I am having a hard time with other people saying that getting a band won't work, that all I need to do is eat right and exercise and that I am basically copping out by getting banded. Its hard not to worry that what they are saying is true. You hear horror stories of people who don't lose anything or gain everything back. I know too that a lot of the weight loss has to come from me anyway, that I have to train my head not to want to overeat all of the time, and I hope I am up to the challenge. Did any bandsters have to deal with this problem pre-surgery? What would you say to those other people now that you know more having been banded? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Disclaimer: I've never been a person who paid much attention to other people's opinion of me or my actions.

I did tell a few people of my decision prior to banding and now tell anyone who asks. The prebanding reactions were mixed but the post banding reactions have all been positive (as in I'm proud of you for taking decisive action). I think most people (unless they've been living under a rock for the past 5 years) realize that weight loss success rates are somewhere between 1-10% without medical intervention.

The ones who had negative reactions were mostly due to the fact they didn't understand the lap band procedure is not the gastric bypass procedure. Once I explained the difference, there were even some with less than 40 lbs to lose who were wondering if they could do it because they haven't been able to take the weight off on their own.

I have been banded just shy of 6 months now and by some standards, am a slow loser. I'm OK with it but the first 3 months were really tough and I had my doubts. What I know now is that everyone loses at their own pace and not to compare myself to others who lose faster. If I had the chance to go back and reconsider, I would do it all over again.

Edited January 13, 200917 yr by Donna113

I did not tell a lot of people what I was doing. I waited until after banding. I feel fortunate that most people have been super supportive of my decision.

Most people that are negative are usually misinformed about the procedure and don't really have a clue about obesity. I would take what they say with a grain of salt.

Do your research and decide what is best for you. You need to be comfortable and informed with your decision, you have to live with it. I tried dieting, will power, and exercise so many times I can't count. I would lose and gain the weight right back and then some. With the band I feel like I can be successful and become a healthier me! It still takes work, but I know that I need that in place to help me be successful and not fall back into my old habits and patterns.

I hope you can make the right decision for you. Don't let other peoples comments keep you from reaching your goal.

Anyone who knows me would tell you I didn't and still do not give a rat's hoo hah what others think of me.

It doesn't really matter and as my mother always said to me... "no one walks in your shoes but you"

She is right, no one will deal with what I deal with and if anyone wants to be taking my inventory and "checking me" they might want to a take a look at themselves first.

This surgery was for me! I love it, I wouldn't change it and I am never more proud than I am when I weigh myself and have the small non scale victories that I do.

And honestly if anyone, and I mean anyone had said something negative to me prior to this surgery I would smile sweetly and tell them quite frankly it is none of their business :laugh:

That being said, do this for you, educate yourself and be confident in the decision you make either way :ohmy: Blessings to you!

Thanks for all of the inspiring posts, I feel a lot better. I guess the answer is to be true to myself and not care what other people say. Thanks everyone!:laugh: