Altoonasoup

:girl_hug: I 'm not banded yet and have many questions. Some people who have had gastric bypass do not change their eating. They strech out their pouch, and regain their weight. Is this possible with a lap band? I know that if it is removed there is danger of weight gain, but is it possible to gain weight with a band?

Yes, it does help. I am just trying to be certain that I am making a good decision. I think of the many times I have tried to diet, gave it all my effort, only to fail, to be disappointed again. I'm sure everyone on this website understands that feeling. I just don't want to set my hopes too high, and set myself up for another disappointment. Boy, I sound like I'm having a real pity party tonight. (Somebody Kick Me!) My husband is always supportive of my efforts. He goes on the diet with me - whatever diet I'm trying at the time. And no matter what diet it is He loses twice what I do, and I let it discourage me. However he is not overweight enough to have banding. So I guess I'm on my own with this (with his full support of course.) I guess the reason for all my questions boils down to the fact that I don't see any other viable options. If this doesn't work I can't think of anything else that I haven't already tried (and failed.) I guess I could stay fat and die young, but that doesn't sound like a good option. Thanks for your help. I guess my decision is made. I'm supposed to go to an informational seminar at a local hospital on Tuesday night. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the encouragement. The way I see it the Band is just to force me to make changes, which if I could make them on my own I would not need banding. However if I don't make changes, I am starting to see my health deteriorate, which will force other changes. Tell me that it's worth it. Tell me that the pros outweigh the cons. As I said at first I had friends who had gastric bypass. One died, another came close to dying, the other three have regained all their weight and more. I would not even consider going through what they have. If I didn't feel that the Lap banding is different I would not be here. I know that no one can promise me a rose garden. But I don't want to risk what health I do have, for a temporary improvement. That is what I am here to learn. Is it worth it? Would you do it again? What would you do differently? Is it better than gastric bypass? I know that you are trying to be careful to not tell me what to do, but tell me how it has affected your life.

Thanks Donna! That answers a lot of my misgivings. I am not afraid of the surgery itself so much, but whether or not I can deal with the lifestyle changes. One question I'm wanting to ask: Is this for the rest of my life? Do you keep the band from now on, or have it removed after your weight loss? I know that some foods are not well tolerated with the band, but is that forever? Will I never drink soft drinks again, never have pork chops, no coffee? I know I can never allow myself to go back to the portions that I eat now, and I know that my eating speed must decrease. But will I be able to bring back my favorites later on, or do I kiss my favorite foods goodbye forever?

This is my first time finding this forum. I have not yet made my decision about surgery. I have several friends who have had gastric bypass but none who have had banding. After seeing what my friends went through with bypass, I rejected the idea entirely. However, the lap banding procedure seems much less invasive, and hopefully less complications. I admit the idea that it is reversible appeals to me. I believe that through this forum I will gather enough information to help me make a decision, based on fact, and not fear. Looking forward to hearing from you!