I went to my internal doctor yesterday (shoulder/muscle issue) and mentioned that I'm going to have the LB surgery. I asked for her opinion. She said that she is not "totally" for it. She has many patients that initially lost weight, but later gained it back, so the long term success is shaky. Should this be a concern? I'm a self-pay and so now am (slightly) worried about my decision to go thru with this. Help!!

I believe this is the wrong way to look at it. Any weight loss surgery has potential for regain.

What you should be asking is not "will this surgery work for me?" but rather "can I work this surgery?". No matter which surgery you choose, at the end of the day it is YOU that will make it work. Surgery makes your job easier, but most of it still comes from you. You need to have faith in yourself tht you are taking a positive step but it is a journey that you are steering - you are not at the mercy of any surgery hoping that it will "work".

I believe this is the wrong way to look at it. Any weight loss surgery has potential for regain.

What you should be asking is not "will this surgery work for me?" but rather "can I work this surgery?". No matter which surgery you choose, at the end of the day it is YOU that will make it work. Surgery makes your job easier, but most of it still comes from you. You need to have faith in yourself tht you are taking a positive step but it is a journey that you are steering - you are not at the mercy of any surgery hoping that it will "work".

This is so true.

Also that is not a question that I would ask any Dr. unless I knew they were behind the lapband. You are going to get from them many and varied personal opinions just like you would get from any other assortment of people .

If you ask a bunch of construction workers some will say I have a friend that did it and was successful. Some will say "I don't believe in that" and some will say "go for it!!"

Make up your mind to work this tool the best you can . Work towards changing your lifestyle and mind set as far as food and exercise and you have a great chance of losing and keeping your weight off.

That's what I'm gonna do.

I think the biggest issue is you don't know why they were unsuccessful. Since many people lie to there doctors esp. about eating habits they may not be getting the whole picture if any info. My mother had a friend who was put on a diet and his daily treat was a "glass" of chocolate milk. When he went back for a check up he had gained weight. The doctor asked him if the 8 oz of chocolate milk was the only snack. To which he replied oh no it's about a quart. No wonder he was gaining.

Also, are they dedicated to an exercise routine? 2-3 days a week is fine; but if you do 6-7 you will have more effect.

thanks everyone...I'm not doubtful that I can do this. I'm SO ready for a lifestyle change. In fact if I don't make this positive one, I'll be forced to make negative ones: high blood pressure meds, diabetes, etc. I'll take the positive changes any day. I hope I can get this journey started soon.

Take care all!