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?

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.

You won't lose weight as fast as with gastric bypass but eventually you will lose just as much. By losing it slower, your body can adjust better and you won't have as much saggy skin because you can exercise and firm some of it as you lose it. Also, the bypass procedure has other complications like mal-absorption and risks of osteoporosis because you do not absorb the Vitamins, nutrients, and Calcium your body needs. My sister had gastric bypass 7 years ago and she was a success - she lost 120 lbs but I was with her through all the ups and downs and she is a nurse. she also thinks the band is a better option for me.

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.

I work for a Vitamin company that makes a great whey Protein drink that doesn't have the fat and carbs of others off the shelf. Try these...

http://procapslabs.com/Products/SearchResults.aspx?input=whey&sid=Alpha

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.

You won't lose weight as fast as with gastric bypass but eventually you will lose just as much. By losing it slower, your body can adjust better and you won't have as much saggy skin because you can exercise and firm some of it as you lose it. Also, the bypass procedure has other complications like mal-absorption and risks of osteoporosis because you do not absorb the Vitamins, nutrients, and calcium your body needs. My sister had gastric bypass 7 years ago and she was a success - she lost 120 lbs but I was with her through all the ups and downs and she is a nurse. she also thinks the band is a better option for me.