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I'm thinking about getting the surgery, I've tried everything I see a dietitian monthly I talk to my Dr, I exercise, and watch what I eat. My Dr recommended this to me and well since I come from a family of bean poles they told me this is a cop-out. I think I really need it. Is there anyone that can offer me advice on this surgery? I've been watching YouTube and reading for weeks I have my eval coming up and can't think of what to ask or expect because it seems like everyone has different outcomes.

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Hi

I just past 7th year mark. The lapband changed my life. I have no regrets at all. I started with a 54" waist.. now 30".

If you would like to email to ask questions or if you would like to chat on the phone to ask questions I'd be happy to call you... I have free long distance. I chatted with many people on the phone both in Canada and the US monthly... I've met some really great people here over the years.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

tomander@bell.net

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Hi there, first of all commiserations on the bean-pole family -- I totally know what that's like. I'm adopted and the women in my family are fairly petite and of a certain genotype. They don't get fat. Ack! Anyway, I'd say you are in the best possible place for research. The process takes a long time so while I've been waiting for the wheels to turn I've been on here nearly every day reading people's stories and participating as much as possible. Every time I ask a question I get amazing answers from very kind and knowledgeable people. There is a lot of compassion, which is something that has been missing for me because of course I beat myself up so much for "getting this way." Every one here has walked in the same shoes, and I really appreciate that.

I decided on the Lapband because it's the least invasive and it is reversible. I want something to help with my appetite so I can be successful at losing weight. Like most people I have dieted a lot and even lost a lot of weight, but only to gain it back. I need something permanent and this tool will help me reach my goals. I'm already wishing I had done this twenty years ago rather than struggling along into my fifties. Best wishes to you!

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I've been banded for about 5 years now and it truly changed my life. It gave me more confidence and made life a lot more fun to live. While Lab Band isn't the right tool for everyone, it is an AWESOME tool.

However, the word TOOL is the key. Remember this isn't a magic pill and you will wake up skinny. This is a tool to help you control your food intake. It can't make you not eat the junk.

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I say go for it, without hesitation or reservation. I tried for years to lose the weight: phentermine, Atkins, Slim Fast, Quick Weight Loss...you name it, I probably tried it. Yes, they were all successful for a while but I eventually gained the weight back. The band is different, unless you are a glutton for pain - it's hard to mess this up.

Although it is good to have the support of your family and friends, sometimes you just have to keep things to yourself and do what you think is best for you.

Good luck, don't look back!

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Thank you everyone. It makes me feel better reading this page knowing that I'm not the only person with weight problems. I'm so happy to hear everyone's success stories. I understand thus is a life style not a "skinny pill" even though I wish there was a such thing at times. I look forward to reading more on this page. Thanks guys :)

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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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