I think you have to do what you are ready to do! If the only thing you get from the forum or the blogs are people unhappy about weight loss or pains or negativity, you might want to rethink where you are. I read those, and realize there are many many more positive comments. No big decision, like this one, comes without a price. Whether that is post-surgical pain, financial, depression -- you have to be ready for that and face it. When you do (and you will) and you overcome those things you will be a stronger person inside and out?

I don't really know if my weight loss is above, below or at the average. I just know that I feel a TON better than I have in years -- energy, blood pressure, lighter, fun with clothes ----.

I get a lot of support from co-workers, friends, family and lap band groups here (online) and at my surgeon's offices. I could not have felt as good as I do without this support.

Good luck to you! Best wishes on making your decision based on your heart :-).

I agree with sandy, I find lots of support and inspiration from these posts, but you have to do what is right for you . . lots of prayer and thought has to go into it. Read shonette's post right after yours . . .very nice. Best wishes.

Welcome! First I would like to say, different strokes for different folks. The ones who complain about lack of weight loss need to be asked these questions: what is their eating routine (specifically how much food and what the meals consist of). The weightloss may not be as rapid as other methods but it does work...with proper fills and eating habits...and a bit of excercise won't hurt either. Sometimes, it does feel like the scale isn't moving especially if that person is a "scale whore" as the sweetspot lady says (like me). Is it a waste of money? No. I was banded Feb25th of this year and have lost fifty pounds so far. There will be some food choice changes but a healthier you is worth it. BTW: There are lots of positive messages here, too. Look for those to read and inspire from them. One last tihng, those who complain about being hungery may be newbies and have not gotten the right fill, yet (aka the sweetspot).

Good luck to you and check out pics on my page. There are plenty of people on here who have lost lots, believe me.

You guys type really fast. When I started typing, there were no other comments...wow

I was self pay too. I was also worried about wasting my money. I paid $10,200 to lose 58 pounds so far with 7 to go. That is $175.86 per pound. I think its a bargain!

I am a newbie as I was just banded 7/22. Things will be difficult at first but you have to look at the big picture, and that is to be a healthier and thinner you. I hate drinking liquids all day long but when I jumped on the scale on day 11 and saw that I was 10 pounds lighter, I was like "where is my soup" I was so happy. Good luck to you!

Well said Ladies!!! I was banded back in March and lost over 50lb The DAY OF surgery on my way, so many things ran through my head. My husband pointed out to me and says "look" subway. I will take the boys there while you’re in surgery. Right then I told myself

“when is the next time I'll be able to eat a whole sub". I GOT SCARED!!! Told myself “Am I ready for this”! I was so ready to tell my husband to turn the car back. IM NOT READY!! I looked at my kids, myself and said. Someone is giving me this chance. And now I don’t really care if I will ever be able to eat a whole SUB...I feel great!!! Everyday is something new. be it BAD OR GOOD. We are all learning as we go.The Lapband is an AID to help you on your Journey. This website is all true and if dosn't help one person get through the day it will help someone else. Best of Luck

I had my lap-band surgery on my birthday, 6/21/10 and I paid over $13,000. I have not felt this good in years. I was 268 when I first started my search for the type of surgery I wanted. I thougt the LB was a healthier way to go. I started to lose weight prior to the surgery - I was 254 on surgery date and am now 232. I have not needed a fill yet because I am eating the right portions, drink plenty of fluids and I am not hungry between meals.

I exercise - joined the gym and I go a minimum of 3x a week. I love it. I love hearing people tell me how great I am looking. Visit my blog - bklynike, and you can view some photos and read my blog. I love the LB, I love this website and I couldn't be any happier. Join us, it will be the best gift you could ever give yourself.

Kelly111 - You have received some excellent advice today from the women above and you have a whole crowd cheering you on! We all get worried/anxious in the beginning because like marig1104 said we sometimes sabatoge ourselves and think "I can't eat that, etc.." Let me tell you I put this saying on my fridge "NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SKINNY FEELS!" I am sure I got that from one of the very knowledgable bloggers on this site ) I am a newbie and let me be real for a minute; If you are looking for negative you will find it. You have to be in the right place mentally to have this surgery the lap band is tool not a magic bullet. You have to use it to your advantage and make it work for you. Life is what you make it. For me I have been overweight to some extent the better part of 15 years, I could lose weight for a little while but it found me again and brought some friends. It is a battle sometimes it could be genetic, hormonal, medical, etc.. which for some it can be harder to lose. All I know is for me the lap band is the ONLY answer to getting rid of this fat that weighs me down physically and emotionally! I am not as happy or confident as I was when I was thinner and I am more self concience about the way people look at me being overweight stinks! It is uncomfortable in the summer which I hate because I can't hide under 50 layers of clothing. My goal is to lose 80lbs by next summer and the lap band is the tool I am going to use to reach that goal! Only you can decide what is best for you. If you decide to get banded I assure you that you will find much support from the bloggers on this site they are here to uplift and encourage on a daily basis! Best wishes!

Just remember to take all that you hear onsite as opinions and personal experiences. I too was self pay. I paid over 15k for mine. It was the best investment. I was scared it wouldn't work and then I would have wasted my money. Remember it is a tool and how you use it will be the deciding factor. I started with needing to lose at least 120 lbs. So far I am down 46.5 lbs and I was banded May 12th. Anything is possible but it is up to you. I look at this way...15k divided by 3 years(that is what my doctor said it would take to lose the 120 lbs) divided by 52 weeks is about $95 a week. I think I save that much a week by not eating out as much and also not drinking soft drinks anymore. The best investment.

Well, I had my surgery yesterday. It wasnt bad. I didnt use any of the pain meds. My pain level is about a 3 or 4. I have some gas pains, my belly is sore but mostly I feel hunger pains. I can feel my belly grumbling but it doesnt seem to subside. I walk from time to time and I have been drinking every 2 hours. I guess Im doing well but I dont exactly feel my best. When do the hunger pains go away? How long until the incision sites arent so sore?