Discouraged....

sylhaven · April 11, 2008

I met with the surgeon yesterday. He said I am the "ideal" canidate for the lab band (BMI=40). He also said that the research indicates that most will lose 30-50% of their excess weight with the band. I want to lose 120 pounds and he said the only way to do that would be to get a gastric bypass. I was really hopeful bout the band- not to keen on the getting chopped up bypass. So- I opted for the band. I know that my insurance requires 6 months of "supervised" weight loss. I already did this with LA weight loss. The problem is LA weight loss sold to Pure Weight Loss which went out of business- as in door locked, phone disconnected- can't get me records closed :sad_smile:

I plan on trying to lose at least 30-40 pounds pre-surgery (during my 6 month wait). He said if I can do that- I will be able to reach my eventual goal with the band.

I would love to connect with others trying to lose weight pre-surgery. I sure could use the support.

jnbwilds · April 11, 2008

Hi! We started at the same BMI - and let me tell you - you can TOTALLY lose more than the 30-50% of excess body weight. Of course, they estimate on the low end, just so your expectations are realistic. I do think it's important to go in with the expectations to get healthy rather than to get skinny. However, I've lost over 50% of my excess weight and I'm just 2 months out from surgery.

Don't worry! You can do it. Remember, the statistics have to take into account all the people who do not adjust their lifestyle and eat around the band. If you follow the plan and use the band as a tool rather than expecting it to be a magic solution - you can lose closer to 75% of your excess weight.

losingjusme · April 11, 2008

i completely disagree with the fact that you WILL only lose 30-50% of your excess weight.

there are MANY MANY on here that have lost 100% or more of their excess weight.

bypass might be quicker than lapband (not all cases though), but in the long run - i think 2 years - its about even.

the band is a tool to help you lose the weight. exercising and eating right will help you achieve your goals.

good luck.

Lori Ann · April 11, 2008

Please don't limit yourself to believing that you can only lose 30-50% of your excess body weight. I have lost so far 96% of my excess body weight.......If you follow the band rules and do what you are supposed to do, you can lose more than 30-50% of your excess body weight....I know you can!!!! Good Luck!

sylhaven · April 11, 2008

Thanks for the encouragment!

Melissa

Pix · April 11, 2008

Your doctor is quoting you the low end results of the surgery. Mine did the same, I just smiled and nodded and let him go on about how bypass or the sleeve would be better for me etc. I told him 'thanks but no, this is what I want' and he backed up and started talking to me about port placements etc.

I told him I had done my research, I know extremes (both ends) and I know the "normals" and that I found the long term affects of the band to be more my speed then bypass or the sleeve.

Stick to your guns, don't let him scare you off with worst case scenarios.