Hi, I'm new to LBT and welcome all the insights from everyone. I'm considering lap-band and have a couple of questions. I've read many, many threads so far and have gotten alot of questions answered. Here a few lingering ones:

1) When you get banded, what happens to the "bigger" part of your stomach? Don't you still get "hunger pains" from the bigger part that isn't full anymore?

2) I'm still seeing people talking about eating what I consider alot of food even with banding. How is that possible if your stomach is so small?

3) My BMI is 34.5, not considered "morbidly obese" (that makes me feel SO MUCH better, not!) but I've struggled with this for most of my adult life. I'm 48 and have rampant heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol (on Lipitor now for 3 years) etc. etc. Am I overreacting by getting a band?

Thanks for your thoughts...I appreciate having a place I feel I can "talk" about this, since I'm uncomfortable talking to anyone in my life about it. They consider me "weak" that I can't lose my weight (by the way, 5'4", 203 pounds).

Thanks, Patti

Hi, Patti, there is a lot to learn about the band. I'm learning every day. Have you tried doing a search on here for various questions?

If you've tried various weightloss methods and you have serious health problems, the band may be the tool you need to lose and maintain your weightloss. But you have to be willing to do your part..healthy, moderate-size food choices, consistent exercise.

Soft foods like puddings will slip right through and you'll still be hungry. There's a lot of mental as well as physical work to do.

Just because the tummy growls doesn't mean we're hungry. Heaven knows, none of us are at any risk of starving to death!

The solid foods you eat stay in your new pouch and give you a "full" feeling. You're eating less and losing weight, without feeling like you could eat paint off the walls.

We're not "weak"! It takes a strong person to realize they have a weight problem and seek help. And this is no easy fix! It takes work, but regaining your health is definitely worth it!

Best of luck to you!

Welcome Patti,

Ditto what Marie Says