award

Just a few things to consider. While lap band is a very useful tool to consider....it is only that, a tool. It has helped me to lose about 50 lbs in 10 months (which is considerable less then what others have lost). Unfortunately I had some complications since my first band surgery in Aug. 07, while I have lost some weight I have also had to have an emergency surgery March 08 to fix a band slip. Since my first operation to place the band in Aug, I have only had the band filled for one month out of 10, complications keep me from having it filled....at this point, I am not sure when it will be considered again. So why am I telling you all of this? I do not want to discourage you, but I just want to let you know, the band does not work for everyone. There can be many complications. Also the band takes true dedication on the banders behave....one has to have portion control, which is something many deal with. Your need to eat when bored, sad, mad, upset, etc... that will not go away. It is also up to the bander to make good choices about WHAT they eat. Favorite foods will not disappear, you have to make the choice not to eat the foods you should probably not be eating even before having the band surgery. Just remember....the band is only a TOOL. It is still up to the bander to make good food choices, exercise, and make sound healthy choices. Without the exercise the band will not just take the weight off. So essentially what I am saying is just make sure you understand the band takes dedication to a LIFESTYLE change....one that can be achieved prior to lap band surgery, and is crucial afterward in order to obtain the desired outcome. The band will only make you feel fuller with less food, but will not eliminate cravings, desires, or eating just because there is nothing better to do. In the end, even after surgery, the band may not work in your favor...there are many complication that can be predicted. Sorry to be so long....but after 10 months, 2 surgeries, and only 50 lbs lost. I only wish someone would have been really REAL with me...it's not for everyone and it's not easy. It's easy to read about others success and wish to one day be there. It's easy to see the before/after pictures and see what could be....but it really takes hard work and dedication to get there. So 10 months later and I have lost only 50 lbs....funny thing is that I have only had a fill for one month back in October. So the 50 lbs lost, was with only 1 month of help from the band....the rest was by deciding to change my lifestyle with good ole exercise and eating right. I could have done all that without the banding surgery (both of them!). :huh2: Good luck in your decision.....please fill free to contact me if you have any more questions or concerns....just wanted to give you my honest opinion about banding. But keep in mind that there are many, many, many out there that have had better experiences then mine.....but unfortunately there are some out there that have had the same complications. Just some things to think about.