Well the good news is that I am going to get a lapband:clap2:

The weird thing is that the doctor was very doubtful that I would loss weight. He suggested that most patients only lose about 20 - 50 pounds and that most people get frustrated and give up. He suggested gastric bypass. I need to lose about 120 pounds and I feel discouraged. I am a self pay and I don't want to pay thousands of dollars to lose 20 pounds. He also said that there is a high percentage of "failure" with the band. I want to stay positive, but I hate to say this but I am having a bit of a case of "second thoughts". Can anyone share some of their personal experience with me, and give me first hand advice?

well, look at the before and after pictures of people. THAT right there is proof that 20-50 pounds is not accurate!!! You doctor sounds like he will benefit and pad his wallet if you elect the bypass. I am three months out and have lost over 60, I DO NOT agree with your doctor at all. A lot of bypass people that I know have gained their weight back, and there is nothing that can help them from doing so. I think you need to find a doctor that is supportive of the lap band.

When I went to the hospital's seminar in April and started this process, we met actual patients who shared before photos and their personal stories. Let me tell you I met a guy who was older (already retired) and when he started was probably as heavy as me. He had at least 3 heart bypass operations, was diabetic on insulin and taking tons of medications. In a year post op he was off almost all meds, was riding a bike for the first time since he was a kid and was close to his ideal weight. His motivation? He was blessed with grandchildren and wanted to be around as long as possible to enjoy and play with them.

It can be done! YOU HAVE TO DO IT NOT THE DOCTOR! He or she simply implant the tool to get r done then its up to you.

I've lost 92 pounds with the Lapband and there are a whole lot more on here that have lost more than that. I think you doctor must lean towards the gastric bypass.

One word for your doctor - WRONG!!!!!! I'm only 2 months post op (almost - 7 weeks) and I'm down 36lbs. I know a lot of people who have lost a ton of weight. I'm in the same boat as you, I had 100 lbs to lose and was self pay. This is the best thing I've ever done.

Hey Cyndilou! We were banded the same day! Great job on you rweight loss! I am down 20 pounds and I have my first fill on Monday. I cant wait because I have been sitting at 20 lbs for about 3 weeks now. Have you had a fill yet? I agree that the Dr. who said 20 to 50 lbs. must not be pro-band. Personally, I would think twice about having a Dr. with that attitude do my surgery. You really need support during this time...not pessimism.

When I was at my pre op nutrition class, there was a lady in there who had previously had gastric bypass by a different surgeon. She was now getting ready for a band. Don't know the particulars, but in some way it was not successful. My surgeon is one of the tops in the nation, so I doubt she was going to do the band for the money on this lady. Also, as others have mentioned, look at the success stories on this website. I'm only 3 weeks out from surgery and have lost 13 of the 70 that I need to, but I certainly don't feel like it's failing me. I get my fill on 8/9 and I can tell you that this has forced me to change my food choices and eating habits. Good luck in your choice!

I'm 3 years out and I've lost 85 lbs. I haven't given up, and I'm still losing weight, however slow it is...

Maybe your doctor's aftercare is suspect for HIS patients getting frustrated and giving up? Perhaps you should find a doctor who has more hope for a procedure that he's willing to take thousands of dollars to perform..

Dear CookieLover.... Isn't it going to be SWEET to prove your Doctor wrong??? Think positive and keep hanging out here... lots of cheerleaders & inspirations here!!!

Might be time to find a more supportive doctor. It's important to have one that's on your side and will support and encourage you as you go forward.

I definitely agree that you should try to find another doctor. EW!! I don't like his attitude! Not to mention the fact that he's just plain wrong.

Personally, you couldn't pay ME $1 million to hack away on my intestines....the complication rate is way way way too high for my comfort, and irreversible!

Keep in mind, however, that this board IS a bit prejudiced! :car:

You are right, but there is not that many doctors in BC, Canada doing the surgery. So, I am going to prove him wrong. I was thinking and I think he was speaking from past patient experiences. And there is nothing about me that is "go-with-the-flow". I am going to totally KICK BUTT. My Goal: 101 pounds. Yeah you heard me, deal with it Doctor! I am going to throw your "average" out the window. And guess what, I am going to do a post-op diet, even though you didn't mention it. Because after what I have read here tells me that it is much better for my recovery! So HAH! I am so ready to do this thing. Let's go.

Way to go cookielover, you will do great with the surgery. Check out this site as much as possible and whenever you have questions and you can't find the answers listed on a thread then post your own and we are all sure to respond. You can do it! I am routing for you. You are about to enter bandland.... Keep us posted on your progress.

I believe your doc has some bad info. That is not at all what the lapband website says. My doc said I needed too loose 120 pounds. I've lost 80 in the first 12 months and still losing just fine. My doc said to expect 50 - 70 percent of weight you need to loose in the first year and the rest in the second year. He is right on it too. I've seem many, one than sticks out is Edie, look her up, she's done wonderfully.

Hi cookielover. Wow, I am glad I read your post. I have learned a lot in the last 2 years. I use to be 20 lbs over weight. I was a gymnast and was always looking for ways to loose weight. I found a way 10 years

ago by eating "low glycemic foods". It was not that hard once I decided

to try it. The first 5 days were a little hard, but not as hard as other

diets I tried. You get to eat enought food to keep from being hungry,

you just don't eat foods that raise your blood sugar high.

I lost my 20 lbs, and my husband lost 30. My friend lost 50 doing this

2 years ago and all of us have kept the weight off.

Email me and I can explain the details to you. You can do it!!!!

I would love to help you and encourage you. It is easier than you think.

The great thing is that it doesn't cost much to do and you will feel

great.

My email is armsfamily@comcast.net

what????? *sigh* 20 pounds is so not even in the league of what we have to lose. If I had just 20 pounds to lose, I would NOT of had surgery. You are barking up the wrong tree here lady!!!