Hi, I am new to the site. I am struggling with the decision of whether or not to have a lap band. My BMI is 43 and I feel like crap all the time. I am way too young to feel this old! Anyway, I am wondering about long term. I have done enough research that I know this is just a tool and not a total solution. Just let me know how ya'll like it. :help:

Have you been to a seminar or consultation? I have not been banded yet, and was a little unsure myself. Yesterday I went to a consultation and when I walked in the waiting room, I was shocked to find about 20 women and men waiting to get fills. I had to wait for almost 2 hours to see the doctor, but this gave me the chance to ask everyone questions. Not one person said they regretted it. One lady had lost 200 hundred pounds. Another one was banded and had just had a baby with the band on. All of them said it is sooo worth it. After talking to the doctor, I feel very good about the decision. I am still a little nervous about what I'll be able to eat and being scared to eat because it might make me spit up, but I think the benefits will far outweigh anything else.

All this to say go to a consultation or seminar. Better yet, find a support group and go to one of their meetings and talk to people who are living it.

Good luck!

Cheryl S.

Hi, Cheryl. Yes, I went to a seminar last week. I couldn't believe how many people were there. The room was completely full and people were standing in the hall listening, because there were no more chairs. Unreal. I have heard some great stories also and some horror stories. But, I guess that is with anything. I am now in the process of getting my insurance stuff together, you know proof that this is medically needed. And, if they approve it, it is a done deal, I am gonna have the surgery. If they don't I will probably get set up on payment plans and have the lap band anyway. Keep me posted on your decision!

LeAnn

<p>Hi LeAnn,</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm RuthiA, and I had the LapBand Surgery January 9, 2007. To date, I've lost around 55 or more pounds. I'm soooo happy and thrilled at the results!! I too was very fearful re the surgery. I went into my doc's appt. and asked him if he thought I could or would survive this surgery. He said, "Let me put it this way...Your chances for survival are much better if you have the surgery than if you stay at your present weight, 343 lbs!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>That was all I needed! I had the surgery and I've NEVER regretted it once!! I'm only sorry I didn't have it sooner!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I've been telling each and every obese person who will listen to me....QUIT, torturing yourselves trying to lose the weight!!! This is SUCH AN EXCELLENT TOOL!!! This gives us the will power we were not born with!!! IT IS A PIECE OF CAKE (excuse, the pun).</p> <p> </p> <p>I tell everyone, this is like having your own personal cop 24/7!!!! You cannot cheat because you will get sick or uncomfortable!!! To me it is just not worth it!! Believe me, I tried!!!! But, you just can't beat it!!! It does NOT allow you to eat, once you are full!! It is a decent amount of food you can eat before you know you've abused it!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>To me, this has been a God Send!!! I was wearing a size 30-32 blouse prior to the LP. Now, I'm wearing size 22-24!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I'm looking great! And more important, feeling great!! Anyone with doubts re the LapBand Surgery....Please, please contact me! Take care, and do not be afraid! </p> <p> </p> <p>I had the procedure 1/9/07, and was just in overnight. I was up and about within hours!! The hardest part for me, was the first four days of the liquid diet...that was it!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Good luck to all!</p> <p>RuthiA</p>

Hi RuthiA,

You are so inspirieing! I am new to this web site so I will tell you and others my story. I was approved to have Lap Band surgery last July and I went up to the end.... had my pre-op tests and atthe very last minute I backed out. I allowed the opions of friends and family to influence me and decided that I could lose the weight on my own. And truthfully, I was AFRAID! I was afraid of not surving the surgery. About a year later, I now realize that not having the surgery was one of the biggest mistakes of my life. I have gone back to see my surgeon and I am now waiting for insurance approval. I am hoping that they will say yes. I am so ready now. I think that it was a process for me. I had to weigh the options (pardon the pun) and feel comfortable with my decision. It really helps to read the posts from people like you who have had such a positive experience. Please keep your fingers crossed for me....that my insurance company will approve the procedure for me. Thanks for listening everyone. Has anyone else had a similar experience like mine?

Lindsay47