JourneyGirl

It is so normal and you are not alone. I second guessed and then canceled my surgery the morning of my Pre-Op! 2 years later I had it! I don't recommend doing what I did!! I will say that when I got banded (2/22/11) there wasn't a doubt in my mind. I knew it was what I needed and wanted to do 2 years ago too, but chickened out.
We can all play the "what if" game with any situation in life. What if we walk out side and get hit by a car, what if we walk and have a great stroll? What if we get in a car accident going to school or the supermarket? What if we don't and see someone who's life we affect by the simple smile we provide them?
What if you don't have this surgery? Where will your health go from here? What about all the reasons why you do want this surgery? What will happen to them? BUT..... What if you do have the surgery? What if it works? What if you loose weight? What if you get healthy? What if you extend your life longer? What if you feel good about yourself? What if you enjoy life? What if you hike the Grand Canyon some day? What if, what if, what if?
Look at your "what if's" one more time. Answer them firmly and from there on if doubts creep in your mind, go to the other "what if's". What if I don't do this, what will happen to me?
You can do this. You are not alone! We have all been there at some point. We are here to help and encourage you. Good luck, you will be great!!!
Wendy

I too am a week away from surgery and the answer to your question is YES! My original surgery date was April 27th and the called me a few days ago and asked me if I could do it on the 15th. Although it is only a difference of 12 days I went into panic mode!!! I took a day to really mull it over and then thought about all of the goals I have set for myself by getting this surgery and that helped me work through my moment of craziness. My advice to you is to get a pen and piece of paper and write down everything that you plan to accomplish with your surgery. The possibilities are endless and I'm fairly sure you will be as excited as I am now.
now I'm not saying that all of these will pertain because I don't know your individual situation but here are a few off of my list:
-being able to walk into any store I want to and pick out clothing that I like instead of just what fits
-not being so socially awkward (ie. food shopping, going out to dinner, going to the beach, going to a bar ect.)
-being a healthy person without such great risks due to being overweight
-the positive compliments you will receive from people
That's just to name a few. I wish you all the success in the world and if you ever need to talk feel free to message me. It's only up from here!!!

It is really important for you to make your decision and not let the doctors tell you what they want you to do. The sleeve is so new, how do they know that it works the best yet? Why are they pushing it so much? That would be my first questions to them.
I looked into both the GNY and LapBand. I was scheduled for GNY, knowing that it would be easier for me to loose weight because if I ate the sugary foods I would get sick so I would stay away from them. You drop a ton of weight fast, but have mal-absorption for the rest of your life. The day of my pre-op I canceled my surgery. 1.5 years later I started the process of the LapBand and got banded a little over 2 weeks ago. I am very happy with my choice and know that it is the best for me.
Bottom line is any WLS is going to help you loose weight but not do it for you. You are going to have to eat healthy and work out whether you like it or not. Really look into the options you are thinking about. Research, research, research! Look at both sides of each surgery. You are going to have success, failure and struggling stories. Don't let it scare you off, it is people being honest about there journey and that is what is going to help you make your decision. Get informed! Knowledge is power! Some WLS won't work for some people, no matter how much we may want it, it may not be the one that we will be most successful with. You need to find out what will work for you, not what the doctor is trying to sell.
Good luck in whatever you choose to do!!

Well, I guess I would have looked at him and said " DAM, well thats good news, cause I just hate working out,,,looks like you do too." Sorry, I tend to be a wicked smart ass and speak way before I tihnk about what im saying,,LOL. Take car and have a good night!

That's mean!
This is by no means an easy way out. I don't think skinny people quite understand the addiction, and disease part of obesity. I'm not fat by choice. Sure, I like food and all that, but it's uncontrollable. Nobody would intentionally eat themselves to 300lbs.
The band for me is just built in motivation, it's always gonna be there. It doesn't do the work for me, and I still have to diet and exercise, but we need some physical restraint, and to retrain ourselves on what is a proper portion.

Kristen, were you talking to my husband?!?! LOL Omg... sounds just like him. My friend had RNY a couple years back and he tore into her about how lazy she was. She was in tears and I yelled at him to stop!! She was so hurt that she wouldn't come over to the house when he was there. Here it is years later, I am now fat and looking to get WLS and what say he - not a darn thing!!! LOL
I am not sure why people are so rude and think they understand what you are going through. I get this a lot at work with this thin girl who constantly ask me if I worked out the night before. WTH?!!? Why do you care? She said she is just looking out for me, but I am sick of it!!! I even got a candy bar and walked past her eating it. She said.. oh I wish I could eat that but I am trying be bikini perfect by June... pfft.. Bikini-smini!!!
Needless to say, I won't be telling her about my surgery She can kiss my fat butt!!

I have 24/7 access to my doctor/nurse/nutritionist and all I have to pay are my co-pays or deductibles. Personally, I would tell the doctor that they can keep their 24/7 service and support groups and you'll just do the office visits for fills/problems which are covered anyway by insurance. Then I'd call the insurance company and let them know what the doctor is doing. Based on their agreement with the insurance company, they may not be allowed to do this.
.

Okay, I am starting this by saying I am preaching. If you don't want to read it, skip this.
I AM SHOUTING THIS....THERE IS NO CURE FOR OBESITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (this is well documented by professionals)
All weight loss surgeries are TOOLS to deal with the side effects of obesity--weight, joint pain, high blood pressure, etc.. but they are NOT CURES!!!!!!!!!!
The only "cure" for obesity is cutting out bad food and bad choices. Yes, that sucks. I know that. But there is no cure for cancer either--just chemo and radiation and that may or may not work. But people accept that help because they want to rid themselves of the cancer. You accepted the band because you didn't want to be obese anymore. But you are defeating the purpose of your choice for fighting obesity but eating all the wrong things and overeating. (by your own admission)
Those that look at weight loss surgery as a cure are fooling themselves. It takes courage, determination, the willingness to get back on the boat when you have fallen off and are flaying in the ocean, and most important mental fortitude to overcome this problem.

People that are obese are addicted to food. You need to own up to that and the choices you make daily. I constantly repeat to myself that "there is not cure for obesity" and that I am instrumental in overcoming this addiction.

Yes, I have made crappy choices in the past year a half. Yes, I have fallen off the diet wagon but I pull myself up again and start over. Sometimes, that means doing a 2-3 day Protein shake only choice or I simply eat properly again. Either way, I am the only one responsible for what goes in my mouth.

As much as my doctor doesnt like me to think in a dieting mode... I needed to do that the first 4-5 weeks to see solid results and get in the mindset that this band will not prevent me from putting the pizza or M & M's in my mouth. Only sheer willpower wil do that.
That said... the first 2 months I ate a strict 1000 calories per day of healthy food and was in the dieting zone. Fast forward to today... 3 months post up and I have seen great results and while i am still in the "zone"... I know that I can make healthy choices which isnt only cottage cheese and tuna fish. And I am still losing weight every single week!!
Everyone cheats... or expands their choices at one time or another. Dont dwell on it.... just pick up where you left off and continue the journey. If pizza is a problem for you... dont bring it into the house. Your daughter will understand if you explain that its just too hard for you to have it around right now. She wants you healthy as much as you do!
Best of luck! and remember... nothing tastes as good as thin looks!

WOW!!! I am not sure what to say but need to say something.
CM- I am newer to this site and have not been around long. I don't know your story and don't need to know it. It is clear that you are not a fan of the lap band. In every area of life there are going to be people for and against things. To educate one's self on the pros and cons of things is an intelligent thing to do, especially when someone is looking into something that is life changing. So telling others of how it doesn't work for everyone is fine, that is your opinion. If someone posts that it is a tool and does work if you follow the the guide lines is someone else's opinion and is fine too.
What I don't understand is why you seem to have something (not positive) to say to many people who are for the band? Anyone who has read this thread (and a few other threads) know that you strongly feel the lap band is not a tool and does not work for everyone. You said it, but why repeat it over and over and be rude about it at times? Maybe I am misunderstanding/reading your posts. I am sure you are going to try to slam bast me as well but I am only asking so I can understand when I read the replies by you instead of ... honestly,,, starting to dislike you, when I don't even know you.
If there is an area in my life, whether it be struggling at parenting, being a wife or WLS that I am feeling like I am not making it at I like to hear success stories. That is one way we learn. We can see/read what others have done, what has worked for them and not worked. We get ideas that we may not have thought of ourselves or been told by support groups or doctors. It isn't always a "rub in your face" attitude. This is a support site I thought. If I find that I struggle with the band then I want to come and have others tell me what works for them, what didn't etc... I want to hear there success story because when I feel like giving up (and don't start on my saying that I think one who stops using the band gives up, that is clearly NOT what I am saying) I NEED to hear that the band can work! I will need the motivation and encouragement to go on and try again!
I can understand where you are coming from by saying that the OP doesn't want to hear about others success when they are struggling. I am just saying that maybe it will be the "umph" they need. GNY is going to take work too. I know it may have ticked me off if I was the OP'er but after time it would sink in too and be encouraging too.

Don't be concerned for me. I can handle my posts and those that disagree with me. The only thing I've done is point out posts that I didn't think were helpful to the OP and belonged elsewhere. And anyone is free to disagree with me and have and many have come to the defense of the posters I have disagreed with, because they are of the same mindset.
And I might add there are many who agree with me and have started whole threads about the bashing those who have problems with the band get from the cheerleaders for and defenders of the band.
And while I am disappointed and feel cheated that the band didn't work for me - you misconstrue it as bitterness. But I would rather be thought of as bitter than smug, superior and judgemental like many of the band defenders.

I’m all for hearing the truth….and weather good or bad everyone’s story should be welcome. But telling others that their post is useless or we don’t need the post because they have been successful and its sounds smug is childish IMO. If you can tell everyone the band failed you or you failed the band (whatever the case may be). Then allow other to say they have been a success and they have made it to their goal.

This is just plain scary for NOOBS like me to read. I am here to research, get honest info and hear good/bad stories. To be honest, it sounds like you started eating the bad foods (as you said, you began to crave). I know all WLS work differently on everyone. I know many people with varied WLS and most are doing well. One friend had her RNY 10 yrs ago and she is still thin as ever (she drinks socially and eats goodies but in small amounts). There are no 10 year studies in the US on Band (that I know of) but many people 5 years out are doing well. Some Bandsters don't even need it because they learned to eat and work out so that it is second nature. (Finger crossed, that will be me.)
I want to hear about complications - because knowledge is power, but to blast the band because it didn't work for you is a bit harsh.

I'm not sure how I am proving CM's point. I was trying to point out that I had lapse and didn't gain any weight. I felt the band was working in my favor because while I made few bad choices at Disneyland; I was still limited in my overall intake ! Anyway, I'm very happy with my band!

I'm not sure why you had a such a hard time and to be honest I'm not there yet so maybe one day I will. What I can tell you is that I've lost 36 lbs so far! I can also tell you that I had a small lapse in my eating habits; we had our annual superbowl party, followed that up with celebrating the completion of my Master's program, and then week at Disneyland. I dreaded coming home and stepping on the scale; the surprise....I didn't lose any weight but I also didn't gain any! Been back for two weeks and back on track ! I think I can and I know I will acheive my goals!!!!

I agree completely. Good advise Journey! As for "the tool" I too agree, and I guess I am one of the "preachers". Someone said it a few months back, it is still about dieting. The "tool" is for portion sizes, what you choose to put in your mouth is still your choice. It seems as if every day I "start over". I am addicted to my scale, and it is what works for me. I try to pay attention to my carbs i.e. more Protein, but sometimes my addictions get the best of me. I sarted over today..I ate something last night that got stuck....badly. I am on yogurt, Protein shakes and liquids, for I can tell (it took me almost 40 minutes to eat a chobani yogurt) that I have a major case of swelling. Beating your food addiction is an everyday thing. Any addiction takes work, every day. I agree with Journey, take stock in your accomplishments, and look at it as a stepping stone. Practice positive internal dialogue and try to make good (for you) choices. If you slip, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue on. It takes work, no matter whether you have a band or not. We are here to support, I am sorry if I sounded rude. ( we have all been in the same spot and and I am sure, will be there again) Start anew. Today is a new day. Let's embrace it!

The band IS A TOOL. It isn't "preaching" when someone asks for the advise! "Any advise would be welcome."is what was said. There is a difference between preaching and answering one's plea for help. Do you want to see others fail? Or would you rather have some tough love and tell it like it is? The lap band isn't going to do any of the work for any of us. We have to work our butts off, why? Because it is a tool. We need to exercise, make healthy food choices, eat the right proportions. Is it hard, sure it is but it's also reality and I, for one, am glad that there are others on this board that will tell it like it is. To be successful one has to understand how the lap band works and then work with your band. No where have I ever heard that the Band will do it all for you. You can't try to drive a car in auto pilot and get anywhere, just like you can't sit and wait for the band to make us loose weight when we have our old habits.
I thought that all of the advise given was great. I am a new bandster and appreciate all those who are honest w/ what we need to do to be successful! I count on that so I can learn just what needs to be done.
@Bandme - There is great advise here. Start from scratch, as if preparing for the surgery. Go back to the basics. Learn as much as you can about healthy choices. Prepare good choice Snacks, bag them up and have them in a spot so when you want something you have something right on hand that is good for you and will work with you and not against you. YOU CAN DO THIS! We all can. We all, at some point, have been in your situation (food addict) because we are all here. We are here to support you, not preach at you. You want to know how to be successful, that is what others are sharing. Make sure you are getting your Proteins and fluids in daily! And go into your kitchen and every stash place and toss the TRASH FOODS OUT!!! Take control of your life and decide to beat this food addiction!! 20K is alot of money to flush away!!!
GOOD LUCK!!

I know 4 people who have had RNY. One nearly died from it. One has lost all her weight and started gaining some, 20 pds,back, one can only have liquids 3 years out, and one has gained 50% of the weight lost back.
I know 2 people w/ the band very well. One has lost 80% of HER goal weight. One had to have it removed but was loosing and doing well.
Bottom line is this: Weight loss is work! With the band and RNY. You may not have to work so hard initally to loose weight w/ the RNY but 3 years out you will. You will HAVE to eat good, low fat/low calorie meals, and workout to keep the weight off. JUST LIKE THE BAND.
We have to be ready mentally and emotionally to succeed at WLS, whichever one we choose. We can't go in expecting it to do the work for us.
Rules are there to help us succeed. And only you know if you were giving it your all. Even with GNY you are going to crave foods. It isn't going to stop that. You are the only one who can control what goes in your mouth and if/how often you work out.
To tell others that the Lap Band won't be there for you in the long run isn't fair to those looking into things. Where is the back up. It wasn't for you for whatever reason. But to say that it doesn't work for anyone, come on. RNY nearly killed my Aunt, but that isn't to say that no one should have that type of WLS. Maybe one day the band will be obsolete, does that mean that it wasn't "good?" Not neccesarily, research may come to find something that works better.
To those considering WLS remember that many people have been EXTREMELY successful and YEARS later they still are. Do your research and make whatever decision that is best for you.
llcarlos48 - Good luck w/ the RNY. I am glad that you are happy with your decision.

My top weight was 319 lbs. I weighed 292 lbs when I had my lap-band surgery on 5/19/09. This morning I weighed 166 lbs and I continue to lose...as long as I follow the rules. I don't always follow the rules, I have bad days and bad weeks. I believe that lap-band will work if YOU WORK IT. I eat right, move more, stay motivated. My goals is 150 lbs. I never thought I would be 16 lbs from goal. I wear a size 12 in some things...a 14 in others. I go roller skating with my daughter. I can eat all of the Doritios and ice-cream I want...but I CHOOSE not to. If I chose to eat the crap, I would not lose weight. Would that be the fault of the band? I don't think so. I wish there was some sort of brain surgery that would make me have a healthy relationship with food, but there isn't, so I suppose I must continue to fight the battle. I am determined to win the war. I feel better now than I have in YEARS...I wish everyone luck in their journey. I am so glad that I didn't listen to the people that were negative about lap-band before I had my surgery. If my surgery was a failure, it would have been my failure, not the bands.

I don't recall saying that you attacked the band, I asked what your purpose was for still posting on the site and then asked if you were attacking the band. Just a thought you may want to read a little closer before getting defensive. Good Luck to you and your experiences/opinions are just as welcomed as everyone elses.

Well, if its any consolation I love my vegies but also love my Pasta, and wholewheat bread and I lost over 120lb without ever giving up bread, pasta, rice or carbs in general and maintained it for three years. Furthermore, i had my band unfilled for a surgery which involved me having an ileostomy so now I am on a low residue diet which is based on WHITE bread, pasta and rice and even with an unfilled band I have not gained any weight at all. Truly, for most people calories in v calories out is the main determinant of weight loss even if we can argue all day about the health benefits of this diet vs that.
But we all need vegies - I love a packed of fresh spinach, wilted down with half a block of low fat cream cheese, a bit of nutmeg and some pinenuts as a pasta sauche - that's a good way to get in some vegies! tonight I varied that by adding a carton of pumpkin Soup. It was delish. That's vegies. Many pasta sauces can involve vegies, Soups are great, you can even make muffins with spinach, zucchini etc in them. I had a spinach and fetta muffin the other day when I was out, with some cream cheese as a spread, and a latte. Yum!

WOW!! ARE YOU FOR REAL?? Way to encourage! Hope no one treated you like this when you needed encouragement or asked questions! Everyone's journey is different! No two people are going to loose/gain weight the same. And a little FYI for you: this is completely NORMAL after surgery.
You really need to think about your reply and how it was not appropriate and that you need to man up and apologize!!

Amen.
I may desire to weigh 150 when this is all said and done, but even if I never lose another pound, the 90 that I've already lost have greatly changed my life and my health.
And nobody can tell me that isn't a success story.

It is a wise decision to have the lap band removed, but it is not wise to have bypass surgery. Your problem is a lack of will power and self-discipline and no amount of surgeries, or even weight loss for that matter, will fix that. No one needs surgery to lose weight. You just have to be committed to living a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy food. Don't give up on yourself, all things can be done with Jesus helping you. Philippians 4:13

Thanks guys!! I searched the forums for the "first bite syndrome" and was pleasantly surprised to find exactly what I needed. I tried the hot tea before supper tonight (and also a cracker 20 min before supper - something else I read about) and WOW...what a difference. I sat there and got through my entire meal with minimal discomfort!! My first query on this site was a total success!!!!