Hi, all!

Today I went for all my preop tests at the hospital: chest x-ray, EKG, bloodwork, etc.

The preop nurse screening me said she has not seen much success with the band. I asked her what that means--not much success. Did it mean that they have not lost 100lbs in six months? They've only lost 30lbs in a year? What?

She just said that they had lost some but not a lot. I told her that studies show that it takes a good 2-3 years with the band to be at the point where the gastric bypass folks are in six months to a year. "Oh," she said, "Oh, yeah. That's true."

So--I've had the leader of my support group and the preop nurse be quite discouraging about the band.

I might be crazy, but I think if I lose ANY weight with the band, it'll be worth it. To say that people aren't doing well with the band because they've only lost 30lbs in a year--well--that's better than staying at the same weight--and that's certainly better than gaining 30lbs.

Why are we as bandsters (or future bansters, in my case) seen as "failures" or "not doing so great with the band" if we don't lose 100lbs in a year. Don't you think that any weight loss is better than nothing?

My lap band surgery is this coming Tuesday, the 18th at 8:00am. I hope that it's worth it--but to me getting just 20-30lbs off will be worth it--hopefully that weight loss will encourage me to do more and more...Prayers for this Tuesday would be greatly appreciated!

Don't let them get you down. I did over a year of research before I settled on the band. My doctor was very supportive. He has several bypass patients, but I am his first bandster and he is very impressed.

My band surgeon does both procedures and he chose the band for himself. That really spoke to me when I was making up my mind.

I've lost 90 pounds in a little less than 17 months.

I think you answered her very respectfully and appropriately. Good for you. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVerybody has thier own theory. Best someone like that to keep a neutral attitude.

good for you and good luck with your upcoming surgery.

I would be elated if for each of the last 3 years I lost 30 pounds.

30 +30 +30 = 90

I think that no matter how you are trying to lose weight, somebody out there thinks you're doing it the wrong way. You know what they say about opinions...

Hi Dana,

My surgery is also on Tuesday. I am excited and a little scared, but I know that I am making a great decision. I have been overweight my whole life, and for whatever reason I do not have all the tools I need to lose weight and keep it off, and the lapband is going to be the tool I need to get the weight off and keep it off. Please just stay positive and focused and you will be successful. Be proud of what you accomplish but don't be afraid to reach for more. You can do it!!

Best wishes!

Thank you, everyone!

Mouster--see you in bandland! One more day, huh?