steph1967

I was a self pay also.my granfather gave me the money as a gift because he was so concerned with my health.On my self pay my entire pre op testing, entire surgery and 1 year of fills and checks and lifetime with dietician and weight loss nurses was included in the cost. I do not regret spending the money and in my mind I think it kept me on track better because I felt like not only did I need to do this for my health but because I used money my grandpa worked hard to get and so far I have done well for 4 yrs lost 230 pounds and I feel great and my grandpa has passed away but I know he is proud and knows his money was well spent.

You are doing great. I am 4 years out down 230 pounds.

I to find always found good sales so I never bought ahead either but did look at smaller things for a motivation and I always got rid of the clothes that were to big as soon as they were to big this way I had nothing to fit back into. I did however keep the jeans and shirt I wore to the appt when I decided to have the sugery I look at them from time to time just as reminder of how far I have come. It is a great feeling.

That's awesome congrats to you. I to was 385 when I started I am now 150.I have maintained it for 4 years and agree protien, regular visits to dr and weight loss center, and vitamins is key to success. Its a wonderful feeling to see the weight gone. Your doing wonderful..and it only gets better...

Your dr may have gave you that time frame. But by making you have the waiting period my guess is he is trying to make sure you have time to think about the decisions you are making.everyone is different some people lose quickly and some don't and you have no way of knowing. If you have the sugery and only lose 10-20 lbs in the 6 months then you really defeated the purpose of getting the band cause with pregnancy you will gain that plus some and then will you still have the mind set of going back to the lap band lifestyle after the baby? The band is a tool it is still a mindset of habits having a band doesn't mean instant weight loss. It just assists in the process of weightloss. You have to make the right choice for you maybe having a baby first then doing the lap band might be a better option then you may decide that having a healthier lifestyle for you and your child is the better way to go

In my opinion it was the best decision I ever made...would I do it again? most definately. would I recommend it absolutly ..but like others said it is a tool you have to be willing to give certain things up and stick with the new lifestyle it requires. I attend support group that is offered my my surgeon, I still go for regular check ups and fills, i still see the weight loss specialist who measures me and talks to me about diet often. I was banded 5/14/08 I was 381 lbs I am now 157 I went from wearing a size 30 jeans to a size 6 and a 4X top to a medium. it has been a long road but it is well worth it..