i have a date..Does a Band help.

Does the band herlp or is it the corresponding lifestyle change?  I have already bailed out of a Roux-n-y  because of apprehensions.

Of course the band helps.  All weight loss is a result of the lifestyle change.  It's just a matter of which method you obtain that change.  The band has helped me keep from overeating.  I can manage the right kinds of foods (Most of the time) I just had a real problem with quantity.  What are you wanting from surgery?  To aid in the amount you eat, the kind of foods you eat or something else?

Theresa

 I think it is like any weight loss surgery...it is a tool.  If you don't make the lifestyle changes, the tool won't work as well.  It works differently for everyone.  Some people exercise like crazy while others may not exercise at all.  For me the key is portion control, no sweets and white carbs and at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.  When I stall, I have to change things up a bit to get my metabolism kick started.  Sometimes, it is more exercise, sometimes it is liquids for a day or two.  

Good luck with your surgery!
Toni

I have to disagree with you Toni. It  is a "tool" for some. For many of us that get the band.....we got NO tool! The band is very much a crap shoot! :-(

 For me, it has been the life style change.  I don't have much restriction yet, but I do follow the guidelines and exercise.  I have lost 42 lbs so far.  I had the lap band surgery on 11/10/11.  I had my second fill today.  I take everything as progress, and just do my best.  Motivation and readiness are key.  I hope that you do very well with whatever you choose.  Michelle.

My band made it easier to make the necessary life-style changes -- because when it is properly adjusted, and I make good choices, my band dims my appetite.

Losing weight has made it easier to exercise
Exercise has made it easier to lose and maintain my weight

The band will NOT prohibit me from eating foods that I used to crave and abuse.
It is not much resistance to sweets and simple carbohydrates.

When the band is used in conjunction with a diet of lean/solid protein and healthy produce, whole grains and low-fat dairy it can be a wonderful tool.

For MOST ppl no it does NOT help long term. If you notice....you very seldom see a bandster that has made it 5 years out with the band. Of those few that have.............I believe most have had 2nd surgeries.............and some have lost no significant amount of weight. So while there are some that do manage to make it past that 5 year mark..........it doesn't necessarily mean they are "successful". :-(

RNY, VSG and DS are all great options. CHOOSE YOUR WLS WISELY!

No weight loss surgery will work if you don't change your lifestyle and eating habits. My band did nothing for me, I never had good restriction even when I was too tight. I just bounced from too tight to too loose and never had a full or stop feeling. So as Maria says reasearch and choose wisely because if you don't change your weight won't either!

 
There can be problems with any surgery.  These can have surgical, medical causes, or, although some people downplay this, there can be problems due to non- compliance wth basic rules.

As for Kath the band enabled me to make the necesary lifestyle changes - ones I was unable to make without its help.

There are actually  lots of people who are post- 5 years banded and still very happy  wth their choice. People I have actually met, rather than read about!

Kate

 The band helps you make the lifestyle change.  Most overweight people are food addicts/ over eaters. I am both! With my band it has helped me with portion control. Yes it will also help me stop from eating too many cookies! Haha! The point I am trying to make is that you get what you put into it! If you eat like crap still, then you aren't going to lose weight! Yes it is possible to learn how to manipulate the band and actually gain weight! I am 2.5 years out and an down 45 lbs. I still have 35 to go, but that is because I took a leave of absence from my diet and resorted back to being a sweets crazy lady! That is part of my addiction! Now I am back on the wagon and am doing well! With all do respect  Maria, it is a tool and I am sorry the surgery didn't help you! I actually work in the operating room where I had my surgery so I work with the drs that did my surgery! I do see alot of people come in for revisions because an other  doctor from another clinic that did their surgery did a less then ideal job. I higHly recommend that the first question you ask your dr before you have the surgery is what is their success rate with each procedure. Also what do they think is the right choice for you and why? They should be honest! I love my drs and the do great work! I also haven't had problems! I have the realize band it is less likely to slip or flip like the other older brand. That is one of the main things that lead to revisions. They have since fixed the problems to help prevent that from happening. Research and technology has helped.Also, hiatal hernias can cause problems! I had a hernia when I got my band so they fixed it , like a good dr would do! I haven't had any problems of any kind and I have been at my "sweet" spot for 1 year! I do swallow tests every time I go in for a check up to make sure everything is good! If you make sure you have a good dr then you can focus on using your band to help you lose weight!!! Good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you!