Hi everybody I am new to this as of like two min ago... I have been researching the Lap Band for a month now... I am still undecided I do go to a siminar on Sep 15 I just don't know if this is the option for me. I have been overweight for 10 years or more I have also done the yo yo dieting the sad part I have always been active in sports when I was younger I played Softball Volleyball Soccer I was even a cheerleader. Then I got heavier and only played softball my freshman year of High School and then dropped out got my GED and have been working ever since. at my work I was asked to play Softball for the City league and I did for like 2 years kept gaining weight and gaining weight then I got so embarrased to be out there I just stopped playing...

From the Lap Band website they are saying that I do qualify for the surgery I have a BMI of 46 and I have Obstructive sleep Apnea, and have depression.

I just wanted to say hi maybe get some advice and encouragement and tell you guys a little more about myself.

Thanks

K

Welcome. You'll find a wealth of information in this site.

The lapband isn't again cure. You still have to do the work to lose the weight.

Start with a daily exercise routine. If you start out now it'll be easier later.

What is a good way to start without being immediately discouraged?

Hey welcome! Like Jeff said, the band isn't magic, so you'll still have to do the work. It will however allow you to level the playing field of hunger so you have a fighting chance at success. Before my band I would have never been able to eat as little food as I do now and feel like I could survive without starving. What the band did for me was take away the craving hunger between small meals, and teach me how little food I actually need to live a healthy life. Because I was always hungry, I felt like I NEEDED all that food.

My advice to start immediately would be to cut out one unhealthy thing from your diet. Just one to start with. If you start really small, it won't be hard to keep up with it and turn it into a habit. Pick something that is really bad for you that you shouldn't be eating any way. After you've been successful with that, pick something else to cut out.

D.

Do your research. Read books& follow this forum.

Any WLS will have many facets involved. I agree with Maddysgram about doing additional research to more fully understand what your options are, and to get an idea of what your role will be for success long term to both loose weight and keep it off.

As others have written, the band is only a tool; and only by changing your relationship with food, exercise, and sheer determination to comply with life long lifestyle changes will you be successful with weight loss.

Come back to the forum often, ask questions, research threads, and learn as much as you need to.

Best wishes...

I highly suggest you check out blogs as well! There are a ton of people who write blogs about their experiences from beginning to end as well as video blogs! I have a blog myself and I started it before I was even approved for surgery!

Lots of great info on these boards as well! Don't be afraid to ask a question you think someone would have already asked! Most people love giving advice and sharing their experiences!

For me it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I feel better than ever and getting rid of the weight hasn't been that difficult. You do need to learn to eat all over again. You must chew, chew, and then chew some more. Take little bits and that helps. I don't get hungry but I do watch my calories because I don't want a lot of food anymore. Stay with the fills and that will keep you going. If you don't change how you think about food you will not be happy. I have a friend that still wanted to eat all the junk like before but just in little portions. Some of it is impossible to eat and you will learn quickly what that is. I was told shrimp and grapes might be difficult. I have had no problem but meat isn't easy. You just have to go slow and think about what you are eating. Like I said, it was the best thing I could have done. I am much healther now and look good. Good luck but don't do it unless you are sure and ready to change.