Hello,

I recently attended a LBS orientation. Pretty sure I am approved. I am undecided about having LBS. I am 49 yrs old and have struggled with my weight ever since I can remember. Need to lose about 90 pounds, have high blood pressure, aching joints (knees). I would like to hear about someone who has had the LBS say 5 years ago or more. What is it like for you now??? Do you have to continue to have fills and unfills for the rest of your life???

Thank you,

Paula in NC

I just had lapband two weeks ago, but I know where you're coming from. I had 90 lbs to lose and literally no health issues. I knew I was knocking on the door of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions and more. My mom's health is deteriorating and that was a big push for me. I want to be a healthy mom to my teenagers and one day be able to enjoy grandchildren.

I'm a research fanatic. So I researched all I could about the surgery and after effects. I started talking to people everywhere...asking them if they knew someone who had the surgery. It's unbelieveable...how many people you will find! I was getting a pedicure with a friend and asked her about it....well, the lady two seats down from us piped in and said "I have a lapband!"

I also prayed about it alot and that was my deciding factor. The signs were there for me and everything fell into place. I've tried LA weightloss among many others and lost weight on them...but always gained it all back. I was looking for something to last a lifetime. This was it for me...my last thread of weightloss hope. With discipline and God's help, I can only hope and pray that this will be my answer.

I know what you mean about getting advice from long term banders too. My two questions that I asked everyone was....Would you do it again? and ....How long have you had the band?

EVERYONE said yes to doing it again and I talked to folks who had it anywhere from 6 mos to 3 yrs.

Sry to make this so long...but I wanted to offer any help to you about your decision. Just remember...everyone is so different. What's right for others may not be right for you. You have to be 110% committed if you're going to do lapband! It's not all about the band. You play the biggest part!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU WHATEVER YOU DECIDE! ;o)

Edited June 20, 200818 yr by bandedbyrd

bandedbyrd,

thank you so much for your reply. It's people like you that make me want to have it done. I've read some bad mishaps with LBS, alot of good things also, but it's the bad ones that make me nervous. I've done LA weightloss also. Spent $1,000 on it and only lost 16 pounds. Well I'm getting off the track about the real subject. Please let me know how you are doing in the coming weeks. Best of luck to you and hope you lose all you want/need to lose. I meet with a surgeon on 7 July.

Take care,

Paula in NC