to make and you have to be aware that it is a huge commitment on your part to do the right thing if you wish it to work.
I hope you feel a bit better about it now...scared Yes! nervous Yes! very excited YES!!!!
I cant wait now.
Linda

Hi Jackie,
I like you have struggled with my weight for many many years and it was a decision that was made after many questions and research and I do feel it was the best choice for me.
I'm not sure what your surgeon does but mine is very big on educating you. Before you can make an appointment to see him you must attend an information session where they tell you all about the surgery show you the band etc and have people that have had the surgery speak and you can ask questions. They also have followup after surgery he wants you to commit to seeing him monthly for the first year after surgery and then he arranges what he thinks is best for you but he likes to see you at the very least every six months and this is a commitment for the rest of your life.
I believe this is a great way for surgeons to help us their clients to get the best from our bands by way of being able to monitor how we are coping with our new way of life and being able to address problems if and when they arrise.
Prof Paul O'Brien is my surgeon he has written a book that he gives out at his information sessions called The LAP-BAND® solution A patnership for weightloss He calles it your bible and requests you read and re read it time and time again it is a easy read and answers a lot of questions he also has a website www.lapbandaustralia.com

I hope this is of some help best of luck with whatever decision you make.
Dewberry

__________________


1st appointment 11th August 2009
Optifast 4 weeks
Banded 28th September 2009
Prof Paul O'Brien
Centre for Bariatric Surgery

The LAP-BAND®® solution A patnership for weightloss


My surgeon gave me a copy of that book too. it is very interesting reading and well worth getting hold of a copy for your own benefit.

I am sure you will not be dissapointed

Linda

5 more sleeps till I am a bandit

I am scared and worried about money, as iam a single mum.
But i need this and it will all be fine
All the best..3 sleeps till i get banded
19th Oct new beginning woohoo