Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

seeking opinions/first appt nov 4th



Recommended Posts

I have my first doctors appointment Nov 4th to talk about the lap band surgery. I will be paying for this operation out of pocket, so I am very interested in any feedback from people who have already had it done. Its very expensive out of pocket, so Im just wondering if yall think the surgery was worth it? How much weight have you lost and how fast? I want/need to lose about 100lbs and I feel like Ive tried everything. Feel free to give positive and negative feedback. Thank You!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

First, the best advice I can give you is to do your homework and make your decision based on actual facts, not anecdotal evidence you read online.

As far as your questions, I think it was totally worth it. I've lost over 230 pounds in about 20 months time and I'm still losing. For me, it's the best decision I've ever made for myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is very expensive, I went through insurance and it's still very expensive for me. When I look at where I was and where I am now, I feel it was very worth it. I was down 90 lbs by 10-11 months. I'm now down 115 lbs and I'm 18 months out, just did the math wow! I have about 50 lbs until ultimate goal. They say the average patient loses 40% of their excess body weight, I guess I beat the odds but there are people who don't lose so much. I definitely agree with Mis73 about doing real research. Maybe even get opinions from two surgeons in the event that one seems to want to sell you a band at any cost.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks ladies! I appreciate the feedback and I have done my research. Ive been researching it for about a year now, so at this point I have decided to go forward with seeing the doctor/nutritionist/psych, I just found this site yesterday and was curious to see how actual people who have had it done feel about it. Ive heard plenty of "oh, i know so and so had it done and blah blah blah" but I havent gotten to speak directly to anyone thats had it done. So, here I am :) But thats awesome how well its worked for you!!! I, too, believe it will be a life changer

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

As with any of the weight loss surgeries, complications can and do happen. I agree with the others that you should take as much time as you need to research all of them and make an informed decision. Have questions prepared for your appointment and if you are not comfortable with the answers or the surgeon get a second opinion.

The band is not an easy road by any means. Your head has to be in the right place and you must follow the band guidelines you will get from your surgeon. If you have any doubts, ask questions!

I lost 100 lbs and made my goal in 8/9 months and am very happy with the results, however, I am one of the small percentage of people who had complications.

Just 10 days ago, I had revision surgery to another band because my original slipped up onto my esophagus and had major scarring. I will tell you though that I was banded in Mexico with the old 4cc band, which is notorious for this very type of problem.

The reason I am telling you this is not to scare you but to stress the importance of letting your doctor know if you sense anything at all doesn't seem right with your band.

Good luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

britt, I lost 100+ lbs. I am actually currently recovering from my cosmetic surgery (the last phase of my journey). I would guesstimate 100 lbs in 1 year as long as you are consistent and follow the rules :)

Definitely worth every dollar. This is not like anything you've done before (aka weight watcher memberships, pills, expensive delivery meals etc) where it was just a loss of your investment.

I wish you all the luck. If you have specific q's, please feel free to email :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Want an old man's opinion? Do you research, check out more than one doctor. Ask all the questions you can, and then make a decision. If the doctor or doctors you interview with have support groups for their patients ask if you can attend. Where I had my surgery allows the preoperative patients to come to the support groups to hear first hand the experiences of the different surgeries. Our groups are for all of the surgery our doctor offers, by pass, lap band and sleeve. We all have a different story but are working for the same results. Outside support is good too. This could be therapist that deals with people with weight loss and food issues, or programs such as overeaters anonymous that offer support for eating problems.

Lots of luck in your journey. I have had my band for almost 9 months and have given away about 80 pounds. Would do it again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×