I am new to the site and to be honest new to the whole Forum Chatting. But here it goes.

I am approximately 100lbs over weight. Been battling with my weight for my whole life and like many others I am sure have tried every diet imagineable. Some work and I lose the weight then it slowly creeps back up and over my original weight.

I have recently been contemplating the Lap Band surgery and have been doing some research. Any pointers on the pros and cons that anybody want to point out be my guest. :biggrin:

Hello Newbie, I was more than 100 pounds overweight before I was banded. My starting weight was 354 and I am currently at 304. Was banded this past March. I have no regrets only I wish I could have done it sooner. I have a very long way to go and the process seems to be slow, but I didn't gain it all at once. I think its better to lose the weight slowly anyway.

For me gastric by pass was just to risky to many complications could occur so I chose the lapband. The surgery went very well I did not have alot of pain but I was sore. I have not had any complications at all. My Dr. was very helpful so ask a lot of questions if you are considering the surgery. Best wishes on our journey God Bless!

My cons about gastric bypass are 1. it isn't really reversible 2. you have malabsorption so you are likely to never ever eat things with refined sugar, for example 3. the pouch they form that provides restriction often stretches so that it's easier to gain it back. 4. There are more GI issues with GBS than with the band

I know of several Roux-en-Y patients who are now getting the band for that restriction.

I like the band because, although there are some people who are restricted, except for popcorn, carbonation and chewing gum, I will, once I've lost weight, be able to eat ANYTHING I want but in smaller portions. Some can't eat bread etc...but you won't now until you try. My Doc's NP told me that most of their patients can eat essentially everything.

As to why this over dieting alone? I plan to use it as a tool with my preferred diet plan. I too was successful on many many diets but would get bored or hungry or "treat myself" for doing so well and BAMMO back to my old wicked ways. The band will prevent that.

Thanks for your reply. I agree about the Gastric By-pass. I wouldn't even give it a ounce of consideration. I just can not wrap my mind around a surgery that is so risky.

Congratulations on your weight loss and Good luck with the rest of your adventure.

Thanks for your reply. I have an appointment Sept 11 to attend a seminar through realizeband.com. I have just about the same story tried all the diets got bored or busy and they stopped working. Just seems like after each one I went over my original weight.

I am glad to hear from somebody other than just reading it that we can continue to eat the foods we enjoy. That was something I was concerned about. I don't seem to have a problem contorlling my portions as it more like controlling my choices. I have to just face it I like the taste of food.

Good luck with the rest of your weight loss.

Thanks and the same to you! Just remember if you don't click with the surgeon at that seminar, go to another! and there are some horror stories I've read on this board about vomiting up bread, etc.

But my surgeon and his NP and staff allayed my fears. They told me everyone is different and most of their patients have no inhibitions on what they can eat post op; they are just satisfied with way less.

Carbonation (sodas and beer) will always probably be a no no...

popcorn the same ... otherwise, the sky is the limit. And I was told if I try something (I'm still in liquids) and it doesn't suit, wait a few weeks and try it again.