hello I am new i want the lapband . i weigh 242 pounds and ive tried every diet you can think of . does the lapband work? if anyone has a comment plz let me know . i need help. thanks Tammy

Well, lap bands are not meant to be forever, usually about 5-10 years then you have to revise to another surgery type.  Keep in mind that most ins co's are going to a once in a life time WLS so when it's time to revise you will more than likely be self pay.

Losing weight is the hardest thing in the world!  Diets did not work for me either. There are many types of procedures out there now for surgical intervention. Best thing is to do your research. Go on each site for Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band. Educate yourself on pro's and con's, but also research and find yourself a good surgeon. They are able to help direct you based on "you"  Each person is different so you'll see a whole range of choices and results on Obesity Help. The most important thing is to learn all you can. Wishing good luck on your weight loss journey!!!

Please do as Judy advised and research each type of surgery there are better ones than the band and it is NOT a life long surgery, eventually it will have to come out. My band experience has been a huge failure, at best it kept me from gaining more weight but I only lost 20 lbs with it and that was the first year. I was already eating 1000 calories or less when I got the band so it really didn't help me lose, I was already eating the way one is supposed to with the band. Also if you have over 100 lbs to lose there are more effective surgeries. The majority of people I know with the band have had to have it removed after a few years and some of these were staunch pro band people who followed every rule to the letter, yet they still had to have them removed. We are finding that the band causes serious damage to the esophogus and that the damage from scar tissue building up under the band  can be very damaging. There are just better more successful surgeries out there.

All weight loss surgeries are tools, all the lap band does is help you stay on track by limiting your portions and dimming your appetite, to see long term sustain weight loss you have to constantly work at it and Yes IT'S Hard work.

The band works for many people that are able to follow up with their surgeon, follow band rules, follow a band friendly diet and exercise, if this is not doable for you, there are other surgical options that are a bit more aggressive like the Bypass and DS, you may want to read other forums and a Google search to see if they are the right fit for YOU.

Also the Sleeve is a great option for many, it does not require fill adjustments and many are happy with it, but it does involve removing most of the stomach, you need to research each surgical option to see if they are viable for your health and lifestyle.

Good luck

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Hi Tammy,

 I have had my band for almost 5 years in September. I have lost 160 lbs but have gained about 15 back. It is tough losing weight in general. It just depends on how bad you want it and will power? I have had to watch what i eat on a daily basis and walk 5 days out of the week. Its hard but do-able!! Don't give up Tammy..you can do it!!

Losing weight is hard and why we are all here.  Please check out all the weight lost surgeries.

I was banded at 256 went down to 198 for two days, than up to 260.  During the last 8 months with the band I was able to get back to ~205, with them taken fluid OUT every month as the band kept tightening.  This was my band low and my 25 year set point.  After 3.5 years of medical band problems, the band came out.

I now have the sleeve.  After four months with the sleeve I lost the regain from having the band removed for 4.5 months and another 15/20 pounds less than with the band and an 32 year low.