Hi I was banded in Sept 2009 and I've currently lost 164 lbs. I was asked to speak at my surgeon's pre-surgical seminar for people that are having surgery or considering surgery. I spoke last year as well but I wanted to ask for some suggestions about what you would like to know if you were to be in that group of people trying to make the decision if the surgery is right for them. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful speaker at the seminar that I attended that helped me "seal the deal". Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks!!!

I've spoken at a dozen or more of them. Every group is different regarding what they want to know. I usually just tell briefly about my experience and then let them ask questions. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be great! Congrats on your success, BTW!

I hope this is not out of line, because some people choose By Pass.

I would ask what is Longevity with the By Pass?

I know your Lap Band, but would you refer that to the Dr., or do you think you have a answer for this?

My surgeon couldn't answer this, so I am searching for the answer.

Thanks, Shirley.

I've spoken at a dozen or more of them. Every group is different regarding what they want to know. I usually just tell briefly about my experience and then let them ask questions. Good luck. I'm sure you'll be great! Congrats on your success, BTW!

thanks so much!!

I hope this is not out of line, because some people choose By Pass.

I would ask what is Longevity with the By Pass?

I know your Lap Band, but would you refer that to the Dr., or do you think you have a answer for this?

My surgeon couldn't answer this, so I am searching for the answer.

Thanks, Shirley.

Hi Shirley, I know the bypass surgery is a little more evasive than the Lap Band surgery which is one of the reasons why I chose it. The Lap Band has a shorter downtime for recovery as well. As far as longevity, that I can't say. I guess it would depend on a several factors.. if you follow the plans and go for your follow-up appointments, etc. There are people who have had the band and the bypass done that have both gained weight.

I appreciate your answer, and time.

My surgeon from 5 years ago could not answer this. He just smiled and said it's to New. We don't know enough about it to answer that question.

Everyone that I new, that had it done is in the Ground. Even some Relatives of my Husbands.

The latest one was last fall in the Town where I live.

I am banded, and would take banding any day compared to what I have seen.

Yet I have not met a surgeon that could answer this question.

So, again,,, Thanks for your opinion, and time.

Shirley.

all4gizmo: I haven't been fortunate enough to have the surgery yet (insurance denied coverage of the surgery because they didn't feel my obesity related health issues were 'untreatable' by other means), but did attend the info meeting when I was going through the process. Some basic information that I would have like to ask, if there had been someone available that had gone through the surgery -- Was it worth it? Would you do it again, knowing what you know now? I think sitting out in the audience, I just wanted someone to say 'yes, I did it and I am so glad I did'. It's one thing for a nurse from the surgeon's office to sit there and tell you it's great, but to hear it from someone who has actually gone through it is another thing.

all4gizmo: I haven't been fortunate enough to have the surgery yet (insurance denied coverage of the surgery because they didn't feel my obesity related health issues were 'untreatable' by other means), but did attend the info meeting when I was going through the process. Some basic information that I would have like to ask, if there had been someone available that had gone through the surgery -- Was it worth it? Would you do it again, knowing what you know now? I think sitting out in the audience, I just wanted someone to say 'yes, I did it and I am so glad I did'. It's one thing for a nurse from the surgeon's office to sit there and tell you it's great, but to hear it from someone who has actually gone through it is another thing.

Thank you so much for your response!! I started writing my talk and one of the topics that I end with is that I'm glad I did the surgery, but I wish I had done it sooner!! and that's true. I had so many misconceived prejudices about having surgery to lose weight. It made me feel weak, that I had no control. I was very fortunate to find a wonderful surgeon here in Sysosset, NY. When I had gone into my preliminary appointment, it was set in my head that there was no way I was having surgery. I had gone to pacify my family and a close friend. But after my meeting with Dr. Geiss, I was like ok, when can I do this?? now a year and a half and 164lbs later, I'm so very happy that I did it.. I still have about 80 pounds to go, but I couldn't be happier!!

Make sure you tell them what you eat in a typical day, what your biggest challenge is, and what kind of non scale victories you've had. You'll do great!

Make sure you tell them what you eat in a typical day, what your biggest challenge is, and what kind of non scale victories you've had. You'll do great!

Thank you!!!