Hey everyone!

My name is Petra and I am considering lap band surgery. Ive been overweight most of my life...I started to gain weight when I was 7 or 8 years old and at age 13 (and around 200 lbs) found out I had hypothyroidism. I was put on medication and lost a lot of weight by 14 years old (and my slimmest at a size 9). I slowly gained weight since then and I am now 232 lbs. Ive struggled with hypothyroidism, and my major weight gains have happened due issues with medication dosages which cause a decrease in thyroid function. I have tried every diet except for pre packaged food and have lost 15-25 lbs but always gained it back. I now have high blood pressure and take a low dose of medication to control this. I am also at risk for diabetes since it runs in my family.

Im tired of feeling horrible and depressed about myself, and Im tired of always feeling hungry even when I eat a "normal" sized meal. I want nothing more than to be able to shop for clothes freely without worrying if a store carries my size or not. I dont want pain due to excessive weight when I work out or do anything physical....and I would like for once just to feel comfortable in a bathing suite!

I want to have lap band surgery, but I am also afraid. Im afraid that I will go through with it and it wont work! Im also afraid that I wont qualify or my insurance wont cover the procedure. I do know that I do not want a more invasive procedure and I started looking into the lap band since it is reversible.

Any advice or guidance would be great...all I know from here is that I need to start talking with a surgeon.

Petra

I think those are all normal fears and we all have them. I haven't been banded yet, but there are tons of success stories on this forum. And from what I gather, the band works if you do the work and follow the rules. It's a tool, not a miracle cure.

Knowing this, I myself, have decided to proceed with the lap band. And my first step was attending a free seminar.

Best of luck to you with whatever you decide.

The band is a wonderful tool. I have lost 68lbs in 9 months.

But, it is only a tool. It doesn't stop the head hunger or what you eat. You have to change your eating habits, if you dont change your habits then you will not be successful. If you follow your doctors orders and the band rules there is no reason why you would not be successful.

Good luck with your decision.

I so feel your pain and I am sorry. I would take it one step at a time. FIrst find out if you are covered by insurance or if you can afford the surgery. Read through the Forrum and continue asking questions. The band is not a quick fix but a tool. You eat small meals to feel satisfied something that often has to be learned. it wont stop you from overeating. That you have to learn. You also have to learn to make good choices and fight through head hunger. I would suggest once you find out about coverage either see a doctor or see if there is a group in our area for people who have been banded. It is hard at first till you get the hang of it and it is a life time commitment not a diet.

Best of luck to you! I would suggest the success stories on the forrum. There are some very inspirational stories.

The band is a GREAT tool.

I have no regrets at all... it's the best thing I ever did.

Here's some advice I give to new bandsters that I've shared here before.

I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters.

Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite.

When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey.

Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger.

Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books.

Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey.

The second book is:

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

Hi. I have not yet been banded but plan to in dec. I'm 56 yrs old and so sick of being overweight. I am going to true results to have it done. And my insur does cover it. I'm the type of person who researches EVERYTHING I do and especially this I have OVER RESEARCHED THIS. I'm thoroughly convinced this is the TOOL that will help me. I'm a very cautious person and don't jump right into things but IM SO READY FOR THIS. I have read every thread on this site. GOOD AND BAD. And I'm positive that this is for me. Hope this helps

The above posts are excellent.

When I was considering the surgery the first thing I did was call my health insurance and found out I wasn't covered for any wls. Because i felt this might be the thing for me I decided to go to a seminar anyway and find out just how much it would cost, and get all the details. I went to the seminar... Then I went to see 3 different surgeons. The one I selected was the first one I visited.... He wasn't the one with the seminar. I researched my self pay options and talked to my spouse and made the decision to do it.

That was 215 lbs ago and almost 2 years. It was the best thing I ever have done for myself.... But not without sacrifice and commitment.

Best of luck as you consider your options.

Hi Everyone,

I am in the same boat -- This is the second time I am going through a program and anyone I tell that I am considering lap band surgery tell me I'm crazy and that they've heard a lot about how it doesn't work and people gain ALL their weight back.

I've been heavy all my life and need to do something soon. I am 60 years old and have a beautiful grandson I want to be around for.

Right now I am in the surgery program again. I have lost 28 lbs on my own (between the first time I signed up in 2010 and when I returned in October 2012. I have met with the psychologist, attended a group support session, met with the nutritionist and have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow -- BUT -- I am still undecided if this is the right thing for me because of all the "nay-sayers" (including my family physician who is pushing me to follow a full vegetarian diet).

I am worried that if I don't have my family's and personal doctor's support that I will fail and that's really what's making me so unsure. I really think I can follow the diet after surgery (I'm already doing some of the techniques like chewing well, slowing up, and not drinking during meals). In fact, I've lost 4 lbs since I started that.

So confused................but I do appreciate all the positive things I've heard on this website!

Thanks for sharing and your honesty!!!!

Thanks for all the advice, I have a consultation at the end of the month, and will know more then!

HI Phyllis

You may be able to find a support group through your doctors office... or start your own coffee group. If you would like to email I can give you some tips on how I started my coffee groups.

I also have free long distance and would be happy to call you.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

I just had mine done on the 22nd of last month. It is the best thing I have ever done. It is definitely a challenge.. and I don't have a fill in my band yet, I know once I do, it will get a bit easier. The people here really helped with my decision to get this one and the many successful stories, knowinig once day I will be one of those people. There is no room for failure when happiness is in your sight! Grasp it girl!