I just wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself and tell my story. I am located just North of Toronto, Canada.

I do not currently have a surgery date. I've been researching 'Slimband' for approximatly a year and have debated it the entire time. If it wasn't for the cost, I would have done it already. My best friend is scheduled for her surgery May 11th and I'm very excited to see how she does. I'm also the one accompaning her to the procedure so they are going to give me a tour and an opportunity to ask the surgeon questions.

I have been overweight since I was a child. At 12 years old my doctor had my Mom take me to Weight Watchers. I lost 80lbs and then gained it all back again. I have done Weight Watchers atleast 5 times since then in between Jenny Craig, Slim Fast, diet pills, and god knows what else. I've never reached my goal weight but I generally have some loss and then put it all back on plus some.

I'm tired of this yo yo game. I want to feel good about myself and to stop feeling like a failure. I want to be healthy and to be able to shop in a 'normal' store. My husband and I want to have kids in the next couple of years and I want to be able to play with my kids and have the energy to chase them around. I also want a healthy pregnancy and to raise my kids in a healthy way and not pass on my bad habits to them. My parents have a lot of health concerns and I want to do everything I can to prevent that for myself.

My husband is nervous about the surgery. I keep trying to explain that it is not an invasive procedure and the benefits could far outweigh the negatives. I'm hoping my friend's surgery goes well so he can see that everything is okay. His other major concern is cost.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to tell a spouse or loved one that the lapband can be an excellent tool that is worth the cost?

Thanks!!!!

I was a self pay and my wife was very supportive. We have 2 young children and decided adding years to my life with my wife and kids is better than any vacation or home improvement project we could have spent the money on.

I lost 51 pounds in 10 weeks. My life has changed for the better. I have more energy, can do more with kids, no longer have sleep apnea, my BP is the best its ever been and i am confident in myself.

$$$ is tough to part with but nothing is more important than a healthy life together.

Good luck with your decision and keep in touch.

Jay

I was also self-pay & have not not regretted it for a minute. I did a lot of research and found an experienced surgeon who also offered excellent care before, during & after. Maybe your husband can go to a seminar with you? I, too, have been up & down forever. It's been a great journey so far. You still have to make good choices and follow the rules. You still have to change your way of eating and that may include your way of thinking. But, it is so much easier than it was before, at least for me.

All the best!