I just heard from my bariatric center that my insurance submission for lap-band surgery has been verbally approved - I'm excited but unsure of what to do - I need some opinions. I know I'm lucky my insurance has approved this procedure, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't defer the decision to have the surgery.

It's taken 14 weeks since I started the process. I'm a 49 year old male, 5'8" tall, starting weight 290 lbs. I have Type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea complications. Once I made the commitment to change my lifestyle and pursue lap-band surgery, I focused really hard on my diet and exercise. During these 14 weeks, I have lost 43 lbs - my eating and workout schedule enables me to burn fat at over 3 lbs per week.

So I've gone from a BMI of over 44 to a BMI of 37. At 247 lbs, I'm still a fat man, but I'm no longer morbidly obese. I'm off of all of my diabetes medications. I exercise intensely every day. I feel that I can sustain this rate of weight loss for some time. Since I've had such good results from diet and exercise, should I keep the surgery as a fallback option and keep trying to lose more weight without the lap-band tool? What would you do?

If it were me, I would do it. It is a tool to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life. I too started on a diet as soon as I say the surgeon and it is going well for me. I am banded but do not have any restriction but I loose about 2 to 3 pounds a week. I want to know when I get it off that it stays off!! Goodluck with your decision

Eric, I have done the same as you in the past. Went and did the Body for Life 12 week challenge, lost 58 lbs, back it came. Did the Atkins mess, same thing. It kept coming back, and sometimes brought friends. If you are truly serious about a lifetime result, the band is awesome. I am 46 and it took me this many years to decide to live healthier.

Just my opinion, but the band was my only choice for long-term results.

Good luck with your choice.....Dave