Just wondering, for those of you that are already on the journey (or have completed it), what are some of the regrets (if any) you have? Do you regret getting banded? Something you could have done, but didn't? Something you did do and shouldn't have? Any advice for those of us starting out in how we can avoid these same pitfalls?

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

Not doing it sooner - only regret

Just wondering, for those of you that are already on the journey (or have completed it), what are some of the regrets (if any) you have? Do you regret getting banded? Something you could have done, but didn't? Something you did do and shouldn't have? Any advice for those of us starting out in how we can avoid these same pitfalls?

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

Just wondering, for those of you that are already on the journey (or have completed it), what are some of the regrets (if any) you have? Do you regret getting banded? Something you could have done, but didn't? Something you did do and shouldn't have? Any advice for those of us starting out in how we can avoid these same pitfalls?

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

No regrets - at all. I am healthier now - even though I have only lost 14 lbs thus far. I have kepts Protein drinks in the house so that I can ensure that I get enough protein. It is wonderful to eat small amounts and not be hungry. A friend in Florida warned me about eating chips, dip, etc., which was easy for me since I have never kept them in the house. She said that she threw up every time she ate them. I don't know whether is was the salt or the dryness, but she threw up.

I have thrown up only twice since I had my surgery in early June - both times the meat was too dry and I didn't chew enough. (I need to stop with the left-overs).

I think, too, that I have weighed too often. One person said that they weighed (officially) only on Wednesdays. I think I will start that process, too.

You're going to be thrilled that you did this.

So far, no regrets--and it's only been two weeks, so the post-surgical pain is still a fresh memory.

Seriously--I had given up on ever being able to lose weight and be "normal" again. But since I started this journey (beginning with a six-month doctor-supervised diet to satisfy my insurance requirements) I have lost 47 pounds and gained the ability to climb a flight of stairs without stopping, to chase my toddler around the house without huffing and puffing, to go for walks outside with my husband and daughter without feeling exhausted.

This is the best decision I've ever made for my health.

My regret is not getting it done sooner too!

I don't regret my band but like I tell everyone else who asks me about it, if I knew back then what I know now about eating and exercising, I'd have never been banded. Surely losing 100lbs+ in a year is amazing, but I feel as if I did it on my own with very little help from the band, so part of me wonders why I got it. Either way no real regrets; I've had an awesome journey so far. No fills, minimal post-op pain, very few stuck episodes, etc.

No regrets.

Diabetes is much better. My blood sugars are now in the normal range. Should be off my meds soon....30 lbs down. I feel more energetic and full of life. And this is only 2 months being banded and no fills yet. Now I look forward to exercise and going to the gym. Best thing I have ever done. Period

I have no regrets!!! This was the best thing I have ever done for myself and my children. I have 3 kids and I was unhealthy. I want to be here for them as long as possible. If I had not gone through with the surgery I am pretty sure I would have died at a very young age like my mother, who was also obese. I refuse to do that to my family. I have so much energy now too. Just yesterday I was holding my 1yr old and dancing in the living room to music on the tv. A few moths ago I wouldnt have done that. I would have been too tired and my knees would hurt. It took me a while to get banded. Mostly because I didnt want to admit I needed help. When I was pregnant with my baby girl was when the light bulb went off and I was finally able to admit that this was something I couldnt do on my own. I started research then and havent looked back. Best decision ever!!! I hope you have the same good experiences when you are banded. I wish you lots of luck!!!

Just wondering, for those of you that are already on the journey (or have completed it), what are some of the regrets (if any) you have? Do you regret getting banded? Something you could have done, but didn't? Something you did do and shouldn't have? Any advice for those of us starting out in how we can avoid these same pitfalls?

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

I have been succesful in loosing my excise weight but I do kinda regret being banded. Through my journey I spent a lot of time either hungry or getting sick. There were weeks here and there when I was in a good place in terms of the band. I now choose to keep my band pretty loose, had a large unfill after maintaining my weight loss for a few months. What I wish is that I gave eating right and excersising one more try on my own. I hadn't tried to loose weight in years before I got banded. That's my story, I certainly don't mean to discourage you, just wanted to share my experience. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

I am sorry for all your misfortune during your banding period. I don' t know that I'll have that same regret with regards to giving diet and exercise one last shot, because I have literally been dieting since I was 18.. I'm ready for a lifestyle change. I hope for all the best as you continue on! I hope things get or have gotten much better!

Thank you for sharing!

So far, no regrets--and it's only been two weeks, so the post-surgical pain is still a fresh memory.

Seriously--I had given up on ever being able to lose weight and be "normal" again. But since I started this journey (beginning with a six-month doctor-supervised diet to satisfy my insurance requirements) I have lost 47 pounds and gained the ability to climb a flight of stairs without stopping, to chase my toddler around the house without huffing and puffing, to go for walks outside with my husband and daughter without feeling exhausted.

This is the best decision I've ever made for my health.

This was very encouraging to read!! I'm so happy for you and your new lease on life! It's amazing how the band can transform people into someone they never thought they'd be...but in a good way!

Thank you for sharing this!

I don't regret my band but like I tell everyone else who asks me about it, if I knew back then what I know now about eating and exercising, I'd have never been banded. Surely losing 100lbs+ in a year is amazing, but I feel as if I did it on my own with very little help from the band, so part of me wonders why I got it. Either way no real regrets; I've had an awesome journey so far. No fills, minimal post-op pain, very few stuck episodes, etc.

That's amazing! And that you pretty much did it on your own is even more impressive. I've gone hard for a year at the gym, 6 days a week and not had the kind of results I've been seeing people on this site have with the band. I am very much looking forward to getting banded! Congratulations on all your success..and all the best as you continue!!

Wow..so far this has been so informative! I'm grateful to everyone for their candor..even if it was a bad experience. I've done my research and I know what I'm getting into, risks, numbers, potentials.. but it's always good to hear the voices of experience!

Thank you all for sharing so freely! It is very much appreciated!

No regrets at all. Best decision I have ever made about my body and future. I like eating properly and going to the gym. I am more disappointed in our government in Washington, DC. I enjoy eating each meal; and not feeling so bad after each meal, I always overate and stuffed myself I like it was "Thanksgiving Meal" I this was hopeful.

Just wondering, for those of you that are already on the journey (or have completed it), what are some of the regrets (if any) you have? Do you regret getting banded? Something you could have done, but didn't? Something you did do and shouldn't have? Any advice for those of us starting out in how we can avoid these same pitfalls?

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

I went to Australia in August and then had my surgery in October. I regretted spending over $1,500 on a new wardrobe in Australia when I knew I wanted the surgery ( but I really had nothing to wear because clothes aren't in big sizes in Korea).

All those clothes didn't fit me come December

i agree..I wish I had done it sooner... there are days I hate my band but I come back to my senses and realize I want to avoid emotions by eating,,,I think therapy has been so important,,,because I dont eat because I am hungry..I eat because I am sad, mad , lonely, happy...you name it