I just read a whole bunch of posts from people who have had bad experiences with LB. There were studies sited and personal experiences shared. Sigh. Then there were people not being so nice to the posters. There are flat out denials, but then there is some compromise. Double sigh.

I do understand that this is not magic. I understand that it will be up to me to make good food choices, to chew well, to exercise, and do all of the other things I need to do. I understand that I will need to listen to my body and trust my intincts.

My biggest fear from what I was reading is that I will either feel no restriction or feel so restricted that I'm constantly throwing up. There were several people that had that experience and it scares me because the point of the LB is restriction, but too much is so unhealthy and counterproductive.

My second biggest fear is that my stomach will erode around the band or that I will develop scar tissue on my liver and not realize it until a lot of damage has been done.

I'm certainly not talking myself out of this, but it I can't say that it didn't dampen my spirits a bit this afternoon.

I guess everyone faces the same thing. I am definitely not turned off by how much work it will be, but it is disheartening to think that I will do this, work hard and still could end up in a worse place.

I prefer happy posts.

I used to read those negative posts also but quit once I had the band. You know there are always some people that will have a bad experience and if they do they want to vent about it. BUT there are a lot more that have a great experience - best thing they have ever done in their life! I think some people get too tight but it is by choice, you don't HAVE to get more fills. A good attitude is what will get you through. Restriction is not supposed to stop you when you are eating more than you know you should although it will. It should remind you to eat slowly and keep you satisfied for a long time after. It will do that and really, that feels like magic to me! It can make you feel NORMAL!! Don't dispair, once you have it done you will not regret it. Just stop reading the negative posts!

I read those post when I was first doing research on the band. I almost decided not to do it but then I met my surgeon and feel alot more confident in my decision to do it.I am careful to stay away from the negative blogs. My experience with the band will be my very own. No one else will have the same exact experience I will have so I take the info with a grain of salt. I have have read so much positive stuff about the band, it far out weighs the negative. Don't let things get you down.

Switch off the computer!!! or just keep away from the negative sites.. This will change your life. We all have down days and people will vent it gets it out of the system. Overall my bnad experience has been great. Everyday brings something new that I can do.

goodluck

Chooky

Thanks guys.

**hugs**

I read them too and I am glad I did. You have to read them and think about yourself vs the person posting them. The ones that scared me the most were ones for whom the band "didn't work". Well, alot of them had one thing in common, they ate things they weren't supposed to--lots of slider foods like chocolate and ice cream, etc. Well, I am allergic to chocolate and don't eat much ice cream as it is so that didn't apply to me. I think it was BG who also explained to me that most folks who are doing well with their band don't hang out here. They are out living their lives and only stop by if they have a question. You will find a lot of the folks with problems here because they have questions and are looking for answers. Even with that, there are more positive than negative and I think you should be well informed before you get it. Dont let it scare you., Trust your heart and your gut. If you think you can handle all the things you have to do with the band and the benefits outweigh the risks, do it! If not, don't. My Daddy always says, "When in doubt, don't". There are risks for everything but what are risks for your health and lifestyle if you do nothing?

The ones that gain it back try to give good exclusives.I have seen both lost and keep it off and gained it back to. I was like you trying to make sure I am making the right decision . I hope to be band in Jan. I go to set a date on Wednesday.