Hi all, Obviously I'm new but I only have one main question. I've been thinking and researching the Lap band on and off for about 4 years. I finally decided to do it. I live in OR but because I am self pay am going to Dr Ortiz in MX. I am scheduled to be banded on Aug 21st. How quick is that?!!!

Now for my question.... I'm noticing that very few people seem to lose all their weight. Is this true? Is there a "norm" I know everyone is different but I guess what I'm really asking... am I spending a lot of money to lose only some of my weight? I want to lose 125 lbs what are my odds? thanks for any help and advice. I send my deposit on Monday :faint::help:

Welcome!

I think it's different for everyone. I notice though that people with the most weight to loose tend to loose it fast and in a very dramatic way, but the closer to healthy weight, the slower the process is. And you've got to take into account what your body's natural weight is as well as bone thickness and height and all of that other stuff. Some people are supposed to be heavier, no matter how much they restrict their stomach and some people gain so much energy, that they end up exercising all the time and gaining weight again through muscle gain!

But I think you'll be able to loose what you need to loose.

Feel free to come join us in the August support group, by the way, and find out who else is having the surgery on the same date as you.

I just went to my seminar last Wednesday. One thing that Dr. Singh said about Lapband vs bypass is that Lapband is a much slower process. Now I haven't been banded yet, so I can't tell my personal weightloss, but I picked banded over bypass for a few reasons. One it isn't as invasive and becasue it is a slower weight loss. I have no health issues. Yes I would love to snap my fingers and have my weight gone. But my hope with the band and the slower weightloss is tha I will have the chance to really break my old ways and that I will have a chance to tone up as I am loosing weight so I won't have as much hang.

I think that you will lose the amount of weight that you need to lose...IF YOU WORK AT IT....It is a much slower process than gastric bypass, but you still lose the same amount of weight over a longer period of time...The band is only a tool....remember that....don't think that just because you get the band, then magically the weight will just fall off...you have to work with the band...You have to change your eating habits, you have to work out, you have to make good choices...the thing about the band, it makes you behave...I can't eat more than a half a cup per meal...If I do, I will be sick...well...I choose not to get sick, and I choose to do what I am told to do...the doctor gives specific orders and I really try to follow them to the letter....I am not saying that I do everything just perfect, but I really do try...

Good luck with your decision....I hope that you are happy with whatever you decide to do...