If I am in the research stage and have questions about how well I can follow the "rules" am I ready to get serious? Have ordered th big book and am hoping it will give me important details.........

I think it is super important to do as much research as you need in order to feel comfortable with your decision. Let me know if there is anything I can help with.

what was the worst thing for you

The two week diet before. I haven't really been hungry as much as I've had cravings for ribs (because I wanted that to be my last hurrah but was good and had chicken instead)

The gas is not fun, but the weight I am at is not fun, I figure that the pain is temporary so that I can live a better life

First, I applaud you for doing the research and asking yourself "am I ready?". Too many rush into this totally unprepared and uneducated.

You'll know you're ready when it feels right. I know that's a horribly vague answer and likely not helpful at all, but it's the best response I can give you. It just "feels" right. For me, I had this moment of clarity when I simply knew this was right the right choice for me. I was still scared and I still had doubts, but deep down I knew it was the right decision.

Best wishes to you.

Good for you for doing your research. It's so important to take time to think it through. I'm not quite banded yet, but I know if I had gotten it done when I first thought about it 3 years ago I would have failed miserably. I was in no way ready, and at the end of the day all I wanted was a quick fix to get skinny without having to make a lifestyle change. Now, I WANT a lifestyle change, and I'm seeing loosing weight as just one of the benefits of making that change...my pant size is no longer my main focus, my overall health and well being is.

When you're truly ready, you'll know!

Does your doctor required sessions with a eating disorder therapist? If not I recommend that you get a referral and visit 1. My doctor does require these appointments and I thought they were going to be a total waste of time. Turns out they were 1 of the most important parts of my pre op journey.

It is so important to understand what are your triggers for overeating. That can be types of food or social situations or stressors. They can help you with coping strategies.

I don't regret having surgery and I personally had a very easy recovery.

If I am in the research stage and have questions about how well I can follow the "rules" am I ready to get serious? Have ordered th big book and am hoping it will give me important details.........

only you know if you are ready.

if you go into this thinking the band is a miracle and you can continue

past eating habits, you maybe in for a surprise...you have to change what you eat, how you eat, exercise and have a huge mental change from cant to can.

read some posts on here by successful people, read their journeys.

B52, missy floridays, jean mcmillian, aj, alex b (LBT founder) and countless others and see it can be done..it can be done if you want it

i look forward to reading your journey.

If I am in the research stage and have questions about how well I can follow the "rules" am I ready to get serious? Have ordered th big book and am hoping it will give me important details.........

I never read the book.. But I did Internet research and interviewed 3 doctors. I was past ready. I was willing to do whatever it took... And sometimes it was hard and other times it wasn't...but I can promise you that for me the end result was most certainly worth the effort and sacrifice.