I am going through the approval process and every day i am researching and researching. Ive been finding "statistics" that a large percentage of people will lap band will have some kind of problem and end up having it taking at. Which is very pricy (as insurances will usually cover only 1 bariatric surgery?) I read on Dr. Oz's website that he wasn't really favoring lapband either. I really feel like this is my last chance of ever getting my life back. And i really want this. But like anyone, im scared. I know everyone has good days and bad days, but i was wondering for those that have more " bad days" is this really worth it?? Please share. I would love to hear what you have to say. Thanks so much!

It's been worth it for me and I can't really say I've had a bad day with the band. Yes I've gotten stuck and PB'd but it's all part of the learning curve.

I never imagined losing so quickly, let alone 115lbs in less than a year. There are complications and risks with all types of surgeries and it's luck of the draw really. Not everyone experiences the bad side of surgery.

The risks with WLS are always there but are decreased greatly if you follow the rules and have a good bariatric surgeon to work with. In terms of the band, to me, this means not having a tight band, going in for routine visits, and getting unfills when you are too tight. Some people neglect these rules and often end up with slippage and/or erosion.

Thank you for this. I HATE throwing up. is that what PB is? are you exercising? Congrats on all your weight loss. what an inspiration!

YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THIS IS A TOOL. IT DOESN'T MAKE YOU LOSE WEIGHT YOU HAVE TO DO THAT ON YOUR OWN.

Yes thank you, I know that

Mmm hmm what Sgt just said. It does NOT do the work for you. It is NOT the easy way out. People who go into the surgery expecting a quick fix will fail. You'll see the failure stats but you won't see WHY each of those people failed the band.

Some people do have problems with it, yes. But plenty of people also don't put in the work and then are disappointed by their results.

Oh also, there are sub-forums here for people who have problems with their band or had to have their band removed- if you want to her from those who have issues, that'd be a good place to get info. I read in there a lot.

Thank you!

Thank you for this. I HATE throwing up. is that what PB is? are you exercising? Congrats on all your weight loss. what an inspiration!

PB is not as bad as puking; its just the food comes back up with a very thick spit substance along with it. And yes, I've exercised since day one. Doing P90X now.

I am a slow loser but I would do it again in a heart beat. My life has changed dramatically in wonderful ways ... getting to those changes have sometimes been painful (i.e., facing my food issues and working to conquer them -- still working on it). Do I PB? Yes. That has much to do with my food issues. I find that when I am well hydrated and I don't try to eat more than my pouch can handle, I don't PB. I am learning one day at a time. I went from a size 26 to a size 14/16. It wasn't a fast process, but it happened and I continue to lose so I am happy.

Lap band is not for everyone, but I am so thankful that it IS for me.

All the best to you on your journey.

~fran

thank you all so much. I cannot wait till i can exercise without almost passing out. I have an 8 year old boy that i want to run around with and be more active for. So thank you for all your input. You are all an inspiration. Good job on reaching your goals and working so hard!!

No bad days. Bad moments, maybe. The band has been amazing and life changing for me. My kids don't even remember that I was fat. I'll live longer and obviously look better. Do what's right for you, but to me there has been a very small price to pay for such great benefit.

@LAPNYC that is a perfect saying. Little price for such a great benefit. I like that! I know it will be a lot of hard work and im so ready . ive started to change my eating habits already. Gave up soda ( thought it would be the hardest thing for me but i gave it up and never looked back!) I feel like even though i am making some changes, i am still just putting more and more weight on. Looking into a weight loss program while i wait for my approval. Any good ones that you all know of?

I am 8 days post-op, and darn it, im still hungry. I haven't had any fills or anything, but I am losing weight. I was 264 when I started and I was 249 today at the my post-op dr.'s visit. Not too bad I havent really had a chance to tell what this is really going to do for me. But from a newbie stand point, the surgery just wasnt bad at all. I too have an 8 year old boy, and a 2 year old boy, and after about 3 days of "rest" I was able to get right back into sitting on the floor building train tracks or going for walks while they ride their scooters or bikes. My hubby is deployed, so I haven't had any help, and I really dont think its been that hard. Im looking forward to having solid food again (im still in mushie phase) and hopefully that will make me feel fuller longer, but Im ok waiting for that "sweet spot" with the fills too, because I feel like I will be really in tune with my hunger when it happens, so that I will know that im finally there!

If you are looking for a good pre-op diet, I would suggest the Atkins. For me, its not a really realistic lifestyle. I know alot of people have fantastic luck with it, but I like carbs too much......BUT, for most surgeons, they require a low carb diet, or a full shake diet for at lest 2 weeks before your surgery, and Atkins was the one my surgeons office uses! For the short term pre-op diet, its pretty ideal!

Best of luck to you! You seem really optimistic! You'll do AWESOME!!

awww thank you!!! And congrats on the weight you have already lost! I hope my surgery goes as smooth as your s did. i will definately check out Atkins. Thanks so much!

Absolutely! I was tired of being the "fat lady" in the choir. I now have church people don't remember me fat. I guess the biggest complement I've gotten was from a lady new to my church who thought I was my daughter-in-laws mother because we are both tall and thin. She is 4'10". I am only 5'3", so tall for her. But my d-i-l is 5'8". My own daughter is only 4'10", but my son is 285 and 5'10". Good luck on whatever you decide. This was my best choice, and my son has started the process to be banded, hopefully, this summer.