Questions for my Lap Band Buddies out there....

I am starting to freak out a bit. I start pre-op on Friday. So it is count down time and all these doubts are starting to surface. Is this normal? Did you guys go through this? Questions:

1. ANY REGRETS? Are you happy with your decision and would you do it again?
2. ARE YOU SORRY, YOU DIDN'T GIVE TRADITIONAL DIETING ONE MORE TRY?
3. WHAT IS THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
4. WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING THE BAND?
5. On a scale of 1 to 10 HOW HARD WAS/IS IT PSYCHOLOGICALLY TO GET OVER THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T EAT THE SAME WAY ANYMORE?
6. HAS BEING BANDED MADE YOUR PERSONALITY CHANGE? For the better or worse? 
7. Are you still able to party a little? (I am a wine drinker...can't imagine giving it up completely) and are you a party pooper now cause you can't party as much?
8. HOW MUCH HAPPIER ARE YOU WITH YOUR BODY? I am wondering what I will look like 50-80 lbs thinner. I am 47 and will have a "lose skin" issue.
9. HAVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS CHANGED? Spouses? Family? Friends? Strangers?
10. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE SAME PERSON OR COMPLETELY DIFFERENT NOW THAT YOU HAVE LOST WEIGHT?

I hope to hear back from some of you...or maybe you can direct me to some of your past posts where I can get some of your wisdom and answers to these questions.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL!

Changes

I guess I need to take some before pictures right? I was just looking at Amy's recent pics of her bare back, and in her shirt with no pants....I love that girl! So it made me start to think about what I should wear for my before picture. Like maybe some tight sweats and a tank shirt? That way you get to see the bumps, lumbs, and flab. Or should I remain clothed in just some normal sweats that just show my size. Or, do the dignified, more ladylike thing and just wear normal clothes?  I am not sure, but need to figure it out pretty soon. . .

I am really starting to think about the surgery a lot now. (less than a month away) I am a bit scarred and worried and really freaked out about the lifestyle change this is going to be for me. My food life as I know it, will soon be very different.  As David Bowie said...Ch ch ch chaaanges! LISTEN  Maybe that can be my theme song when I am down? 

Also not looking forward to the pre-diet or liquid phase. It will be tough not being able to eat over the holidays. Christmas is only 14 days post-op, so I guess I will still be on liquids, or mushies, right? Not fun. Hopefully, I will have no appetite so it won't be a big deal. HOPEFULLY!!! But geeze, what is one holiday? I have treated my whole life like it was a holiday and ate everything is sight...

I am trying to read as much as I can to prepare myself for what is ahead. And will spend some time going back over some of your blogs, to see what you went through...

I GOT A DATE!!!!! (no, not with a guy, I am married!)

Finally got approval from insurance and have a tentative date of December 11, 2009....WOW!!!!

More to follow, been busy with other stuff life has thrown at me so I have neglected my Lap Band world...but will be back on the band-wagon soon and bugging you guys cause I am sure I will be a basket case in the weeks to come....WOW....can't believe it! Happy and a bit FREAKED OUT at the same time.

Love and hope you are all well,

Linda