I am going for my surgery tomorrow and I too worry about not losing the weight. However, There are many people that have been successful. Nothing like this is a sure thing. It is a chance and a choice you have to take and pray or hope for the best. I had a friend who had it done and she is losing the weight she wants. She is very happy. Unfortunatelly, there is no way anyone can tell if you are going to lose the weight or not. But you won't know unless you try. I am going to take the chance and go through with it and pray that I lose the weight I want and need. I am doing this for other health reasons as well. I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure and it was getting worse. I needed to do something and I just pray that this is the "right" something. Best wishes to you. It is a very hard decision. My thoughts will be with you.

I think the same way...I too have to pay...$16,000.00.

I'm in Ontario, just outside Toronto. I'm also worried it wont work. But, like the above said I'm just going for it...I think if you follow the rules (which you will, since it's a lot of money)...It will work. I think for the ones that are gaining weight - their bands are not tight enough and they are able to over eat - And I'm guessing the over eating is not the healthy choices. Just follow the plan and you should get your results.

Please remember that this is a journey. You do want to do what you are instructed to do. I struggled with the weight loss the first 4 weeks. However, once I began to keep a journal and added the exercise. The weight is coming off. Trust me when I say I don't really enjoy exercise. I only enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after I am done. The lapband is a tool. However, it still require dedication and work on your part. This tool helps control my hunger. However, I am a very emotional eater and I have had to really make myself stop and think when I reach for food for comfort. I have felt very successful. However, I have had a bad day or two. That is a normal part of this journey. I don't beat myself up over this. However, I do take time to refocus my mind and attention as to the reason I did this in the first place. I am so thankful that I have the lapband. Good luck as you make your decision.

I also live in Ontario and self paid $16 000 for my band. I have had it for almost 4 months and I'm so happy I did it! I have lost 48 pounds to date and I'm hoping to have lost 50 by Nov 8th. Anyway, FYI, when you are healed from the band but waiting for a fill you do not have restriction and can eat most foods, so until you get to your sweet spot you do have to "diet". That was a hard time, I wondered if I did the right thing or not. Once I had two fills I was at my sweet spot and the band is now doing its job! Also the clinic wanted me to start exercising right away. I didn't do much more than easy walks at first, but once some weight came off I felt more like exercising and you can't stop me now, I have so much energy, I'm actually enjoying it very much. In order for your band to work you have to do two things. Follow the surgeons instructions and make sure you are at a good fill level, don't slack in either of these departments and you can't fail.

Good luck!

OOOMMMGGG...I'm on day 1 of the liquid diet and I'm SOOOO hungry...Does this get easier???

I had my surgery 6/28/10 and am 36 lbs down. I paid $11,000 for my surgery out of pocket. It is the best investment i have ever made. I invested in myself. I have never felt or looked better. I am a 41 year old single mother who now has more energy for her son and more confidence to go out and spend time with him and participate in outdoor activities. I was at 190 lbs, so it was considered elective surgery, and not covered by my insurance. I am currently at 154, 19 lbs away from my goal weight of 135 and wearing a size 9/10. I feel great! There is no money better spent than the one you invest in yourself! Good Luck!