I'm in the same boat. I have tried everything but never committing to anything or giving 100% I want to lose 80lbs so I'm thinking that's why I don't need to have surgery, that should be something I do on my on and with discipline I can. The thing is I've always had a hard time sticking to anything over 2wks. Confused and don't know what to do. Also I was wondering if I did have it after I lost weight could I get rid if it.

I'm sorry your struggling with your decision. Me personally, I could always lose the weight or lose some of the weight, and I would always put it back on. The reason I decided to go through with this is 1 I have 125 pounds to lose and 2 is because it is successful at helping you keep it off. I was tired of doing the same thing and getting the same results, so I had to try something different. As far as having it removed I know that insurance will only pay to have it removed if there is a medical necessity. If you pay out of pocket you may be able to have it removed but it is not recommended.

~~~Stephanie

WE all needed a TOOL for weight loss that's why were here, seeking information.

The thing is I've always had a hard time sticking to anything over 2wks. Confused and don't know what to do, I would visit all the forums here, Check out all the WLS surgery options, talk to a Doctor, one might not be the best option for you. Some areas offer Meetings that explain all or the majority of WLS's Also I was wondering if I did have it after I lost weight could I get rid if it. The band is not permanent, they call it the least invasive, meaning they can do it lapascopically and not have to re-route internal organs. Normally the only reason for removal is due to complications. But not losing weight with a band IS considered a complication. ( and it does happen) Other complications are listed in the Link in my signature line if you care to read about them. Having a Lap Band is a commitment of a life time, not a period of weeks. You Have a Pre-op Testing and Diet, surgery, Post -op diet, and allot of learning how to eat less and differently (slowly) You'll be expected in most cases to attend support meetings, go in monthly to fill the band with saline (at cost). But if problems occur you might have to have un-fills and then re-fills to manage your weight loss or avoid regain. I just wanted to give you a little Overview of a life with the band is like. I'm sure others will add to what I've already mentioned. Good luck in any decision you make.

Thanks for the info(-:

I needed the tool, just saying. I could lose 80 pounds 10 times and gain it back every one.

I was never able to last two weeks on a diet. Every Sunday I would over indulge because every Monday I was starting a new diet. By Tuesday I would fail. I doubted Lapband would help me, but I took a chance and it has been the best thing I could have done for myself. Today I am wearing a size 14 down from a 22 and I am confident I will get down to a size 7. Even after I got the band I thought I'd be a failure. However, once I got the right amount of "fill", I was no longer hungry, I didn't graze on food during the day, I was satisfied on much smaller portions. The inches came off. I don't count carbs or calories, I just find myself eating like a normal person that's a size 7. I've had the Lapband for seven months, I couldn't be happier.

@its a new day:what do you mean by the correct fill? And congrats on your weight loss. I'm so familiar with the every Monday a new diet..I read that and staring laughing reminds me so much of myself.

Fill is the saline adjustments they put inside the band to make it tighter or looser.

I've lost weight many times in the past and ALWAYS gained it back and more. The band has allowed me to keep the weight off. I need the band for Portion Control. I would never have band removed.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

You can take the band out once you've lost the weight but chances are without the band you will gain it back. So mostly you keep it at the right fill level and you keep it in to help you maintain your weight loss.

I was like others, I probably lost and gained 1000 lbs over my years. I was on WW and lost 40 lbs, went on vac for 2 weeks, gained 20 back! Lapband is a tool for success!