in the decision phase

[pokernut 0]

hello. cant rally decide if this is for me, however, i think im in the right place. im 43 and at 294 at my high point. it always use to be rather easy to lose weight, especially with atkins...but it just dsnt seem to work as it did. i will be self pay and if anyone has any info on that id greatly appreciate it. also, im in Vegas so if anyone can suggest any info that pertains to my area that would be great as well.

thanks for your time.

[bluekerry 3]

I am self pay. I am 6 weeks post-op and it was the best decision I've ever made. I had 2nd thought too before surgery. I'm glad I went through with it. Good luck.

[Rachel412 116]

Just make sure you do your research before you get the surgery! Read the link in my sig- the band isn't a miracle cure, and we still pretty much have to follow a diet and exercise in order to see results. Some doctors apparently don't make this clear to their patients, which makes me so sad!

[pokernut 0]

thanks for the replies

[Dave_NW 92]

hello. cant rally decide if this is for me, however, i think im in the right place. im 43 and at 294 at my high point. it always use to be rather easy to lose weight, especially with atkins...but it just dsnt seem to work as it did. i will be self pay and if anyone has any info on that id greatly appreciate it. also, im in Vegas so if anyone can suggest any info that pertains to my area that would be great as well.

thanks for your time.

Welcome to the Forums! Always good to see another guy around here. It's good that you're questioning things. Do your research, make sure you know exactly what to expect, and that you have realistic goals. If you decide it's the right thing to do, go for it. When I got my band last December I was ready for it - previously I doubt I'd have done so well because I wasn't ready to make the life changes a successful bandster needs to make. But now, over a hundred pounds lighter in just seven months - man, it's like I'm a completely different person.

My only regret about banding was that I didn't do this for myself years ago. But I'm really happy I did it now.

Good luck!

Dave

[cat lady 10]

Pokernut: I too had many questions before I decided to do this. Researched this for over a year and finally got approved. Now there is no turning back for me......I'm ready for this and I'm having it done July 25th. Scared & excited at the same time but I know it is the right decision for me at this time. You have to do the research and be sure its right for you. Then go forward with a positive attitude. Good Luck. Cat

[pokernut 0]

Thanks all..everyone keeps saying "do the research to make sure its right for you" would someone explain to me what thus research is please id love to lose 100lbs...isnt that all I need to know???

Thanks again

[Dave_NW 92]

Thanks all..everyone keeps saying "do the research to make sure its right for you" would someone explain to me what thus research is please id love to lose 100lbs...isnt that all I need to know???

Thanks again

The sort of things you want to research are things like what exactly the band does, where it's placed, how it works, what do you need to do to be successful with it, surgery risks and health factors, who is a good surgeon in your area, followup care, the costs involved, dietary guidelines needed, lifestyle and behavioral changes you need to make, weightloss expectations, possible complications, and that's just for starters. Just wanting to lose 100 pounds isn't enough. The band is not a magic bullet, and it will not do the work for you. You need to be able to work it like a tool, so you'll get the best results from it. Faiilure comes from not knowing what to expect and how to live with the band. From what I've seen, the people who have the most trouble are those who have done the least research, so have unrealistic expectations post-surgery.

Dave

[Dulci 108]

Thanks all..everyone keeps saying "do the research to make sure its right for you" would someone explain to me what thus research is please id love to lose 100lbs...isnt that all I need to know???

Thanks again

Like you, I am in the decision phase. Before I started researching, I thought that the band would "force" me to eat less. It doesn't. It does make you feel full on less food. However, we will have to change what we eat, how we eat, and how much we eat. Exercise seems to be a component for most, if not all, successful bandsters. There can also be some unpleasant side effects.

I have pretty much decided to go forward with the band, assuming that my insurance company approves it. Next Thursday, I am going to attend an information seminar at the facility I hope to use. My husband is attending with me, at my request. If I do this, this will be a major lifestyle change and it will have an effect on our life together.

Good luck with your research. This site has been a great resource.

[pokernut 0]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Im the healthiest fat guy I know I say that often. I dnt drink or drug, or smoke. I exercise fairly, swim + play tennis.

I dont have high blood pressure,diabetes or any other condition. I had a very bad back for the past year+ that left me pretty much motionless, as I had an awesome "excuse". Ive spent the last 6 months fixin that issue wwith the help of a chiro that practices kiniesiolgy....hes awesome actually. With his help ive become much more active.

I even eat pretty healthy, the issue is I eat like a pig. Far too much, and that im not sure ill change without incentive + motivation. I find myself sayin "its my only vice left"

[Dave_NW 92]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Im the healthiest fat guy I know I say that often. I dnt drink or drug, or smoke. I exercise fairly, swim + play tennis.

I dont have high blood pressure,diabetes or any other condition. I had a very bad back for the past year+ that left me pretty much motionless, as I had an awesome "excuse". Ive spent the last 6 months fixin that issue wwith the help of a chiro that practices kiniesiolgy....hes awesome actually. With his help ive become much more active.

I even eat pretty healthy, the issue is I eat like a pig. Far too much, and that im not sure ill change without incentive + motivation. I find myself sayin "its my only vice left"

It sounds like you're starting from a good place. But be very aware that the band will NOT stop you from overeating, or making bad food choices. If you have any sort of food addiction, the band will not correct that. All the band will do (when properly adjusted) is dim your appetite, allowing you to use your willpower and common sense to make smart food choices, and limit your food portions because you won't be hungry all the time. If you want to eat badly, or too often, you can still do that. You should read this link: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Dave

[pokernut 0]

Thanks Dave.