I am a 5'3", 279lb female considering lap band. For those who have already done it, what would you recommend doing prior to surgery? I have heard many good and bad stories and am truely confused about whether to go through with it or not. I've been on many diets and weight loss programs and still seem to gain the weight back and think that a little assistance such as the lap band would give me the boost I need to continue. Right now I'm at a point where I'm totally unmotivated. Feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

I personally have been through the same thing. I could take weight off, but I couldn't keep it off. Please check out this forum and talk to ppl to hear their different experiences. Make sure you are ready for this. The lap band won't take the weight off, it can help you do it. You still have to make good choices. Some people lose more slowly than others, you have to remember that if you are losing (even slowly) that is better than gaining. The people who lose the quickest seem to be the ones that have made huge lifestyle changes by making good food choices, exercising and getting fills regularly when needed.

I researched the band for a year before deciding this was what I needed. Good Luck!

Thanks for your reply. It appears you had it done earlier this month and have lost 17 lbs; is that correct? How are you feeling and what in your opinion has helped you lose 17 lbs in less than a month? That's pretty darn good! Congratulations!

I am also seriously considering this. I need to find a doctor. Do I have to lose weight BEFORE getting this done? Does each doctor have different criteria and procedures for this. I too am sick of feeling fat and ugly and unmotivated. I'm thinking this may be the boost I need also. I know it is not a magic cure though and will still take time and effort on my part. I just want to get going on it though before I gain MORE! Any help will be appreciated. I have a folder full of information on it all and am in the process of reading it.

I too was banded in July, 07/03 to be exact. I lost 12 pounds during the two week pre-op diet and have not weighed myself since being banded. I go for my first fill on 08/14 and I am very excited. I have this week been back on regular food and have no restriction at all, which they told me is normal since there is no Fluid in the band yet. I wish I had better advise for you sweetie, but I myself am not sure how this all going to work for me just yet. I have since changed my eating habbits drastically and I think that's step one! I have over 80 pounds to loose so, for me this is going to be quite a journey.

As far as going through the procedure, that part of it was a piece of cake. I have and excellnt doctor, quick recovery... I was back at work in 4 days! I was a little soar for the first week but nothing I couldn't handle. I think we ladies have a higher tolerance for pain anyway! :wink2:

Good luck to you and I will pray you find strengh to make the right decision for you.

Chi-Town Susie Girl!

Wow! I wish you much success with your weight loss endeavors. Sounds like you had a great Doctor and I think that can be the difference between you and the ones who don't have as good a Doctor and post-op care. Keep us posted on your weight loss. When you say pre-op diet, what did that consist of?

I had to be on all liquids for two weeks prior to the surgery. Full liquids like protien shakes, tomato Soup, I drank sugar free kool aid like it was going out of style. It was extremely difficult and I did falter a few times, here and there (not that I am saying that cheating is good) but I am just being honest.

My doctor wanted me to loose a few pounds before the surgery and they also want you on all liquids prior the the surgery so your liver shrinks a little bit. If the liver is enlarged, it's harded for them to manuver around while doing your procedure, that's all... and as large people, our liver tend to be larger and fattier! :wink2:

The pre-op diet is hard, but I managed! As I mentioned, I wasn't as diligent as I should have been the first week, but I did stick it to very closely the second week. My surgery went off without a hitch and I was home the same evening watching movies with my fiance!

Hope that helps!

Susie Girl!

Thanks for your reply. It appears you had it done earlier this month and have lost 17 lbs; is that correct? How are you feeling and what in your opinion has helped you lose 17 lbs in less than a month? That's pretty darn good! Congratulations!

Thank you! I am using the band how I feel it was intended. My friend was banded two weeks before me and she is telling me what all she has managed to eat. I don't WANT to know if pizza, bread and other things will work/go down. I want to do this right. I am eating my "mushies"...chicken and tuna salad, any high Protein dinner made, like chili (run through the food processor), refried Beans with cheese and ff sour cream and sf pudding. I eat my 1/3 - 1/2 cup of food. If I think I WANT more, I wait. I then realize that I am full. I am also following the guidelines about not drinking until at least 1 hour after my meals. I want to help my band help me as much as possible. I have also been going to the gym to walk since day 8. I hope my weight loss continues, but I also realize it will probably slow down dramatically soon. As long as it keeps dropping, I will be happy. If you want this, you can do it. Make the band work for you!