Happy Friday Everyone. Just a little back ground information. I am 5'5 and 213 pounds. Decided to get the surgery last month- did my pre-opp a few days ago. I am self paid, so the surgery date is Nov 17th. BUT am I really ready?

I am suppose to be on a liquid diet and just have no desire to do so..I mean I have been restricting my eating my entire life and I HATE IT.

With that said. It makes me think that I am not committed. After the surgery I HAVE to restrict myself or I will get sick. And not to mention I am paying for this myself and I am not a fan of wasting money.

Although there are hundred of blogs describing others success, why do I seem to be focused on the folks that the band has not worked for?

WILL I EAT AROUND THE BAND? I am an emotional and compulsive eater.

Is this surgery right for me? Any ADVICE and or suggestions would be helpful

I hope this will make sense but the band isn't so much about restriction - on your part - as it is about choosing what you eat wisely. The band will help you feel satisfied sooner, hence the restriction.

You can still eat. And, according to my surgeon, there are days built into the weightloss time frame where you can eat those things you might miss. YOU just have to be careful about the choices you make.

The band is a lifestyle change, not a magic answer. It is a tool that changes your body's feedback response, but if you eat around it - you can negate that.

Only you can know if you are ready. My insurance is requiring a six month weight loss program and I have to say I AM SO GLAD FOR IT! If I were self-pay and just went into this and did it, I'd be setting myself up for failure. NOW is the time that I am getting to adjust to the changes I will HAVE to make. But by the time I HAVE to make them, I will have made them and fully expect to be just fine. Self-fulfilling prophecy's are generally pretty true. If you think you can - you will. If you think you can't - you will.

If you can, do the psych consult that all the insurance companies require but that doesn't seem to be required for self-pay patients. I think there is a lot of merit in that. Talk this out with someone. There is no reason to rush willy-nilly into this because this is a HUGE change. I'd also recommend seeing a nutritionist. That person pointed out to me that it's not about 'throwing away all the bad stuff in the pantry right this very instant'. It's about thinking about the choices I'm making and trying to make an educated choice based on what I really do know how to do. Those "bad" things aren't the culprit. It's TOO MUCH of the bad things...either in one sitting or at every meal.

The band doesn't mean you never get to eat chocolate again. The band means that you should THINK about whether that chocolate is really the best thing to eat.

If I'd had my way - I would have been self-pay and I'd have been banded right now. And I would be struggling and failing because I wouldn't have known what I was really doing. I appreciate my insurance company's requirements.

Just remember weight is a head disease the band can only do so much You have to be willing to change your head

I am 5 months in and still have trouble with not feeling deprived and small portions, Find something else to take the palce of eatting, My 1st replacement was shopping Not good, too costly, so now I'm looking for a hobby Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback guys! I did have a Psych exam and saw a nutritionist. I know that its about making the right choices, when it comes to food. But I have failed thus far. Why with this band will I suceed? I am hoping that it will work because I feel full sooner and will walk away from my plate.

I am so unsure!

Instead of asking "why with this band will I succeed?", ask "why with this band would I fail?"

Sometimes it really is all about perspective.

True IDSWIMS! That is a great way to look at it! I just have been doing so much reading and spooked myself. I will change my thought process! How can I fail? I have help with the band and the will to suceed!

Hi all: I am just begging my journey. My first appt. 11/20 for consult. I also am afraid to make the decision. I guess I'm not ready yet. How does dieting with the band differ from all the others I have tried. Does the band help at all with the willpower. Up to now I have not had any, or I would not be here. Afraid to make the decision. Does life after surgery have alot of discomfort. Especially digestive issues such as vomiting?

So many questions with elective surgery. Chris

It doesn't look like I will qualify with my insurance. I may have to self pay. Can you give me an idea of how much it is costing you? I just want to get an idea of the prices out there.

I am paying 10k- self pay- South FL. Dr. Michael Chio