So I've just had my first consultation with the dr and he said I should have the sleeve instead. He reckons with 30kg to lose I would be better with that option and not the band. He said I might lose 15 - 20kg with the band and it allows you to lose 40-50% of excess weight. That most have it out in 3 - 5 years then get the sleeve. I have a feeling he is pushing the sleeve as I am self pay and its 45,000aed so twice that of the band; but still.

Can I lose on a lapband, would I be wasting me time? I've come away so confused and doubtful on something I was so positive about....

Any advice would be so welcome!

X

Hi Desertpixie

I"m in my 8th year of being a "Bandster".

I've had no issues at all. I listened to my doctor and I followed the guidelines given to me. Yes in the beginning I had to "diet".

I can still eat 3 meals a day and 2 Snacks (when I want to). I can eat ANYTHING in moderation except rice and apple skins.

I've lost 160 lbs. I started with a 54" waist and am now a 30" waist.

I host 3 coffee groups a month for people that have been banded. I have people in my groups that have been banded anywhere from 2 to 12 years and only 2 people have had issues (both slipped bands)... very early on and they are both doing well. Every person in my group has lost. There are at least 14 people that have lost 100 lbs.

If you work with the band it does work.

I have not regrets at all... it changed my life.

I love the band because I don't feel like I missing out on anything... ok.. maybe diet pop on a hot summers day or a cold beer now and then but hey I'll take being thin over a cold beer and have ice tea

Please feel free to email me if you would like to chat... I have free long distance and I would be happy to call you.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

tomander@bell.net

Wt. Loss: 160 lbs

For me it was the amputation, I just could not do that when the option of the "Band" was available. Yes each have numbers/data ... IMO and just for me it's was the lap-band that made sense.

My surgeon explained to me all surgeries and let me decided wich surgery I will do,he told me all of them have similar lost % 80,70,60+ except that the band take a little longer , I decided the band because it seem more safe from the other 2 , so far I am happy with my decision I lost 30 pounds including pre op liquid diet and down 2 sizes , at the end you are the one whom have to make a decision what is best for you not the doctor is you body and you owned, I was banded november 6 , 2013 best wishes to you.

That was it for me too. Actually loosing a part of your stomach. I can't deal with that. A band I can control and have as long as I do or don't want. I'm not a fan of Dr's or medical procedures so even this is pushing it haha.

Will take a look at the food and nutrition pages on starting to accommodate a lapband friendly food list now so I can be as prepared as possible. That was a good idea, thanks for the suggestion.

That was it for me too. Actually loosing a part of your stomach. I can't deal with that. A band I can control and have as long as I do or don't want. I'm not a fan of Dr's or medical procedures so even this is pushing it haha. Will take a look at the food and nutrition pages on starting to accommodate a lapband friendly food list now so I can be as prepared as possible. That was a good idea, thanks for the suggestion.

In addition to types if food try to practice some different eating habits as well for instance I practiced the following.

*not drinking any liquids during or 30 minutes after eating

*using a salad plate rather than a dinner plate

*eat with chopsticks or cocktail/baby forks and spoons

*put your fork down between every bite

If you practice these habits beforehand I found that after the band it was much easier to adjust to smaller portions and recognize when I wasn't hungry anymore rather than eating until "full".

I've had my date through of 4th january. This is so exciting and also completely nerve racking. Eeeeeek