This may sound negative to some, but... I have been researching weight loss surgery for about 2 years and just recently decided lap band is the right option for me. Looks like I am tentatively scheduled for 9/27/13 to be banded. However, even though I am ready for this - I know it's only a tool. The weight won't magically fall off, I'm still worried that it won't work for me.

I still will have to deal with pre-op diet, post-op diet, and exercise BEFORE the fills. So many other diets have failed, if i could stick to eating healthy and exercise, i wouldn't have this problem with weight. Right?

I understand that post-op I won't have much appetite but what about the rest? Anyone want to jump in here and tell me I'm not alone feeling this way?

Don't worry Debbie, you are so not alone. I've been banded since mid January and I know that it's so hard to imagine not being hungry all the time. Not eating like there's no tomorrow, eating so much food that it literally makes you sick....eating constantly. When happy, when sad, when bored, when...ever. Also...so you know, I was not 'in a good place' psychologically so it wasn't like, hooray I can't wait to be banded. I did this kicking and screaming. It's hard to explain, but when you are correctly filled or in my case, not filled at all but still at the green zone, you just are not as hungry as you used to be. Yes, you get hungry and yes, you are tempted all the time, and yes, you have to deal with head hunger. But.....if you're not starving, you can make good choices and eat foods that are better for you and stop overeating. You may have ups and downs, but I don't think you will fail. When the hunger is under control, you become in control. And it gets easier...at least for me...to eat band sized portions and be good with it. Oh...and I needed to lose around 120 pounds and am less that 40 away from goal. I'm in sizes I haven't been in in years and am just about ready to say goodbye to the plus size section. I'm just about there.... Good luck to you and keep us posted on your journey.

wow! glad to hear from you and sounds like you are doing amazing so i will be checking back in with you as time progresses closer to my surgery date for more encouragement! You have done amazing!

I too studied and watched others go through WLS and it became obvious to me that my chances of losing weight permanently was going to continue to be 00%. I was 100% sure I would never go below 200 lbs again. 100% sure I would fail every diet I attempted.

Some say 5% fail with the band and some say it's more like 50% fail. I knew this going in and I'd take a 50% shot at being healthy vs. a 00% shot all over again. What do you have to lose? You can always go back to dieting, but why not give yourself a better chance of leading that healthy life.

tmf

How did you come to the decision to have a lap band versus other methods. I am just starting my "journey"and am still confused as to which surgery to have. I only want to do this once.

How did you come to the decision to have a lap band versus other methods. I am just starting my "journey"and am still confused as to which surgery to have. I only want to do this once.

that's an easy question to answer. it was the least invasive of the weight loss surgery options. the band is not permanent and the other surgeries were.

Yes, that's why I was initially drawn to the band; but after talking to the surgeon, the dietician, and the psychiatrist I am beginning to waiver. I like that its not permanent, but I'm being told I won't lose as much weight, problems with slippage etc, and a lot of people end up having it taken out and go to one of the other procedures anyway.

Yes, that's why I was initially drawn to the band; but after talking to the surgeon, the dietician, and the psychiatrist I am beginning to waiver. I like that its not permanent, but I'm being told I won't lose as much weight, problems with slippage etc, and a lot of people end up having it taken out and go to one of the other procedures anyway.

I would never try to influence you...this is your decision. But I can tell you that with the band, you get what you put into it. My primary doctor also wanted me to get bypass because she said I wouldn't lose enough weight. I've lost 83 lbs. in 7 1/2 months and she has since apologized for not having faith in me. Follow the rules, hopefully get in the green zone, and believe me...you will succeed. Yes, there are complications but they are rare and yes, you have to be very vigilant with fills, and aftercare. But for me, this was the perfect WLS solution. Find a lapband doctor to get a balanced information. Don't forget that doctors will try to steer you to a direction that they prefer. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Thank you! I can't have my surgery until January so I have a little time to think about it, but hearing the story of other bankers can only help

Thank you! I can't have my surgery until January so I have a little time to think about it' date=' but hearing the story of other bankers can only help[/quote']

*banders*

I also wondered if this would work for me. I mean I really loved to eat. It made me happy and was comforting. I especially liked fast food. I have a history of losing and gaining. I tried dieting several times in the past 5 years and I would make it 2 or 3 days and then be so hungry I didn't care anymore and give up. So I gained and gained. Couldn't even yo-yo anymore. I got up to 364 lbs. Now I'm only 1 week post-op and already know I made the right decision. I'm down 32 pounds since my pre-op diet. The biggest difference I notice is that my life doesn't center around food like I felt it did before. I didn't realize how much control food had over me until now.

I also wondered if this would work for me. I mean I really loved to eat. It made me happy and was comforting. I especially liked fast food. I have a history of losing and gaining. I tried dieting several times in the past 5 years and I would make it 2 or 3 days and then be so hungry I didn't care anymore and give up. So I gained and gained. Couldn't even yo-yo anymore. I got up to 364 lbs. Now I'm only 1 week post-op and already know I made the right decision. I'm down 32 pounds since my pre-op diet. The biggest difference I notice is that my life doesn't center around food like I felt it did before. I didn't realize how much control food had over me until now.

Congrats on the great weight loss so far! 364lbs is where I'm starting from I keep losing and gaining the same 5-10lbs! I can't wait for surgery (09/27)

Please keep us posted on your journey!

I had surgery in March. I'm still struggling with the idea that maybe I made a mistake. I have "only" lost 30# and have gained and lost the same 5 pounds several times over. The most significant weight loss I experienced was during the preop diet and the immediate post up (2 weeks).

I am not in denial. I understand that it is not the band's fault that I haven't lost weight. It's still wrapped around the choices I make for what I eat and how I move (or don't as the case may be).

I did my research and thought I knew what to expect but the reality is that no one can truly prepare because we are all individuals. My latest fill is the first time I have actually felt any restriction. So I'm hoping that now I will start to feel the way I expected to from the beginning.

I'm in no way trying to be negative. I still have hope that this is going to be the answer for me. It's just not happening like I expected it to.

Hi Debbie, looks like your topic is getting hijacked, so to get back to your concerns with failing, my advice is to focus and gain confidence in your motivations. I've just decided to go ahead with band surgery, and I have pondered long and hard into why this and why now. I'm a little older than you, so my motivations concern the time I have left and the quality of that time. We know it's a head game, and the band will help with the physical part, it's up to you to make it work, band or no band. Now is the time.

that's an easy question to answer. it was the least invasive of the weight loss surgery options. the band is not permanent and the other surgeries were.

Totally agree about the band vs other WLS. It can be removed or fixed. Removing your stomach, gone for good !

Hi Debbie' date=' looks like your topic is getting hijacked, so to get back to your concerns with failing, my advice is to focus and gain confidence in your motivations. I've just decided to go ahead with band surgery, and I have pondered long and hard into why this and why now. I'm a little older than you, so my motivations concern the time I have left and the quality of that time. We know it's a head game, and the band will help with the physical part, it's up to you to make it work, band or no band. Now is the time.[/quote']

I had the surgery 1 year ago at 61 1/2 and have no regrets. So banders come in all ages and sizes. I no longer take meds except for Vitamins and minerals. Great feeling.

Good luck with your choice.