Phyllis326

I also waffled back and forth about having the lap band surgery. In fact, this is the 2nd time I am going through the bariatric program in Binghamton, NY because I was "convinced" by what others said to me about the band failures (people gaining all their weight back). I am still consider myself a newbie and only at the beginning of my journey. But as I read this forum and some others, I see that the success totally depends on you being able to follow your program. This time through the program, I am more than convinced that this is the tool I need to drop 120 lbs I have been desparately trying to lose in the last 20 years. Another thing I've discovered is that the lap band (or any other surgery option) is not the answer by itself -- you have to be willing to work with it to accomplish your goal. You sound like the kind of person that is committed and knows what is good for your body. Keep searching for information and whatever your decision, make it your own and do it because you know you can stay with it. Good Luck!!!! Phyllis326

Hi Everyone, I am in the same boat -- This is the second time I am going through a program and anyone I tell that I am considering lap band surgery tell me I'm crazy and that they've heard a lot about how it doesn't work and people gain ALL their weight back. I've been heavy all my life and need to do something soon. I am 60 years old and have a beautiful grandson I want to be around for. Right now I am in the surgery program again. I have lost 28 lbs on my own (between the first time I signed up in 2010 and when I returned in October 2012. I have met with the psychologist, attended a group support session, met with the nutritionist and have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow -- BUT -- I am still undecided if this is the right thing for me because of all the "nay-sayers" (including my family physician who is pushing me to follow a full vegetarian diet). I am worried that if I don't have my family's and personal doctor's support that I will fail and that's really what's making me so unsure. I really think I can follow the diet after surgery (I'm already doing some of the techniques like chewing well, slowing up, and not drinking during meals). In fact, I've lost 4 lbs since I started that. So confused................but I do appreciate all the positive things I've heard on this website! Thanks for sharing and your honesty!!!!

Hey Chad Cool, I am going to my first consultation this afternoon! I have also been fighting my weight since I was 12 years old (I am 60 now) and I need to do this too! Good Luck

Hi -- I am from Binghamton, NY (upstate) and you are being heard! I am a newby too -- just decided to pursue band surgery last week -- waiting to hear about my consultation as we speak. I started down this road about two years ago but decided surgery was not for me -- that I could do this by myself -- well, I couldn't. I decided I am ready for this journey and ready to make the commitment needed to be successful. Keep tapping -- people are listening!

Hello everyone, I'm new to this website and just in the investigation stage -- Thank you for your positive thoughts and advice. I am 60 years old and have battled with my weight all my life. I have contacted my insurance (and they do cover lap band surgery) and have contacted the local bariatric surgical clinic (which has mandatory meetings with other surgery patients, psycologist, nutritionist, etc.). I looked into this surgery about 2 years ago but "chickened" out and said I could lose weight by myself -- NOT!! I recently became a grandma and have a reason to make myself healthier. I am now ready to make the commitment and take care of myself