I am not been banded. I talked to my GP about it a while back and wondered if I could adopt the lifestyle changes needed. :thumbup:

I plan to see my GP again for another discussion. My thinking is that even if I need to change my lifestyle to fit the dietary changes, the end result should be worth it.

One of my main concerns was proper hydration during my outdoor activities here in Florida. I really tank up on Water. That would have to change to more of a sipping approach, I suspect.

I need to do something. I thought getting into a good exercise pattern would do it for me but that's not the case. Knowing I need to change my diet isn't working. I need a more directive approach that I'm hoping banding provides.

I would appreciate comments either confirming or refuting my expectations that the physical manifestation of the band (i.e. discomfort if abused) will provide the motivation I need to change my behavior.

Thanks for your help.

I like you thinking and wording on the "more directive approach" I too tried the exercise, going to the gym, only to gain more weight.. The first two months everyone kept telling me it was because of the muscle,, I did not want all my fat to turn to muscle so that I could weigh more then what I did already!! I am still exercising, just laying of some of the weights!!

I am not banded but have done enough reading on the success stories to believe that it truly can work, but it won't be easy..

Hope you find the answers you are looking for!!

Well, I'm still moving forward! After more research and consultation with my surgeon, I've decided on a gastric bypass. He has a large bariatric practice and his results show that banding will not likely result in my losing the amount of weight I'd like. Another bypass benefit is getting rid of the diabetes.

So, I have a date the end of Sept for the procedure. I've been to the shrink and nutritionist, had the EKG and chest Xray, have a date for a gall bladder ultrasound and fasting labs. I also have a pre-op liver detox diet to start three weeks before surgery.

I've been reading the GBS forum and note that the vast majority of complications are the result of either non-compliance with restrictions/instructions or unawareness of such. My surgeon did talk a bit about some of his colleagues who simply do the procedure and abandon the patients. His practice has a comprehensive program using the team of select practitioners (pysch, nutrition) and support groups.

I have plenty of time to reflect as the date approaches and so far I have no trepidation.

Good luck on your journey!

Its great that you feel comfortable with your decision. I have a hiatal hernia and have been trying to keep an open mind about gastric bypass because of it. I truly think that the lap band is a better fit for me, but I have no idea how the surgeon will go with it..

Have you had to lose any weight before surgery?? If so how were you doing it.. I am really struggling with that right now and looking for ideas..

I've heard in at least one case that the doc fixed the hiatal hernia while in there to do the procedure...can't remember if it was bypass or band...probably doesn't matter.

I have no orders to lose a certain amount of weight. The three-week pre-op diet is intended to shrink the liver. Making the liver as small as possible enables the surgeon to work more quickly thereby minimizing anesthesia time. Time under anesthesia is the most critical risk factor in the surgery. Since the liver sort of covers the area they need to work in, if it is big it needs to be pushed about carefully and takes more time.

Having said that, I suspect three weeks on a 1500 cal a day diet will result in some loss. I plan to start my photo collection just before the diet starts.