So far so good for me! I am down 25 since 7/13 and feel better than I have in YEARS! I have not had a fill yet, but just having that band helps with hunger/portion control. The band is not losing the weight for me, it is just a tool. You have to look at this operation as a lifestyle change; change all your bad habits to healthier ones or else it will not work. It took surgically altering my body, but I am finally on the road to a newer, healthier me!

Good luck to you, please keep us posted!

OK First I am down 43#s and I like you had doubts at first, not now. But, with all of the posts on this site, one can take that advice, begin a diet program that's been working for lapbanders for free. Yes follow the advice of the bandsters and diet yourself. Liquids the first week, mushies the second week, and so on. Try it to get your system used to being a true bandster. You can learn from all of us and not spend $$$$$. Why not give it a try? Then decide to get your band. The ball is in your court.

Hello and I am glad you are wanting to make an inform decision. As Giby97 said...you should try and do the lap band diet first. To be honest with you right after I had my lap band surgery...I was sad and maybe a little depressed. I think because I really knew I could no longer eat the way I use to. It was like losing a close companion. Would I do it all over again...yes I would. However, I would have tried the lap band diet to get an idea of the direction I was going to have to go. It is a tool....It won't stop you from eating...you are going to have to learn to do that with each step. But, it will be a tool to guide you.

I am by no means trying to discourage you...I just really want you to take your time in making this decision. Also, you should go to a support group from your doctors office....you will hear people talk about their experience.

I am grateful for this site...It has helped me a lot.

In whatever decision you make....you have people here willing to walk with you.

Be encouraged.

The lap-band was the best decision I have ever made for myself. It is a tool, and I work my butt off at the gym 4 times a week to keep on losing. I was banded on June 21st and will have my first fill on 9/1. Most people have their first fill around week 5, but I was not ready because I was losing and not hungry. Go to a seminar or two and speak with people who have had the surgery. I think you will find this "tool" will help you control your intake. But, it is a choice to exercise and cut out the bad foods from your diet. You have to be ready or it will be a waste of time and energy on your part. Good luck.

Doubts. Ah yes. Fears too, plenty of them. The morning of the procedure I began to cry. My nurse came in and asked if I was ok. My reply. I'm not ready to do this. Will you notify my surgeon. Being a very wise nurse she replied "sure" and headed out of the room. Lucky for me I was still sporting a fancy IV so had to wait for her return. When she finally returned it had completely subsided and I was ready to go again. I told her so. She chuckled and said good thing I forgot to tell your surgeon, winked and left the room. I was perfectly calm from that moment on or so I thought. When they came to wheel me away the same nurse asked me if I was ready. I smiled, replied not even close, and winked! I wasn't ready and yet I was so very very very ready. I had been for far too long. Just nervous! I mean I really thought it was going to be unbearable pain. And nicely surprised, it wasn't!

Knowing this isn't a quick fix helps. I have succeeded at losing just to fail again and again. This is for life. This is the tool that I am missing. The aide to teach me full. I'm an active person. I'm a healthy foods eater. I never know how to reach fool. This is my tool from which to learn and improve everyday!