I am just in the starting phases of LB. I have my first consult in a couple of weeks. I am pouring over stories, before and after pictures and research studies. I am very excited to learn more and hopefully start my journey!

I did tons of research before being banded, too. There is only one thing I didn't research that I now regret... I really wish I had researched the sleeve. The reason I didn't is because I wanted to make sure whatever I did was completely reversible. But now, after being banded for over a year, the one thing I'm completely sure of is I don't want to ever live without some sort of weight loss tool in my body.

I do feel like the band will be temporary. If I had gone with the sleeve, at least it would have been permanent.

The sleeve is not technically permanent your stomach can stretch over the years I know several people who were banded over a sleeve... I originally was set on sleeve but over the last year have switched and decided to give the band a go. Like the person before me one main reason is reversible

I also did consultation at several places an even more doctors over the last few years until I finally found one I'm comfortable with even if it is a drive for me.

Good luck!

most important thing to remember is... the band will not do it all for you. You have to have a complete life style change. Watching everything you eat and how you eat it. Exercising at least 4-5 day a week. And im not talking a stroll around the block... i mean going till you get your heart rate up.

You will not go in, have the surgery and wake up skinny.... And i not trying to be discouraging or mean... but there are sooooo many people that think LB is a magic bullet. It's not... it's a tool to HELP you with your hunger and over eating issues. Remember some people lose slower than other. I was one of them. So many people come on here and say.... i got banded X weeks ago and i have only lost XX pounds. I say if you are one of the ones that wants to lose fast go have the Gastric bypass. But, if you want to lose and learn how to eat right and exercise.. than LB all the way...

If your in a relationship, how is it going? WLS has a high rate of divorce. Some people come out of their shell and feel they deserve better.... Some partners can't handle the "new" confidence that weight-loss brings. Not saying that this will happen to you, but i just wanted to mention. If your relationship is not good now, losing weight may make it worse.. but in some cases it has made it better.

I'm not trying to discourage you at all. LB surgery was the best thing i ever did for myself. I would do it again tomorrow if i had too. But, it has not come without struggles. Struggles with depression...over the loss of my best friend.. food. Struggles with getting off my ass and moving... My husband had and still has a hard time with the NEW me. Even though i was 100lbs when we met. He says my attitude has changed (and it has) and has even said to me that LB was the worse thing i ever did. But i didn't do it for him, i did it for me. And then to really piss him off i had a Tummy Tuck... lol. He got over it....

Dana... i wish you all the luck in the world and hope you find all the answers you are looking for. I'm here if you want a truthful straight forward answer.... and all the encouragement you need...

I was quite successful about 10 years ago on WW and lost about 75 lbs. I did work hard. I walked everyday and put alot of effort into the program. I met my future husband who is wonderful and became comfortable with our new life and lost focus of myself. I slowly gained most of the weight back. I know that this would not be a quick fix. I am looking for a tool and I know that is all it is. I have personally known a handful of people that have had LP or GBP and have gained their weight back. It takes work no matter how you do it. I do appreciate the input and support from each of you!!!

i would never want to discourage you in anyway. but the things i say are some of the things i wish some one would have said to me. Too many people think that WLS is a quick fix... but you have to be ready for the life time change.

I have had four friends that had GB and three has gained it all back. Two with the sleeve one didn't lose that much, one lost over 100, but recently started gaining it back. Many, but Five (very close friends) who have had the LB. Two have over excelled with weight loss and are smaller than me.. Ugh.. lol. One that has done so well that with in 4 months was off all diabetic meds that he had been on since a kid. One that looks just like she did the day she went in... one that weights more now then she did. These two don't follow the rules and never put forth the effort to exercise. And then there is My sister in law that completely failed at lb and had it removed three months ago and got GB. She is doing better with the GB. I'm proud of her. i just hope she keeps it up.

All the best