Hi all,

I am just beginning to consider the Lap Band and research it. I have read about PB, sliming, foaming, vomiting, post op pain and gas, hunger while doing the liquid diet stages, etc. What I would really like to know is how do you feel on down the road with the lap band. Are u starving the entire time you are losing? Do you get to a point where you eat less but don't feel gnawing insatiable hunger? Please let me know - is it really worth it?

In terms of energy, I can say that after losing about 20-25 lbs - very early on - I found myself walking down the hall one day and I realized that I was walking with an energetic bouncy gait - FAR from the crouching limp that I had previously called walking.

The pain in my knees and ankles was all but gone and I felt about 20 yrs younger. The added joy was in knowing that those pounds are gone - not coming back in three months like they would have before.

I eat literally everything that I ate before - even the occasional glazed donut (carefully!) - and I never ever have that gnawing, driving need to eat. Usually, I eat a couple of donut HOLES and I am satisfied. Not at all like the old days when a half a dozen donuts was the standard serving size for me.

As for PB's - they can and should be avoided. It's a matter of keeping your band at that "Not so tight" stage and exercising JUST a LITTLE self control. It's much easier to do, now. I have to consciously diet to lose weight - but when I DO eat the proper foods, when I DO exercise, I lose about a third of a pound a day - consistently. A nice, steady loss. When I fall off the wagon - I find that I maintain that loss over time until I am ready to focus on diet & exercise again.

Banding is the smartest choice I ever made for myself.

Good Luck in your deliberations.

Renebean: You are an inspiration. I loved reading about how you walk with an "energetic bouncy gait". I am so happy for you and your lighter body!

Thank you!@

Marg