Was It Worth It?

[didixo 8]

Hello,

Over the weekend I had a consultation for Lap Band procedure. I am very interested in going forward with it so I joined this group to inquire further and because most likely I will go for it. I have many questions and fears and I read many posts about it. One questions that's on top of my head is: Is it worht it? along with: were their expaectations met? I read many success stories and still I need some assurance that this will help me. I have failed many times. I am self funding this so it is a very big decision for me and my family. I would appreciate some feedback. Thank you for your support that I guess starts now

Didi

[Toddy 758]

My opinion is that if your "head" is in the right place and you are willing to give up certain foods forever, and you realize that the band is only a tool and that YOU will have to still work at weight loss, then yes, it is most definitely worth it!

[legnarevocrednu 47]

Hello! I think the lapband was the best decision I have ever made! In less than 4 months, I have lost 56 pounds. My expectations were exceeded! However, you still have to be willing to make a life style change which involves making better choices and working out. If you are committed, you will lose the weight! Best of luck!

[Corrigan 75]

I spent the better part of 40 years losing weight. I didn't have much trouble losing, but the same problems that caused

the weight gain in the first place kept putting it back on. Finally my new doctor said my weight was causing serious

health problems (diabetes, sleep apnea.etc.) and I was going to have to lose weight and keep it off. He suggested

a Center of Excellence and band surgery, that was in September. I've lost about 60 lbs and still going. I haven't had

this much energy in 30 years, I've rebuilt our kitchen, family room, planted a new lawn (1/2 acre) and no end in sight.

These are things I've put off for years because I just didn't feel like it.

If you can find the dedication to restrict your diet (with the help of the band) for a year, you can lose up to 100 lbs.

This takes work on your part, the band makes it easier, but it will still take a lot of effort. Where will you be next

year if you don't do it?

Find a good program, educate yourself on lapband surgery, and if you do your part, you'll loose as much weight

as you want and feel better than you have in years. I hope you find everything you're looking for.

[steph1967 13]

In my opinion it was the best decision I ever made...would I do it again? most definately. would I recommend it absolutly ..but like others said it is a tool you have to be willing to give certain things up and stick with the new lifestyle it requires. I attend support group that is offered my my surgeon, I still go for regular check ups and fills, i still see the weight loss specialist who measures me and talks to me about diet often. I was banded 5/14/08 I was 381 lbs I am now 157 I went from wearing a size 30 jeans to a size 6 and a 4X top to a medium. it has been a long road but it is well worth it..

[Holly Dolly 575]

I was self paid as well and it IS worth every dollar. But I agree with all the above posters. The band is just a tool, it still takes work for most people. Some people say they are never hungry, don't care about food anymore. Well, that hasn't happened for me. But I have been successful following the rules for the most part. Got a little side tracked though the last few weeks but I am ready to take it on today! Already got a 3 mile walk and jog in to start the week, I am feeling good!

[lorena st 33]

I agree with all the other posters. I had been obese for 25 years and had lost the weight several times over that time period. Unfortunately, I gained it all back (plus some extras). I am one of the lucky ones, where I am just not that hungry anymore...but it is still work. I still have to make good food choices. I always ate a good diet, just too much of it. The band has put a stop to the volume of food I used to eat. I am also a stress eater, and that is when I used to get into the high calorie food. Actually now when I get stressed, the band seems to tighten up on it's own (which effectively puts a stop to stress eating). So would I do it again...You bet I would!

[Amanda1982 142]

Welcome, if you are looking for “assurance” that this will help you, I’m sorry to say that we can’t give you that. Nobody can no matter what program or diet you choose. Honestly the band does not work for everyone and we can only speak from our experiences. “Were my expectations met?” No, but to be honest my expectations in the beginning were not realistic. I wanted the band to help me lose 145lbs in a year because I’d seen posts where others have lost that much weight. I based my expectations on other people’s successes not realizing that I’m different and I’m a slow loser.

I’m very happy with the 63lbs that I’ve lost so far. This is the beast decision that “I” have made for myself and my children and I look forward to losing more as the days go by. It’s a life style that you have to be mentally ready for. Eating right and working out is important to your success. Be ready to give up some things with the understanding that the peace, energy, and boost to your self esteem will outweigh those things that you are giving up. Pray about it, talk to your family, ask questions on this site, talk to your surgeon, and make the decision that is best for you. Good Luck on your Journey!!!

[BayougirlMrsS 3,933]

Didxo..... this question has been asked many time over the years and the "majority" of us will say the same thing..... YES!! it was worth it and YES!! my expectations were EXCEEDED.... But like the above have already said...there is a lot to go along with getting banded. You will have to break up with food. Most of us will say that was a hard hurdle to jump. Not turning to food for sadness, happiness, anger, love.... etc. You will have to make time for you to exercise, you have to make sure your hubby is on board. Lost of marriages don't survive ones new found confidence and attention.......

we have some people that come on and will tell you ..... they never watched what the ate and never exercised and still lost.... well ok. But for most of us it was hard work.

So like Toddy said.... if your head and heart are in the right places... then continue your research and make the best decision for you and your family. And i say your family because they are a big part of this journey....

I understand the money part, i just recently had my Tummy Tuck that i had to pay out of pocket. Went back and forth with the same.... but then i thought. My kids are grown, i have worked all my life (most of the time more than one job at a time)... plus being wife, mom, housekeeper, cook, driver,.... etc.. I deserve this....I'm so glad i did it...

good luck

[BayougirlMrsS 3,933]

Welcome, if you are looking for “assurance” that this will help you, I’m sorry to say that we can’t give you that. Nobody can no matter what program or diet you choose. Honestly the band does not work for everyone and we can only speak from our experiences. “Were my expectations met?” No, but to be honest my expectations in the beginning were not realistic. I wanted the band to help me lose 145lbs in a year because I’d seen posts where others have lost that much weight. I based my expectations on other people’s successes not realizing that I’m different and I’m a slow loser.

I’m very happy with the 63lbs that I’ve lost so far. This is the beast decision that “I” have made for myself and my children and I look forward to losing more as the days go by. It’s a life style that you have to be mentally ready for. Eating right and working out is important to your success. Be ready to give up some things with the understanding that the peace, energy, and boost to your self esteem will outweigh those things that you are giving up. Pray about it, talk to your family, ask questions on this site, talk to your surgeon, and make the decision that is best for you. Good Luck on your Journey!!!

i too was a slow loser..... two years to lose 80lbs... well now 84 after the TT. I also, only lost 63lbs in the first year. the remainder came last year. I too wanted to lose 100lb in a year, but now im glad i didn't. Losing the weight slower meant my skin went back better. My PS said that besides my apron, my arms, legs and back has gone back great. He did do a little Lipo on my sides, back, hips.... but it was for contouring.

Good luck in your next years.... and if you haven't already... get to the gym. It will help. I started with Zumba...

[honk 780]

Absolutely would do it again. Wish I had done it years earlier. One thing I have to disagree on is that you have to give up certain foods for the rest of your life. That was my problem in the past. I could go on a super restrictive diet for a year or so loose 100 pounds but then have to fight huge mental challenges. I could never have dessert again or a hamburger. My doctor wants me to be able to eat all things just is moderation. I try to live by thhe 95/5% rule. Eat really healthy 95% of the time but be able to have fun foods the other 5%. That said I don't keep my trigger foods in the house. I would eat them. No question: any processed carb that crunches. I was buying low fat versions but then eating the whole bag in one setting. This is at least a 50% mental challenge. My doctor requires therapy sessions on overeating; which helped me understand why I was over eating. If your doctor does no require such meetings; find your own therapist and have a couple sessions.

You need to develope a healthy relationship with food. If you have thin friends or family watch how and what they eat. I had 7 + months between consult and surgery and I spent that time developing new foods habits.

[didixo 8]

Thank you everyone. Thankfully, I do enjoy working out so that part will not be hard, I just eat too much. I eat when I am sad and what makes me sad is being too fat. Its like a vicious cycle. I am tired of feeling like this. I am tired of this life, of being unnoticed or made fun of. I thank you all for your support and will keep you posted on my decision. Amanda, I am sorry it has been somewhat more difficult for you. I just hope you continue your journey succesfully. Keep it up and dont lose focus.

Didi

[didixo 8]

Honk, thank you for your words. Do you know where I can find a website that lists support groups for overeaters? I would love to go to a group before and after I get banded.

Didi

[Cocoabean 430]

Yes, all my expectations were met. I lost all my excess weight in two years and have maintained it for two more. I am very happy with my decision.

One big thing to consider as a self-payer for lap band is the aftercare. Fills cost money. Many surgeons cover fills for a year if you are self pay, but I am 4 years out and had 3 fills after the 1 year mark. Right now I am considering a slight unfill.

Those can cost up to $200.00 per visit. Plus my surgeon will not do a fill without an Upper GI after the one-year mark. Will your insurance cover that if it is for a band? I think they will, but I am not sure. If there are any complications and re-operations required, you will have to pay for that as well. Which is true of any of the weight loss surgeries if you are self pay.

The band is not a set-it and forget-it procedure. Gastric Bypass and Vertical Sleeve are once you are over the initial surgery. They have a higher early complication rate, and other factors to consider, such as malabsorption with bypass.

I don't mean to be a negative nelly, but there are losts of costs associated with lap band than just the initial surgery.

[smileyxo 16]

Hello,

Over the weekend I had a consultation for Lap Band procedure. I am very interested in going forward with it so I joined this group to inquire further and because most likely I will go for it. I have many questions and fears and I read many posts about it. One questions that's on top of my head is: Is it worht it? along with: were their expaectations met? I read many success stories and still I need some assurance that this will help me. I have failed many times. I am self funding this so it is a very big decision for me and my family. I would appreciate some feedback. Thank you for your support that I guess starts now

Didi

For Real Best thing I have ever done in my LIFE!! Wish I did it years ago! No Doubt in my mind easiest challenge of my life and I have had many, Go for it!!