If you had to do it all again - would you

I WOULD ...IN LESS THAN A HEARTBEAT.....DO IT ALL AGAIN.......YOUR DOING THE RIGHT THING.....GET AS MUCH INFO BEFORE YOU DO IT!
GOOD LUCK TO YOU
LORI

I would do it again!  I have never lost this much weight, plus being able to keep it off is heaven!

I am going on 7 months, have lost 37 pounds and feel great.  It does seem slow at times, but this is not a race!

Good Luck!

I would do it again, without hestiation.  My journey has been slow and I was frustrated at first, but then I had to realize that I had a couple of set backs during my first year due to a car accident and medication - nothing to do with the band.  Remember that the band is a tool; but you have to exercise and change your eating habits.  Stay involved online or through a group - this is your support.  Good luck!!!

Hi Gracy,

I have to admit that knowing what I know now, I probably would have opted for a sleeve rather than a band as long as it was covered under insurance.  Since that was not an option for me, I never really investigated it in too much detail.

As for the band, I went from a size 18/20W to a size 4 in less than 1 year.  Maintenance has been pretty decent so far, considering the fact that I still eat plenty of bad foods, but have learned how to burn it off efficiently with exercise.  So, yes, I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat. 

The malabsorption of the other surgeries (exception of the sleeve) really concerned me because it felt like something out of my control.  In the end, I think that I made the very best decision for me because my weightloss still depends entirely on me, what I eat, and how much I exercise.  It keeps me accountable and that makes me feel like a normal (thin) person.

Good luck on your decision.  Either way, you will be just fine.  Did your DH have his surgery yet?

Would I ever do it again???  YES, DEFINITELY!!!  I have lost 18lbs in the last 4 weeks.  BUT, I have also reduced my blood pressure meds to half the dose!!!  That in itself is worth it to me!  I am getting stronger and my self esteem has started to improve!  I know the journey will be long but in the end, we are all WINNERS!!!   

BTW, Tom, I want to say thank you too for your encouraging words.  Alot of times I just "lurk" on here but your encouraging words also have helped me many times!

I just love where I am at right now too.  So far, there is no going back and thank goodness for that cause it scares me.  I am losing weight week by week, some less, some more, but IT IS MOVING DOWN and that is what matters!!!  I am just so happy and feel more alive then I have in YEARS!!!  I remember reading posts pre-band and how people loved their bands and not being banded didn't get what that meant, but now I do.  I feel so happy to say, I JUST LOVE MY BAND! 

Good luck to you on your journey and making your decision.  I know it's scary, but research and then go with your gut (while it's still here :) ).  You will make the best choice and then work it hard.  If your around here, I'd love to know what and how your doing.  :) 

Boo

Can anyone give me some examples of how and when you started to get satisfaction with feeling full after getting your band filled?  I had my first fill last Thur and I don't feel like I am getting full at all.  I was recommended to eat mainly meat at my meals and to eat 2 oz at each setting and to only eat 3 meals with no snacking.   Only drinking sf liquids in between meals, not with meals.  I can eat way more than that and still feel like I am starving!  My stomach growls literally every few seconds.  I had 4 cc put in my band on the first fill.  I just want to know if I am doing something wrong and what I should request to my doctor, they are not seeing me again for another 8 weeks.  Any advice would be great!  Thanks, Juli

Juli,

For some folks it takes 7cc to get a good restriction. For others - 9. Yet for others - 3. See each person is different, and the real importance is how your Doctor does a fill. Did he do it under Fluoroscope or not (aka "blind).

In additon, each Doctor and/or Nutritionist have their own ideas how much to eat. MY Doctor said I need 60 to 80 grams of protein (in the beginning). I knew if I ate 4 ounces of protein I didn't feel full, but if I ate 6 ounces I did (rule of thumb 1 ounce of protein is = 7 grams). I tolk my Doctor this, and he said as long as I was losing weight it was ok. Again, don't do anything different without your Dr's approval.

Tom,
Thanks so much for your informative reply, it was really helpful.  I guess I am worried in the back of my mind that I am one of those people that has an insatiable appetite and won't be able to reach a place of fullness.  My doctor does all of his fills only by feel.  Can you give me some examples of things that you ate that we helpful to you?  My doctor has me to be NPO 4 hours before a fill and then liquids for 2 days following the fill.  Even after that I gained 2 lbs!  I was thinking I would lose a bit but it went the other way.  Guess my body was in the mind frame of starvation and hanging on to all it had.  I really want to make this a success and do all of the things I am supposed to be doing.  Any advice is so appreciated.  Thanks again, Juli

I sent you a PM because it my "stock" answer.. Not sure if it will answer your question. Let me know either way, and know I am here for you.