I am a self pay (Approx. $ 15,000), and yes, I went through my process a lot quicker - hence the self pay. While I agree that a lot of it can have to do with being educated and having the right information, it often has to do with who is giving you that the right information. My information was clear, expectations were set, and my manual for post op has been my guide on how to move through the days after post operation. While I am only approx. 1 week out personally, I know exactly what to expect (except my pain shoulder that finally subsided), and what the surgeon's dietitian and the surgeon informed me of is exactly what is happening. And, being a self pay often has to do with the insurance just not wanting to pay because you are not over weight enough - going through insurance, in my opinion, messes with your head as often if not because they have they so many rules, and now the doctor is working on their guidelines which can at times be a disservice to the patient. Being a self pay makes it ALL about what is desired and discussed between the surgeon and the PT.
I think what MW1973 is saying should be validated here - what she is saying is (and MW1973, correct me if I am wrong): The lap-band is a tool, and it has been "installed" to create a new smaller pouch above the regular the stomach. That sends a message a lot sooner to the brain that you are full, and you stop eating (you feel pressure, perhaps even throw up if you don't chew your food enough or you eat too much for it to fit the new pouch). But, that restriction only happens if the surgeon tightens the band aggressively enough. In other words, if MW1973's surgeon barely tightens the band, then she is essentially right that she is still feeling hungry and IF she has to fight the hunger and urges as she did before surgery, then it is true - the band would essentially be useless. I did not read anywhere that she is expecting all her weight to be gone already. I think she is saying: "I went through all of this to still feel the way I felt before surgery?" If so, it is entirely possible she chose a surgeon who is not very aggressive with the fills, or is not listening.
Having only had my band since Monday, I can say that my surgeon was right on from the get go - I can feel when I have had enough to eat, and yesterday when I was stressed I ate too much tuna. It had nowhere to go and I ended up vomiting. Perfect indicator that my band was tightening appropriately from the beginning.
MW1973 - you know what I would do? Perhaps find another surgeon for fills and find out how much fill you truly have in your band. I think it is worth it and then evaluate from there.