Making the decision to do this! Lap Band

Hi  --- All I can do is think about this big decision.  I have being reading all of the OK posts and really enjoying it.  I told my husband what it is going to cost at WeightWise, (self-pay) and he gave me that look --- you know the one where he has heard me say "I am going to lose weight this time", but really never did it.    I really feel that for me that it comes down to always feeling hungry --- so will lap band work?  I have been 50 to 80 lbs. overweight since Jr. High, I am 35. (currently 85 lbs. overweight, only 5' 3".)  I don't want to wake up one day at 50 and still be this miserable.  Please tell me that it is so worth the money and that the WW clinic takes care of you and helps you with it. Thank you so MUCH!!!

i personally have had great success but the decision is yours , you have to be committed and do exactly as the doctors advise you .  Good Luck!!!!!

I can only say that it has worked for me.  Some of the hunger you feel is "head hunger" and the band really can't help with that-but you can eat around any WLS if you try hard enough.

I don't think anyone chooses WLS as a first diet-so all those yoyo moves are familiar to all of us. 

It is helpful to have your husband behind you, but the one who has to believe this is the right method is you.

My first question is have you been to a seminar? If not, I would recommend that you and your husband attend one and listen to the pro's and con's of each procedure. I was in your shoes and went from one decision to a totally different one after the seminar. I understand where you are coming from and I am a 56 yr old still struggling with my weight and miiserable.  I am going in tomorrow to visit with Dr. Walton for a consult.  I will be a self-pay also so this is a big decision. I wish I could have made this choice years ago, but I am thankful that it is available before it's to late for me.....Good luck in your decision.   This board is a great place for encouragement, advice and wisdom from many who have gone before you.   Sherry

THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT ADVICE!!!  ---- GOING TO SEMINAR SOON AT WW IN EDMOND.

First let me say that WeightWise is an incredible facility full of incredible people.  You will get fabulous care there no matter what procedure you choose.  Secondly, I think most patients feel like the procedure they picked is the best one.  I picked the sleeve (VSG) because I did not want a foreign object in my body and I didn't want to have to deal with getting the band filled and unfilled.  I also read about some complications.  So I decided that for me personally, I needed a different procedure.  But everyone is different.  You must go to a seminar and then have a consultation with the surgeon to make the right choice.  I was self-pay too so I want to get this right once and for all too! Good luck in whatever you choose to do!

I think the best advice that you can get, is to go to a seminar.  They talk about the pros and cons of each different WLS.  It's a completely individual choice, but you'll be able to have a more clear understanding of what to expect from each type of WLS.  Like you, I had decided (prior to seminar) that I wanted the band.  After the seminar, there was another option that suited me and my lifestyle better.  There have been great successes with the band, and by no means am I knocking it.  But again, let me just say, do go to a seminar - wherever that may be.   I'm biased because I am a WW girl, but they took excellent care of me and I hear MANY others echoing those sentiments. Good luck! Robyn