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I think it's such a personal decision. I have ALWAYS struggled with my weight. And, the lower BMI'ers lose much more slowly than those who have higher BMIs. (Probably b/c we have less to loose to begin with...) It's been 13 months since I've been banded and I am so happy with my decision. HOWEVER, if you had asked me 3 months after having it done, I might have had a different answer b/c it's been coming off so slow. In total, I've lost 40 lbs. out of 60 lbs that I should loose. BUT, with my age and some health issues I was facing, it was the right decision for me. Good luck!

Anyone who only had to lose 60 lbs??? I feel constantly defeated at the fact that I cannot, and have not been able to successfully lose this weight after 3 kids... I'm considered "obese" and yet don't qualify to have the surgery done in the US... So Mexico is now on the radar... But again, I feel unjustified as there are many others who have a longer journey than I... Any advice or previous experience in my situation?

I could have posted ALL of the above posts about my husband!!!! He needs to understand that this is not a "magic bullet" and will still require hard work on your end. As I posted in another thread, the way I explained it was along the lines similarly with getting a math tutor for our son. He still needed to do the work to achieve the best possible outcome when it was report card time, but he needed extra help and support outside of the school setting in order to get there. Same thing with me - After 17 yrs of marriage, 3 kids and a very public life, this was the extra help I needed - My "tutor"... I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my life (surgery is June 3rd! THIS WEEK!!! :cool:) and he sees how excited I am about this. In the end, I know he still doesn't understand completely and he'll still make small comments about not getting enough exercise, but I do know that he has come a long way from when I 1st mentioned this to him. At the very least, I now see that he is excited to see MY excitement and is "coming around." How can he not be happy for me about something that is making me sooooo excited & happy? My advice is to move forward with your plans if you are sure this is what you want to do and are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Be open & honest with him if and when he shows interest and put your power behind YOU and not feed into his negativity. You deserve the right to better yourself without anyone's permission!!! And if he does love you unconditionally, then he needs to trust your decision to do this... Good luck!

Alivenadwell: I meant to reply in my above post to you. *sorry*! I too was in your shoes a few weeks ago as I was the one to start this thread. For me, it seems like the right decision. Although I was VERY hesitant because I didn't feel justified. But as it was very eloquently pointed out to me - 60 lbs is a lot to lose!!!! And I won't go out in shorts either!!!! But I am hoping that those feelings will change by the end of the summer. I am excited about having this done, so I am more than happy to post any follow-up "happenings" as I go along this journey of mine. Good luck to you too!:eek:

Mary Lou: FEAR - Such an awful emotion. Yet, a necessary evil as it keeps all other emotions balanced and "in check". And especially when what you fear is the unknown... That being said, I would never have scheduled this surgery if I hadn't had my follow-up care in place. Meaning, a well known local doctor who I could go to for follow-up care. So that is & should be a key component to deciding if you should have this done or not. Whether the care was to be for fills & regular maintenance, or god forbid anything else with respect to getting the band, you should know who you will go to after the surgery is done. There are never going to be guarantees with anything. That's what I would tell my clients before heading into the courtroom. But you have to weigh all the factors surrounding your personal case, and if everything points to a more favorable outcome, then it's a risk that I'm ready and willing to take. When I think about having this done in a few weeks, I get those butterflies in my stomach because I feel nervous and slightly scared - But all in a good way. Much like my very first date with a boy when I was in high school. I'm excited to start this next chapter in my life and know that in the long run, I'll be in a better place physically & emotionally. It is not an easy decision, and it may very well be not a good fit for you... So I wish you much luck on your journey to a thinner and happier you. :eek: For me, this is the right decision -

I can relate to EVERYTHING you guys are saying!!!! AHHHHHH!!! So frustrating!!! But the way I *finally* got my husband to understand (and even now, it's minimally!) was making the association to our teenager: I said that the WLS was much like getting a tutor for me just like we got a math tutor for our son when we saw him struggling. My husband has seen me struggle with my weight over the last 20 years, through 3 kids...etc. And has seen me at my healthiest, and at my heaviest... So it's less of a "I like you just the way you are." and more of a "Isn't this just giving-up? Isn't this taking the 'easy way' out???" But again, he is minimally on board and knows that my mind is set. So he's either with me or against me. I guess he'd rather be in the winner's circle! :grouphug: (3 more weeks for me until I get my tutor!!!)

Hi Ladies - So - I am scheduled for this next month... And let me just say: IT CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH! :frown: If you want to PM me, we can discuss the specifics. YAY!!! Please know however that I have done the research, and needless to say, nothing comes without a price to pay and some very hard work along with that. However, the throwing-up constantly is not something that "should" be happening normally. So please be careful and really watch what & how you are eating. Because if it's not as a result of anything (directly or indirectly) by you, then you should seek medical advice immediately.

I'm not sure if they'll band at BMI of 30 or 31. But check them out: Lap Band Surgery in Mexico - Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center But the price with them is in the range of $7,500. Let us know how it goes!

I know it's not for everyone, but you can do it out of the US. Like Mexico... Many people have had extremely positive experiences there. Albeit, the thought of "MEXICO" is very scary... I have a BMI of 31 where I have been struggling with my weight my entire life. I should be at least 60 lbs lighter, and sure - I could go back and forth for another 20 years loosing & gaining, but I'm done with the yo-yo'ing. So I'm having it done in June - Yes, in Mexico... US standards consider me "Obese", just not "Morbidly Obese" which is why I'm crossing the border! Good luck -

Hi - I know it's been a few months for you both. Curious to know where you are now - Did you have the surgery - Was it worth it at your beginning BMI...etc. Would love an update!!!