Question: is banding worth the time, $ and commitment?

New Here. I'm schedualed to get my lapband on Dec 10th. I'm questioning everything. And eatting everything in sight because I'm in turmoil. I have to pay for my band myself because my BMI (31) isn't high enough for insurance. I have about 50 pounds to loose. I would be much heavier if I didn't fight it so hard. Actually, I've gained 10 pounds this month just cause I'm not on yet ANOTHER diet. I excercise too which also lets me eat even more. I'm 31. I've tried every diet, OA, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, everything available and I'm sick of failing:frown:...which is why I went into the doctor to begin with (+pre-diabetic, PCOS).

BUT I'm also scared. Of complications, of never enjoying another meal, of not being able to go out to dinner, I think ultimatly I'm scared of not being able to comatose myself with food. What if I can't deal with my life?

I'm also worried it might not be worth the $, because I've read how sometimes people don't get the results that they want. I also have big boobs...will I loose them too? I know it sounds silly but I've always been a DD to an F.

On the other hand. I've never be thin (normal yes). At 14 I already weighed over 200lbs. I've bounced down a few times to maybe a size 12 for a few weeks, then back up to an 18. I get worried because my parents and aunts are all well over 350. I don't want to fight my weight and eatting for the next 40 years of my life.

Some people say "you're not big enough". Just because I'm only 50 pounds over, it doesn't mean that I've not had the struggles, self estem issues, hurt, and depression.

If you had to pay for it yourself would you still do it?

I would - but I would want to do all the things that the insurance companies are requiring - even if I were self-pay. The consult with the nutritionist, the psych consult, the weightloss program. All this "prep" work is getting me into the mindset now instead of having to go cold turkey and just suddenly change.

As for not being "big enough" - if you can do it now - why wait until you are? Let's just assume that you DO follow the genetics - would you rather get this done now or later?

To be clear, though - this ISN'T magic, it IS hard work and it WILL require change and introspection. And I'm not banded yet, so I'm still discovering new things every day about how I feel and think about this.

If I'd had the option to do this earlier I definitely would have.

I have had to pay for it myself and did. Yes it was worth it. I was banded on May 28th. Our insurance did not pay for it and of course we did not have that kind of money just laying around so my husband made a withdrawl out of his 401k so I could have the surgery. I have lost 56 pounds. I weighed right before my consultations started and my two week liquid diet. It has not always been easy but it has been worth it. I would do it all again and kind of wish I had done it sooner I am 43. I wish I had not spent so many years so big and unhealthy. It has to be something you are sure of. If you are willing to do what they tell you to do, you will succeed. If not, you can eat right past that band and it will not be worth it. You have to committ to it and if you do I promise it is worth it, FLY mine was almost 15000 and it was worth every penny.Good luck and God bless

Hi Miles - I am right there with you. I am a low BMI and am trying to get ins. approval. If I can't, I will pay out of pocket. I, too, fear that when I can't numb myself with food I won't be ok. That I won't be able to "deal with my life" as you aptly put it. I had my psyc consult yesterday and found it extremely helpful. I feel more assured that I can do it. I am commited to LB journey.

Just think about what it will be like if you DON'T get banded...

Rest the head... What a truely exhausting way to live. Constantly on a diet or thinking sh%#*t i shouldn't of eaten that, what new magic thingo can I try next. I had my band May 28 09 have lost 30kg and am not obsessing about the above anymore, it has changed my entire families life because I am amuch calmer person who has time for so much more than food. I eat to live not live to eat now, I never thought that was possible and couldn't understand those who did.

Good Luck with your journey

Chooky

Absolutely worth it...I'm a long-term yo-yoer. Most of us go through the 'last meal syndrome' eating before we're banded. I'd suggest though that you spend a few more visits with the psych to see where you are in this process first. If you question that you'll have the committment, then that's an issue because anyone can 'eat around' the band and not lose weight...you don't have to diet anymore, but you do have to be committed enough to follow the rules and pay attention to when you're 'satisfied' (not 'full'). Best thing I've ever done for myself. Best wishes! -BG

Hi miles: I am thinking the same way. I also am questioning the procedure. I'm scared too. Just made appt for consultation and went to seminar. At seminar they seemed to be selling the band procedure. I'd rather talk to those of you who have had it already. My bmi is at 35. Hope to get approved. Also have high blood pressure --- not proud of it. I need courage! Good luck on Dec. 10th...a lucky day for me -- my 1st grandchild born. I'm sure it will be lucky for you too!