I am still undecided. I go to the doctor next Friday and I have a lot of questions for him. I have heard about the god and the bad regarding getting the band, but then I was told by a friend that I don't need it. She said that I am not that big and that I will be able to loss the weight if I change up something in my deit and more exercise.

The stuff that I hear and see on the internet is so scary to me.

What do you all think????

Maybe your friend doesn't want you to lose weight and be thinner than she is. Just a thought...

I had a so called friend that said that to me, we didn't do anything after I got the band.

She might also be worried something could happen.

A true friend would support you whatever you decide , if u medically didnt need the operation u wouldnt be able to get it unless u were self pay, would your friend tell u not to take pills for an ailment/illness, personally i cant see any difference, maybe u need to get a new friend along with your new healthy life ..

At the end of the day, you have to do what you think is best for you, regardless of what your friend thinks.

According to your profile, you have a BMI of 40, so you do fit the criteria for it as well. A BMI of 40 or more is considered obese- further proof your friend has no clue what they're talking about.

I would strongly suggest going to a seminar to learn about Lap Band if you haven't already. It's crucial that you fully understand what to expect (and not expect) before you actually have surgery.

As for my personal opinion, I love my band. Getting banded was by far the best decision I've ever made myself. I couldn't be happier.

Does your friend have a lot of insight with bariatrics? Is she also obese? Does she have medical experience? Has she tried 34 different diets only to fail with every one of them? Does she fear for her health due to obesity? Can she walk in your shoes?

tmf

Does your friend have a lot of insight with bariatrics? Is she also obese? Does she have medical experience? Has she tried 34 different diets only to fail with every one of them? Does she fear for her health due to obesity? Can she walk in your shoes?

tmf

I agree.. walk a mile in my shoes comes to mind

I agree with the rest of the posts. If you feel that you have put forth the effort, then go ahead and get banded. If you don't feel ready for this, then don't do it. You're friend is not being a friend right now. I would hate to see you get banded, lose some weight, and later on put it all back on.

There's no harm in waiting if you aren't ready. I turned down the procedure twice in the past 6 years because I thought I could lose the weight on my own. As time went on and I became more and more frustrated, I realized I needed some help. Just remember, the band is a tool. You are ultimately in control of what you want to do. I have yet to be banded and I'm glad I'm doing it. I have already started working out again and preparing myself for a life after the band.

I feel for you, I really do. Just remember, those of us on this site are here to encourage and support you too.

I am still undecided. I go to the doctor next Friday and I have a lot of questions for him. I have heard about the god and the bad regarding getting the band' date=' but then I was told by a friend that I don't need it. She said that I am not that big and that I will be able to loss the weight if I change up something in my deit and more exercise.

The stuff that I hear and see on the internet is so scary to me.

What do you all think????[/quote']

I had a few people tell me I didn't need it. Usually people who have never had weight issues. Do what you think is best for you!! Good luck!

I am about the same height as you, a healthy BMI is about 130. that's a lot of weight to lose, if you are comfortable doing it on your own go ahead. I have to say that other "fat" friends aren't always the best ones to get advise from. I know some people think this is a copout too, let me tell you it is not!

the band is not a miracle, we are helped by it. we still need to develop a new mindset about eating. I have always understood nutrition, I just never applied it to MY life!

Ask the doc lots of questions, this needs to be something YOU are comfortable with. I have never felt so good, never...