I have been researching lapband for the last couple of weeks and I really want to do it, but for some reason I just can't take the first step to begin the journey. I have so many questions and concerns. The main thing that keeps running through my mind is if I will have to diet and exercise after the surgery in order to lose the weitgh and I can't do it now, how will I be able to do it then? If anyone has any advice please share.

I think everyone goes through the same fears and doubts. Personally, I spent about 2 years researching and reading forums like this one before I finally had my "Aha" moment. I went to my first seminar in March 2009, went through all of the paperwork and doctor's appointments, and finally had surgery yesterday. As I was laying in the hospital bed preparing for surgery, I was still wondering if I was making the right decision. I had managed to lose over 40 lbs on my own since March and I was debating whether I really needed to go through this. My answer to myself - I know how I am - eventaully something will throw me off-course and out of my good diet/exercise habits; and I end up gaining all of the weight back again. I knew if I didn't do this, I would stay in this same rut forever. I'm sure it will be very difficult to maintain the diet and exercise plan after surgery, but the band is a tool that will help me maintain those good habits that I need to have.

Definitely research everything well, get to know yourself, your habits and your body. Good luck on your journey!!

Is it that you can't do the exercise? Or is it that you wont do the exercise? You have to put things into perspective. If you want to live a healthy, lean lifestyle it takes work for anybody. The band has helped me tremendously to eat much less. The rest is up to me and I am loving the new and improving me!

Edited July 14, 200917 yr by FailureIsntAnOption

The band is no magic bullet, you do have to diet and exercise, however, once you get the band and have fills it makes it much easier to do those things as the band when properly adjusted gives you the feeling of being full much sooner and therefore you eat much less. That being said, it does take work and commitment. Good luck with your decision, I am 7 weeks out and dont regret my decision but it is more work than I anticipated.

You still have to make good choices even with the band...you have to make the choice to eat better and not eat junk. I gave myself six weeks after surgery to heal before I decided to exercise. BUT - by that point I had dropped a lot of weight and actually FELT like exercising! Believe me, you'll feel motivated to do better things for yourself if you are motivated enough to go through all that required to get the surgery!

If you want to loose weight without the hard work then perhaps you should look into a different WLS procedure. The band is great but does take work.