my doctor has memtioned the lapband for me. I am looking for information about what to expect before and after. I have two 9 year old girls and need to make a good decision the first time. I have started reading information on the procedure but want to know about the LIFE side of the process. I have mixed feelings over what I have found so far. this is a big thing for me and I don't know if I am alone in that or not.

I'm newly banded (May 20th) and can tell you that it is a dramatic change in my life and lifestyle. Not that that is a bad thing. Being overweight (ok Fat!) with Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and High Triglycerides...I needed to do something dramatic if I wanted to live and take care of my family. So far I've lost 40 pounds including the pre-op diet, etc. Most importantly however, is my blood sugar is almost normal, my blood pressure is now low normal and I'm not sure on the triglycerides, etc, but I'd venture to say that they are normalizing as well. I went into the hospital on 8 medications and am now only on 1, and hopefully that will go away too. I miss the social aspect of eating, but that's the only thing. As Weight Watchers are fond of saying, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin looks and feels." Well for me, nothing tastes as good as living long enough to raise my children will be.

I recommend going to an orientation; ask lots of questions and get more education on the different types of procedures. The work up can take 6 months or longer so get started on that part and see what your options are. Does your insurance cover the procedure or will you have to private pay? If anything you will gain more information on heathly lifestyle changes and if you do a 6 month medically monitored weight loss program; it will help you lose some lbs. Go for it and see where the work up will lead you. I had no idea I had sleep apnea until I completed this part of my work up. The nutrician consult was helpful also.

Good luck!