I have a consultation appointment in a few weeks and have done a ton of research on the band. I'm curious how much/how fast you lose weight on the band? I'm not interested in doing any of the other surgeries, removing stomach etc, but those seem to have a faster weight loss. Thanks!

Unlike most people, I did zero research. My lung doctor told me you are getting this surgery and made the appointment for me to go to a meeting about all the WLS. The band is the best thing I ever did for me. I started the journey, October, 2011 and started watching my intake, March, 2012 at 268. My surgery was July 30, 2012 and I was 240 that day. I am now around 190-192 and have had 3 fills for a total of 1.5 cc. I have lost 60% of my BMI and the doctor is thrilled with that number. I want to lose more, don't really know how much. I planned on this taking 1 1/2-2 years to get to my new weight. The way I lost the 28 pounds before the band was having shakes for breakfast and giving up all breakfasts. I still have them every morning and enjoy them. I don't eat eggs so this really works for me.

I go to the support groups every month at the hospital and love them. My husband goes with me for support and he has learned a lot, also.

I hope I have helped you. Just ask any and all questions, there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Arlene

It all depends on YOU!! If you follow the guidelines given to you by your surgeon. A pre-op diet helps get you into the groove of eating less. Exercise will help to not only lose but get stronger.Everyone is different, and it's sooooooooo True. As far as I'm concerned any WLS can be Successful if you want it enough. and ANY weight loss is a GOOD thing if you get healthier

Their is allot of good advise here on LBT. SO make a note of all your questions that you want to ask before going for the consult, It's allot of information to take in at once. Write down the answers as well.

Ask the doctor how many patients he had banded, what is the success rate of those patients, what is the average weight loss for his patients. What are the complication rates, and what complications If any has he seen. Ask if he finds a hiatial hernia will he fix it while he places the band. ( I had one that I was unaware of prior to the band) He will probably tell you also about the tests that will be needed prior to be banding, endoscopy, Phys. eval, stress test, sleep apnea, Ask what pre-op diet they recommend, ideas for protein drinks, meal plans etc. He will probably tell you that you can discuss all of this with the nutritionist, but that may be a separate fee? Ask if he is going to be available to discuss problems if any arise some offices always instruct pt's to "just go to the ER" When in fact most ER's don't know how to handle band problems.

I could probably think of more things ...but you will find answers here if you just put it in the search it's full of information from allot of good people.

My surgeon said he expects 6-8 pounds a month or 1.5-2 lbs a week. This is the same expectation as most diets. The difference for me has been its much easier to stay on track and make good choices when I'm not hungry all the time.

Personally, I have lost 80 lbs in 9 months a little better than expected even though I've hit a little stall.