i am thinking about getting the lap band surgery. i am very nervous. i don't know where to start. how do i know if it is for me? are the side effects bad? do you still enjoy eating? in the past i have been inconsistent with following diets. how will i be able to follow it after surgery? how bad are the days following surgery? i would love some words of wisdom from people who have already had the surgery because i am very anxious over making this decision.

thanks

I am still a newbie---only a little a week out of surgery--BUT I can tell you that recovery has been quite easy for me. Following the diet is a challenge---but I just take it day by day, and I know that I MUST follow the diet or I could injure myself---liquids for two weeks prior to surgery, liquids for ten days after surgery, then ten days of pureed foods, then finally onto solid foods.

So good luck in your decision! I don't regret it

Well I think everyone has felt the way you are feeling right now. If you didn't take it serious I would worry about you :thumbup: Research, research, research! Find a surgeon you are interested in and go to a seminar. Read this board because it has been more helpful to me then any other source. I too was scared because the unknown is always scary! I was band back in Jan. and I look back now and kinda chuckle to myself. I am 75 lbs down and still take it very serious but kinda laugh when I think about what my fears and concerns were! It is really a personal choice and where you are in your head about your weight lose that will help guide you to a decision! Good - luck to you! :thumbup:

For me it was kind of the last straw. I was losing the diet battle and it gave me the boost of motivation that I needed.

It is only a tool, you have to use it properly for it to work. It's not a miracle that will make you drop weight.

Surgery was surgery -- I was sore, but it wasn't too bad. Following the diet can be tough but when you start to feel restriction, the band will force you to eat right. :thumbup:

Good luck!

I would start by going to a seminar about it so you can learn more information. This site is also a good resource.

Tulip pretty much summed up my experience so far... This is just a tool. If you're looking for a miracle that doesn't require any work this probably isn't the thing for you. If you're ready for a life change and a healthier you... Then the band is great.

Like Tulip said go to a seminar you will know right away im sure if this is something you want to do.

As with any surgery theres always a chance of a complication or risk.

I healed really fast and was up doing normal things within a few days no biggie for me.

The surgery itself was a breeze for me. The follow up care has been difficult. I have a very fickle band and have probably 20 fills and unfills over the course of 2 years. I get too tight, PB. I get to loose, no restriction and starving. Hopefully you will not have a band like mine. Thankfully my insurance covers fills otherwise it could be very costly.