Hi all. I am 59. Doctor suggested I consider bariatric surgery

for weight loss. Working with Dr. Ferzli in Staten Island. Gone through

all the tests, all okay except for normal non-interfering issues.

Am at point to sign consent so they can submit to insurance company for approval. I've been fighting a dilemma: Know I have to do something

but having a hard tiome seeing this step as taking control rather than giving it up. Have lost weight in past, up to 60 lbs., via diet and intense

exercise but that when I was 45 and had more energy at day's end.

There is some apprehension about the procedure but I guess I am responding more to the 'cover your behind' language in the consent form as to what might happen.

Think I need a push. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated as I am sure there are many out there who once walked this path. Thanks. Tom.

Sorry you are having a hard time with this. I have had my band for a short time and I think it is great. I was scared at first but now I dont see life without it. Every pound I lose I get more excited. I pray you make you right decision!

Hi Tom i had the same prombles. My heart Dr. wanted me to have the surgery. Like you i have lost weight in the past at weight watchers. But allways seemed to put it back on and more.This is what helped me to make the final choice. I have had open heart and breast cancer and yes there is risk when you have any surgery at all. But i looked at the risk of LB surgery and then i looked at the risk of another heart surgery are other health issues with the weight on. And having the surgery far out weighed the risk of not having it. It's normal to feel the way you do .I had lap band july 21th and i have lost around 35 lbs . the Dr. has allready took me off of my blood pressure meds. so for me it was the best thing to do. Hope this helps some . If i can help in anyway you can email me at lynnlynn@insightbb.com. Good luck and keep me posted. lynn

I've dieted and lost more than what I weigh now over my life. I finally had to realize I was fooling only myself when I was going to start a new diet and "this time will be different". I don't see getting major surgery as a cop out. It's not easy to live with the band...you will have restriction and have to drastically change the way you eat. Once you do that, the tool will provide you with weight loss, MAINTENANCE, and a healthier life.

If you need a saw to cut a log, do you call that losing control? Or using the right tool for the job?

I've dieted and lost more than what I weigh now over my life. I finally had to realize I was fooling only myself when I was going to start a new diet and "this time will be different". I don't see getting major surgery as a cop out. It's not easy to live with the band...you will have restriction and have to drastically change the way you eat. Once you do that, the tool will provide you with weight loss, MAINTENANCE, and a healthier life.

If you need a saw to cut a log, do you call that losing control? Or using the right tool for the job?

Beautifully said! Now that I have some restriction I am totally different.

As they say hind sight is 20/20. I was friggin hungry before and it took a lot to fill me up...with the band instead of going zero to starving, I am ok enough to seek healthier food and in that lies success...

Sorry for the delay in responding. Thank you for your thoughts. I signed the consent form and have a date of 11/5 for the procedure. Nervous but feel it is the right thing to do at this point in my life.

Thanks again for your support. Tom De.

Thank you for your thoughts. And sorry for the delay in responding. You are right. I realize this is a tool and not the answer. the answer is in proper eating, exercise and this just prevents us from eating more than we should. I am scheduled to have it done 11/5. Thanks again for taking the time to respond. Tom De.