? for lapbanders who have lost alot with the band

HEy there..I live not to far from you in Beckley..I know I love Dr. Shin..I want the VSG too..I keep hearing they are getting ready to add it to their approved surgeries..i just hope they do before End of January if not..I may be going with the band..Im still trying to decide.

Congratulaions on the weight loss by the way..

The band is a tool, once you have reached very good restriction, it REALLY helps, the heavier you are the quicker you will lose weight, the band gives you tighter restriction than any other weight loss surgery, but you still must eat lean proteins and veggies and drink water and water in order for it be very effective.

I COULD have lost the weight on my own, but there is NO way at 5 years I could keep off over 100 pounds without my band. If I had chosen RNY I am sure I would have gain more weight back by now since everyone I know no longer have restriction at 5 years with RNY. The band is still working for me at 5 years I would not think of any other type of surgery.

No way would I have been able to lose over 250 pounds the past 2 and 1/2 years. I was at the end of the weight loss/gain rope. If I had been able to do that on my own, I would have not gotten to be over 450 pounds! each person has to chose what is best for them. I did my homework and was confident in my decision. I have had a few complications but I am still a believer in the band. You will have a few people that will say that the band was not a good choice for them, remember that was THEM and not you. As with anything in life, you get back, what you put in to something, may not always be as fast as you want or the exact way that you want but it will happen. Best of luck in your journey!

I know your post was soliciting band failure stories, and I'm sure you'll hear some of those, but let me tell you a success story.  There is NO WAY I could have lost all this weight without the help of my band.  Yes, my weight loss has required work on my part. I don't see that as a hardship. I'm an adult, I work hard to achieve the things I want in life - professional success, a happy marriage, lasting friendships, AND good health.

My band limits the amount I can eat at one time, it makes my satiety last longer, and it diminshes my appetite.  I do the rest of it: make good food choices, exercise, etc. etc.

Jean

With my band....and changing how and what I ate..and becoming a work out freak..I lost 117 lbs. I probably could have lost 1/2 of that without the band....but never where I am now. I love my band and wouldn't change a single thing! Goodluck! -Nikki

I got my band on January 6th of this year.  As of today, I am down 121 lbs.

I could NOT have done this without my band.

My band keeps me honest!


Good luck with your decision........it's about what is right for YOU!

Steph

WOW I wanna know how these ppl lose 100 lbs in 6 months???? I got my band Dec 29, 2008 so i am coming up on 2 years...and I just now hit the 100lb mark. Its been a constant struggle. There is no way I could have lost the weight without my band. I follow the rules and i exercise and it still comes off super slow. I still have 30-40lbs more to lose and it def wont b overnight. I am so thankful for my band and helping me lose what i have but i dont get how ppl lose massive amounts of weight so quickly.

WOw..You guys thanks so much..I am starting to feel alot better about deciding.No this wasnt soliciting failures...I was interested in the success(PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST ALOT) but also nice to know the downsides too..I feel in my heart I can be successful at whatever I choose..Dont get me wrong I want the VSG BUT my last appt is in January and I dont want to waste time waiting around do see if my insurance is going to add it to the list of approved surgeries.Thank you all for your replies.I know my success will depend on me totally and I want to lose the weight so bad I just need some help...

 
It does not matter which procedures your ins covers, APPEAL!  Don't end up with a revision surgery instead.