New and looking for some thoughts...

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site and have just begun my journey into the world of lap-band surgery.  For those of you who have done it, is it worth it? And what time frame should I expect? From meeting the surgeon, about how long b4 you have the surgery and then were back on your feet? I'm curious to here from other people who have done this and can share their thoughts with me! Thanks so much!

Welcome to OH. I'm scheduled for surgery on March 3rd 2008 so I can't answer your question about how long before your back up on your feet. But if you go over to my profile, I have my entire journey documented. It took me about 6 months including several informational seminars choosing a surgeon. Good Luck.

Hi.  I had my lapband surgery in June 2007.  I started doing my research in March of that year.  I was really lucky that my insurance didn't need the 10 months of weight loss.  I have been losing weight since I was 13 and gaining it all back. When I had my surgery in June, I really thought it had not worked.  I left the hospital the next day and back to work on three days later (over the weekend). I was very hungry afterward, since I had gotten the large band and it had not been filled. I heard many in the support group state that they felt no hunger and they had to take sips after surgery, since they couldn't tolerate more. It is now February and I am down 95 pounds. I would never let anyone take my lapband out. It is staying with me forever and I would do it again if I had to. No regrets at all. It gave me back my life, health, and self esteem. Best of luck to you in your journey. Don't look back.

Kirsten

Everyone's journey is different. Programs are different and as individuals we may have more or less preoperative tests to have. Not having this be an impulsive decision is kind of built in many take at least 6 months from first entering a program until surgery, soem take a year. Some depends on your insurance requirements soem require a 6 up to 12 month preop medically supervised and documetned monthly diet attempt. I did not have the band, I originally researched it but made decision on RNY for myself. Glad we have choices as there is very individual reasons we choose what may seem best for ourselves!
I hear many bandsters back and up on feet in a day or so, back to work in a week, others 3weeks it is on a continuum, keep posting here and perhaps on Lapband sites as well! Here is OH's in case you need it!
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/
Best to you on this journey! Also today is the day you start your life, I reccommend vs waiting to surgery date, the best time to work on our healthy lifestyle regardless of tool we choose is preop! IMHO! So welcome again you are doing great knowledge is powerful!