nerolid

I started yesterday and I am allowed 2 shakes and an Optifast bar. The doctor said I could also have a SMALL amount of approved vegetables. I thought I would chew my arm off last night - I was REALLY hungry! By body was in total shock (where's the chocolate!!) and I had a headache and was in bed by 9.30 (unheard of for me!) to try and go to sleep so I wouldn't notice I was hungry!! I know it will all be worth it - but it's certainly not easy! But maybe that's important as it keeps it in my mind that lapbanding isn't actually an 'easy' fix to my weight problem. Good luck - you have my total sympathy!

Firstly - I think you should stop beating yourself up! Think about it - before the band if you had lost over 100 pounds two years ago how much would you weigh now? I bet you would have gained back alot more than 20 (I know I always gained back the whole amount and then some!). Also - before the band would you have pulled yourself up at 20 pounds? I am scheduled for surgery in two weeks and instead of freaking me out that you have gained some weight back - I feel comforted that I might be able to use the band as a tool to get myself back on track if I make mistakes. You know what to do (you must you lost over 100 pounds!) stop beating yourself up and be glad you are not having to start from the beginning again :-)

All the best :-)

Good luck making your decision. I too am still in the decision stage. I think many people choose the lap band option as it is a less 'invasive' procedure (as in you don't have anything cut out and it can be reversed). I have been researching for a couple of weeks now - and there is HEAPS of information on the internet. Keep looking and reading other people's stories. Make sure this is something you really want to do though. Not just something your doctor has suggested. I don't think any of these surgeries are an 'easy' way out and you need to be confident that you are ready to make such a big step. I was looking at this comparison chart the other day - and it may give you some information regarding the different types of surgery. Good luck Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

Well I'm getting closer to a decision - through trolling through the internet I've discovered some interesting statistics. Apparently 90 - 95% of people who lose weight through diet and exercise alone will gain it back within 5 years (def been the way it's worked for me!! - but add a few extra kilo's as well!). But from what I've read (and I understand that you can't take the info on the internet as gospel truth!) approx 30% of those who have had weight loss surgery regain the weight. Sounds like much better odds to me! If I'm going to put the effort into losing weight AGAIN - I want it to be permanent this time! :thumbup:

soooooo - I'm getting very encouraged by everyone's success stories (and the photo's on this site are inspirational!) but I'm wondering - do people fail with lap-bands?

Hi - starting to go down the lap-band path and I'm wondering if there are any Aussies on this site? Are things done differently over here? Do you know of any Aussie support groups?

thanks everyone! I'm still very nervous and I'm not sure how I can cope not picking my kids up for 4 weeks! I'm still embarrassed - do most people keep it to themselves that they've had this surgery? I've only told my mum that I'm considering it - and she hasn't mentioned it since - don't think she is all that thrilled with the idea. hmmmmmm......

So I'm trying to make a decision regarding lap banding. I have previously lost significant weight on other diets. However - I have never kept it off. In fact I gain it back and then some. I now have a skin condition that makes exercise very difficult and I am a coeliac (wheat, gluten intolerant) which makes some diets difficult. I have basically ignored my weight for the last several years and I am now tipping the scales at around 108 kg which is too high for my 170 cm frame. My motivation this time is that I have two small sons and I not only want to be around for them - I also want to be an active part of their lives. Previously my weight has always been a cosmetic concern. My doctor has suggested lap banding. I am scared, embarrassed that it has come to this and worried how I will cope with two active children during recovery. Does anyone have any thoughts/experiences that would help alleviate some of my fears?