If people ask you if they should get lap band what do you tell them?

 I'm so happy you finally got the VSG!  I was always rooting for you no matter what you think ;)

 I am so sorry that you lost your mom.  Hugs, sweetheart!

Thank you Melly.

My heart is truly broken as she was an awesome Mom.  I was with her just about every day of my life so it is really hard with that much attachment.  Mom made me strong though and I will make the best life in her name.

Hope you are doing well sweets.

xoxo

She did make you VERY strong!! 

I am much less likely to advocate for the band now than I was two years ago.  Even without major complications, I think there are some quality of life issues with the band that make it a difficult choice to live with, and I am not sure the success rates are high enough to justify the choice. 

I would encourage anyone to do their research, and carefully consider all options available to them.  I suspect that over time, as the boom in bariatric surgery continues, we will see more definitive answers about the successes and failures of all the surgeries.  I for one would love it if one surgery-doesn't matter which one-were to emerge as vastly superior, and make the decision easier for those still facing the choice. 

 I tell them its a bad idea and that they should research their other options before making a decision.

      NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, you, what a great question!!!
I would tell them everything I've learned, the good the bad, etc. The first thing I would let them know is it is not easy, it ONLY makes you full on less, it does not choose good foods or make the head hunger go away. You have to exercise, and when they say it's a tool that is all it is, not a magic cure. I would say measure your food, get fills if you are too hungry, eat your solid protein first, go to support groups, don't be afraid to go to your Dr. about anything. Do not ever stay too tight, it's just not worth it. Research all your options and pick what is right for YOU. I still love my band, it has helped change MY life. I still am working on my WL, every day. But would not have done all the things I've done since being banded. I live my life more!! (going horse back riding at a dude ranch this weekend)  I have been skydiving, zip lining and enjoyed my HS reunion just to name a few!

 Even when I was happy with my band, I didn't recommend it.  Mostly because of the fact there arent any wls surgery clinics close to Albuquerque (there wasn't at the time).  The one we have now is only through a specific insurance company, anyway.  Getting fills and keeping the band adjusted properly is a huge chore when you have to drive 4-5 hours for a couple of drops of saline!

I take the time to tell them that wls is a good thing, but it will not cure you.  I spend time telling them how much I am addicted to carbs, and what a struggle it is for me every day to eat the right things.  I encourage them to be very honest with themselves, and to expect a lot of hard work ahead.  

Truth is, wls is a very brave thing to do, and it's not for everyone.

I am half and half on this one .  If I had to do it all over again I think I would have held off getting WLS done.   Here is the reason why.

About 5 months after my surgery I  joined a Zumba class and I fell in love.  It was hard but I just adore the instructor and I go to all his classes about 90% of the time  Also because I work my ass off in his class and he encourages me it makes me eat better because I dont want to blow everything I did in class for a night of bad eating .  When I walk out of his class it looks like I just got out of the shower lol that is how hard he works your body .

.If I had found Zumba first I think I would have held off the surgery for another 6 months to see how well I did on my own because I finally found a exercise I love and I am committed to it .

Exercise was a huge factor for me not losing weight.  I was never a huge sweets eater.  The only time I will eat chocolate or even ice cream when its that time of the month.  Other then that I keep gallons of different kinds of ice cream , ice cream bars in the freezer for hubby and the kids and I just dont touch them .   



But then on the other hand if I hadn't had the band I would have never quit smoking.  I have been smoke free for over a year and half now :o) and I dont know if I would have tried all the new foods that I use to turn my nose up at lol.

If I had known the stats that I do now I just dont know I think I would have tried it on my own

I would tell them how I have done, I would tell them what can happen but I would tell them to talk to the doctor and go to many many support groups and listen to all the different kinds of stories out there .

Just because I got the band dont mean it will work for somebody else, but then again just because somebody got the sleeve dont mean it will work for me .

I believe its a flip of the coin on any weight loss surgery out there if you will do good or if you will have minor to major complications .  You never know till its to late and after the surgery is done if you will be one of the lucky ones that has no complications .