I am 5'6 259 lbs my BMI is 42. I have gained so much weight this last pregnancy and am ready to lose it. I am still a little confused about how it works, like I know your appetite is pretty much cut but I don't know much else. I would like to get down to 150, but of there are other things I can do besides this procedure please let me know.

I am 5'6 259 lbs my BMI is 42. I have gained so much weight this last pregnancy and am ready to lose it. I am still a little confused about how it works, like I know your appetite is pretty much cut but I don't know much else. I would like to get down to 150, but of there are other things I can do besides this procedure please let me know.

Have you always been overweight...or is it just because of this pregnancy?

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How far postpartum are you? Remember, it takes almost 10 months to make a baby--it's reasonable to expect it to take at least that long to lose the weight you gain. If you're nursing, it can take longer. (For some women, the body clings fiercely to body fat while nursing; others lose easily.)

I'd like to address one thing you said: that appetite is cut.

Really, it's not. Appetite (that's the part that's in our head telling us we WANT stuff) remains---hunger, too, can remain. Until you achieve restriction, your stomach capacity is limited, but its emptying is as quick as before surgery---so you can only eat a little bit at a time, but become hungry relatively rapidly. Your mind---your appetite---will "tell" you it's time to eat. But if you want to lose, you really, really have to moderate how much you eat.

Your BMI likely makes you eligible---but it may or may not be the solution for you. Attending a surgeon's informational seminar can give you good information. Reading here, too, can give you a pretty realistic idea of what to expect.

The band goes around the upper part of your stomach and creates a small pouch for food. Once the pouch is full you have to stop eatting. So you are eatting much less food than before. There are somethings you will no longer be able to eat everyone is differnt with what the band will allow. I have a hard time with chicken but do fine with diet soda. Most people can't do soda. Bread is ifie, I can't have some types of Pasta. With my doc's diet though I have to limit my carb intake. Some doc's require you to get a certain amount of Protein. You can't drink with your meals. It truly is a lifestyle change. If I go out to eat I share with my husband now because I just eat a little bit. The great things though, I have lost 21 pounds since my surgery jan 4th. I bought new clothes because my others are too big. I have more energy. My family sees my hard work and is proud of me. My confidence has boosted. I am no longer embarrassed because I have a huge plate of unhealthy food. I am winning the battle of the bulge. I have made new friends on this site and actually met them in person. They are wonderful. I am making plans to fly, an airplane seat doesn't scare me. Nor does a rollercoaster seat so I am planning a trip to Disney. Nor does the mirror. I was looking at myself this morning and couldn't believe those were my legs. I am getting more active socially and with my family. It has changed my life already.

Good luck to you whichever you decide.