Hi... I do not have the band nor scheduled my surgery, yet. It's a huge step that I want to take but am more than a little nervous about.

A little about me - I'm 26, 5'9" 335lbs, married to an amazing man and my best friend for 2.5 years, photographer, biker, no kids yet just animals - a pug, a cat, and 2 birds =) that's me in a nutshell!

My husband and I went to a band-consultation together - with him thinking "let's do it" and me thinking "i don't know". Afterwards, we traded opinions. For now, we've decided, if we move forward, it will be for me alone and he will probably do it at a later time.

My hesitation now is that I did what I was advised to do... research the good and the bad. The good is, of course, amazing - the perfect partner to help you achieve your goals. The bad... is pretty bad - worse than what the patient advocate described. The doctor and band related complications are terrifying by themselves. But also the possibility of causing problems by not sticking to the program - WOW!! I'm looking at this b/c I've tried to lose weight on my own and can't. How is this really going to be any different? Now, if I get off my diet, I gain the weight back (with all the future illnesses that can cause). With the band, if I don't do exactly what I'm supposed to do... I could cause all kinds of damage to my body, be completely miserable, have projectile vomit, get malnourished, and so many other things.

For now, I don't know what we will ultimately decide. But I'm very glad I found this site. It's extremely helpful.

I don't know about all the really bad stuff, but I recommend really doing your homework about what surgeon to use, and what after-care they have. From my research, good aftercare is as important if not more than the surgeon...

I've only been banded 3 weeks, but I've already lost 26lbs since the pre-op diet, though it's likely considerably more because I haven't weighed myself since my first checkup two weeks ago... So far so good. The surgery was easy. Recovery wasn't too bad. Eating now is weird. I just had my first "stuck" today on day 2 of real food because I swallowed some mango too quickly before I finished chewing. I guess old habits die hard. But it wasn't SO bad. It certainly didn't feel worse than after a huge binge where I not only felt gross physically but also totally hated myself on top of it... It was just uncomfortable for a while.

And yes, people have complications and slips and all sorts of things that go wrong. But people also have diabetes and bad hips and ankles and get out of breath tying their shoes... So it's all relative. In the end, I figure I have to at least try, and we'll see what happens from there...

And FWIW, I never ACTUALLY decided I was going to get banded. I put a stake in the ground one day and said "I need this" and then went to an info session. Then a few days later I found myself calling for the surgical consult. And then, I don't know, somehow one foot was in front of the other and here I am banded.

It's really all about what YOUR pros and cons are. If you think you need it, and you want it, do it. Don't let fear of the unknown hold you back. But if you don't think you need it, or aren't sure you want it, then think about it some. You're young. Take the time you need.

But I'm glad I did it.

I am one month banded 4/6 and have lost 30 lbs in 6 weeks since my pre op diet.I know that reading dome of the posts on here can be really scary.I am a nurse and know about good nutrition and have seen the results of bad nutrition .I did the research and decided it was best for me with my family history of diabetes and strokes.I have not had any of the post op stuff people post.no vomiting ,one day of gas pain ( not. Days or weeks) I am eating chicken, no infection .one real stuck episode which taught me how to chew.for the actual problems I wad having by not getting the band out weighed the potential problems I might encounter.so that's my short story.best of luck to u !

Thanks to both of you. That really does help a lot. =)

Dy~ You have come to the right site here. It is absolutely wonderful and everyone is so helpful.

I have not got my band yet. My insurance wants me to go through 6 mons before I have my surgery. So I am looking at surgery date of Aug/Sept. When I was first told this, it depressed me. I wanted it RIGHT AWAY! But now I am glad because everyday I think of something new, look at it in a different light. I am tired of feeling and looking like Jabba the hut.

So, read on, my dear. You will find that the positive entries excite you and out weigh the negative. Take your time.

Good luck, new friend! Let us all know how your doing!

FYI Kathie, you can appeal your insurance denial. I've heard that some people got the decision reversed.

Good luck to both of you!