So, I went to the seminar finally but I am confused now. The Dr that did the seminar says that with the lapband, you only lose about 30-40 pounds? My goal was to lose about 100-115 pounds. I feel like it is pointless to get the lapband if I will only lose 30-40 pounds with it. Another thing that he said, which isnt a big deal to me but my husband pointed it out to me was that you wont be able to eat steak or drink carbonated beverages afterwards? He says that steak is to tough to be able to chew it down small enough to swollow it and that carbonated beverages make you bloated and stretch out your stomach? I never heard any of this on any of the sites or boards I came across while researching this so I dont know if this is all a bunch of crap or what. I feel kind of bummed about it, I mean I was really excited thinking that I was going to be able to lose 100 pounds with help from the lapband then I get told that you only average 30-40 pounds. Is there any truth to this?

Addiction comes in all forms....

My surgeon was very pro-Sleeve. He wasn't against Lap Band per se, but he went into great depth on the Sleeve "since your insurance covers any of the 3 WLS procedures". He came off as neutral with the RNY and Band, but was very excited about Sleeve. He asked which I wanted and why. I told him I chose Lap Band and why, and he told me it sounded like I was in the right mindset to be successful. My goal was to lose 80 lbs, and he felt band was appropriate.

I use his favoritism as motivation to show him I can be really successful with the Band, I didn't need the Sleeve!

I met with two surgeons. The first one ONLY does lap bands, and he truly believes in them. He seemed very knowledgable but wasn't "warm and fuzzy".

Then I met with a second surgeon who seemed like a real teddy bear. Very sweet (overweight himself, which made me feel comfortable). He did Sleeves, lap bands, and gastric bypass. I thought "this is it. i'm gonna use him"

But then his Nurse Practitioner walked in and when I told her why I would do LB over GP, she started yelling and rebuking me. she said things like "only 40% of LB's are successful" (I knew this was not true) and "you never have restriction, because even with fills you can eat donuts" (true? maybe, but who said I would be eating donuts?!?)

I told her that I would like LB because it's adjustable, removable (if need be) and does not cause any malabsorbtive problems. Even when I LOGICALLY made my points clear, she said "it's your choice, but I really think you will be making a mistake"

I never forgot that look of disgust on her face and never walked back in there. I am using the surgeon I first met with and am satisfied with my decision.

BTW, my mom had Gastric Bypass 10 years ago. She never regretted it and lost about 100 pounds, but Even now, years out, she struggles with her malabsorbtive issues (Iron deficency, not being able to take anti inflammatory for her torn tendon,constant exhaustion etc.) Also she had no control of her weight loss and now sags with extra skin.

This is not what I wanted, and if I can avoid it with alternatives, then why shouldn't I?

The projection is 40-60% of excess weight, depending on age. Keep in mind bypass has a 63% excess weight loss stat.

These numbers include people who never lose weight, some who lose a little, and those that lost all excess plus some.

Keep in mind excess is 25 bmi and above.

I go to a LB support group twice a month. My leader is somewhere in her 50's and she had herLB surgery about 1 1/2 years ago. She has lost over 180 lbs!!! She works out 5 times a week, journal's her food and has followed all the suggestions by her surgeon. ( I am suing the same surgeon ).

I went to two different seminars with two different surgeons. I choose this one becuase he really went over all three procedures, LB, Bypass and Sleeve. Explained in detail positives v. negatives for all. When you complete your paperwork you have to explain in writing, which procedure you chose and why. It couldn't hurt to check out another surgeon.

If you have decided that the Lap Band is what you want, then you can be as successful as you want! Just make sure you have 100% comfort level with your surgeon......keep us posted!