Hi Everyone! I don't have a surgery date set yet, waiting for approval and clearances but I've attended a couple of my bariatric group's support group meetings and met with the friendly staff. Did my blood work and had the first upper GI. I've been mostly thin all my life till breast cancer treatment and surgery in 2003, after which I've gained almost 10 lbs each year. Ideally I'd like to lose 70 lbs, but my doctor says it's unrealistic and I can expect to lose about 35 after banding. I'm also a little concerned because he declares a 25% post-op complication rate. I am eager for reassurance, support and to hear success stories from this group, particularly from those who have (from the outset) less than 100 pounds to lose. Thanks!

Ester, there are people on this forum who have lost over 200 lbs. It all depends how bad you want to

lose. The complication rate for the Lap band is less than any other weight loss surgery.

I've only been banded for two months and have lost over 50 lbs. with no fills.

You can lose 70 lbs by next summer, with a little effort

Hi Everyone! I don't have a surgery date set yet, waiting for approval and clearances but I've attended a couple of my bariatric group's support group meetings and met with the friendly staff. Did my blood work and had the first upper GI. I've been mostly thin all my life till breast cancer treatment and surgery in 2003, after which I've gained almost 10 lbs each year. Ideally I'd like to lose 70 lbs, but my doctor says it's unrealistic and I can expect to lose about 35 after banding. I'm also a little concerned because he declares a 25% post-op complication rate. I am eager for reassurance, support and to hear success stories from this group, particularly from those who have (from the outset) less than 100 pounds to lose. Thanks!

I would run from the so called Dr. as fast as you can. If he is this misinformed then I sure would not let him do the surgery on me. This is not to mention the after care with fills and all the support needed to reach goal. Keep reading this site for the success stories. Ignire the ones who say it can't be done.

I would run from the so called Dr. as fast as you can. If he is this misinformed then I sure would not let him do the surgery on me. This is not to mention the after care with fills and all the support needed to reach goal. Keep reading this site for the success stories. Ignire the ones who say it can't be done.

This was the second Center of Excellence I've been to, after the first one took my insurance copay upfront and I had my introductory meeting with the surgeon--then I got a call when I got home, it was the office saying that they're not providers for my insurance. There are no other Centers of Excellence in my region. Tri-State Bariatrics came highly recommended to me by a close acquaintance, who got banded Aug 31 and is doing fabulously, no complications either. She has been very supportive and informative, otherwise I may have been convinced to look out of my area for a new surgical group. I hope to remain positive about future outcomes and take what I want from the doctor's statements and ignore the rest. The support groups at his center overflow with glowing success stories, so I will try to remain hopeful about losing 65-70 lbs by next summer and will be devoted to changing my lifestyle. Mind over matter, I guess. I am really desperate and determined to do what it takes to lose the weight, using lap band as a tool.