I have just started taking the first few steps in organizing my lap band surgery. I must admit that so many things are running through my brain, will this work!! Will I have complications, how can I avoid those complications, will I still have a life, have I picked a good doctor to perform the surgery and how fast am I going to loose the weight.

I have struggled with my weight in the last 10 years; I have tried diet pills and number of diets like the Cohen’s diet, I am up and down with exercising (to be honest I don’t have time anyway) nothing seems to keep it off. My current BMI is 42 and that’s the highest it’s ever been.

I am looking forward to receiving advice from the people who have already gone through/experienced this. I would love to hear from people that live in my home town as well.

Edited October 1, 201015 yr by Ms Kal_girl
to add other thoughts

Thought I would put my two cents in :smile2:

The lap band is just a tool, it is not at all dramatic like the Gastric Bypass or some of the other weight loss surgeries. You usually lose 1-2 pounds a week, where you would lose a lot faster with the other surgeries. The good part of this is that you can keep it off, because it is YOU who decides what to eat. If you don't eat right, you won't lose anything. Not a thing. There are ways that you can eat around your band, and when people do that, sometimes they GAIN.

Then, once you get the band in, a lot of times there isn't restriction for a while until you start getting fills, so it can take months to find the right level of fill.

Most important..Working out is VITAL to get to your goal. I don't really have time either, but I get up at 4:15am to get a workout in to start my day..It is the only way that I have success. I know some people don't work out, but I feel that you can't get to your goal and change your lifestyle without it..

The band is a great tool if you are motivated to make some changes!! Like I said before though, it only works with you. I have read so many stories of people who thought that they could continue with their old lifestyle and still the weight would come off when the band was put in..NOPE.

Anyway, sorry to lecture. ) Just do a lot of research and make sure that it is right for you!

You will live a normal life. You can do anything you used to do, with the exception of eating differently (chewing your food more) and some people can't tolerate certain foods. You also are not supposed to drink liquid while eating..

Good luck! I have been banded for 3 months, and LOVE my band.

I have never encountered such a case. My weight is always moderate diet and I have set very strict.