I am currently trying to decide if I want to do this. Last year I got to the nutrition part & my mother talked me outa it. Now my coworker is having it. She is excited but nervous. She is considering the sleeve. While I don't wanna be big forever I like to eat. I would love to be small and be able to do the adventurous stuff I am dying to try. I keep going between having it or not. Then if so do I band or sleeve? I've never been so big in all my life!!!!!! Ant advise would be great!

The best advice I can give you is to do your homework. Research the facts on both the band and the sleeve thoroughly. Find a bariatric doctor near you and go to a free seminar and learn about both. It's very important to learn all the facts and not base your decision based on anecdotal evidence online.

It's also really important to realize that no matter what you choose, you have to remember all weight loss surgeries are just tools not magic cures for fat. You will have change your eating habits and lifestyle forever regardless of which surgery you choose.

On a personal note, getting the Lap Band is by far the best decision I've ever made for myself. I've lost over 200 pounds over the last 16 months. My life is truly amazing. I'm doing and seeing things I never ever thought I'd get to experience. I absolutely love my band and how it's helped me change my life.

Best wishes on whatever you choose is best for you

I so agree with Mis73 u must educate yourself on each of these surgeries first and when make such a life changing decision u must be mental ready knowing that these tools are not just short term fixes but are made to be a life time fix to a problem we are face

Good luck in your decision

PS I also second Mis73 my land band was the best thing I ever did for myself

If your "mother talked you out of it", I'd suggest you weren't ready for this surgery. That doesn't mean you won't be someday...maybe even now. Only you, after MUCH consideration within your own mind/heart, and information from a qualified doctor/nutritionist, can deterimine if you are really ready. Are you REALLY determined to make a change? Do you REALLY want to do those "adventurous things" you talk about? If you REALLY do, then this might be for you.

I understand where you're coming from when you state you "don't wanna be big forever, but you like to eat". I had the same mental issue. But both are possible....you can still "eat" and not be big forever.

It was what, and more importantly, HOW MUCH I was eating that caused my being fat. And of course, the fact I wasn't doing anything to burn all those calories I was eating.

I'd venture to say, if you watched me eat in public NOW, you wouldn't even guess/know I had a band. Maybe early on, when learning how to comfortably live/eat with my band you would have. I can NOW eat most anything I want. I take "normal"/small sized bites of food, and just chew more.

Eating less than three or four plates full of food doesn't really stand out as odd to a lot of people. You'll learn you don't have to eat seconds/thirds/fourths to be normal. I just make healthier choices most of the time, and let my band help with the portion control. PORTION CONTROL was my problem. And my band takes care of that for me, now. And I'm loving it!

Best wishes to you on your decision.

which ever surgery you get, its not a miracle

you will have to learn to eat better foods and have a entire mental attitude change so many people go into this WLS and expect it to drop off...its not easy

any WLS has pros and cons.....dont get it if you are just gonna expect to wing it...

i see it all the time on here, someone get a band and in 2 months, they are wishing they got the sleeve.....little do they know, if they just tried...the band could work and just because they got the sleeve, it doesnt guarantee weight loss.

have the surgery if you really want to lose weight

and that means want it bad enough to actually follow how to use it

and then do it..hemming and hawing will only keep you big and most likely get bigger.