i am seriously considering having the lapband surgery done. i am about 200 pounds overweight. other than that i am in good health. any advice from those who have had lapband surgery? my husband is very supportive of this. he said to go for it if it will make me feel better. i also want to do this so i can be healthy when i have my own children and so i am able to have children. sara97a is my yahoo screenname if anyone wants to chat.

sara97a

My strongest suggestion is to research it and go in with a full understanding of what it is all about.

If your surgeon or the local hospital has seminars, attend one and ask questions.

Banding (as you'll see over and over again here) is not the simple solution...it is a tool that will help you but it will only work if you have the will to exercise self-control over what you eat.

Since banding only relies upon restriction, many high calorie foods (such as ice cream, milkshakes, chocolate, potato chips, etc.) can go right through the stoma into the rest of your stomack and never give you the 'full' feeling that signals you've eaten enough.

Banding requires focus, and following the rules - but it can really help if you follow the rules.

Caveat: I've only been banded since May 21st, and have my first fill this week, so I can't really tell you what it is like long term.

Hi Sara,

I to have decided to have the lapband. Ever since I made the decision I have been very excited. I wish it could happen tomorrow. This web site has been so helpful to me in making my decison. I wish I had done this many years ago. Being so young you will have the rest of your life feeling good, being active and living a full life.

Good luck with your decision.

Karen

Sara, you will love being banded. I've been banded a year and I've lost 56 lbs. It has been really easy for me. Now the work has begun to lose the remainder of my weight. My goal is 10 lbs per month. I can be at goal at Christmas! In any case, just know that the band is a tool. You still have to stay away from bad foods, drink your water and exercise. I think you will find it very motivating when you start to lose weight. I am glad your husband is so supportive. It makes a huge difference. You can expect to lose 1-2 lbs a week, but if you follow all the bandsters rules you can lose a ton your first year. It will probably take you a 2-3 years to lose everything. They say 30% of your excess weight the first year. I have seen some bandsters lose 100 l bs their first year. Exercise is key. Good luck to you. You will love being banded. Julie