Why did you chose the band?

[healthierme72 6]

My diabetes doctor referred me to lapband. He also warned me ahead time that the lapband surgeons may sway me to the bypass procedure due to numbers and quick weight loss. but, ultimately it was my choice. I read this forum for 2 yrs and watched youtube videos of ppl who had surgery. I didn't have 100 lbs to lose. I just needed to lose 60 to 70 lbs. To be healthy.

So, I am 33 lbs down and had surgery in the end if May.

1. I chose lapband over bypass because I didn't like the idea of having my stomach cut and having to take Vitamins because my body wouldn't be absorbing the Vitamins from food. I totally don't feel getting rid of one problem to trade it in for another. Plus, if I absolutely had problems with lapband we can get it removed. I like to leave my options open. There would be no way, I can do that with bypass. (some of the surgeons staff was surprised I was going to get lapband and not bypass due to the bypass helping diabetes immediately, but again my bmi was 37 now it 31) guess, what my diabetes improved 75% from the day I had surgery.

I was maxed out on meds. But now, I am only taking one pill. I am waiting for the day to say adios.

2. I have not encountered any problems with the band, I drink Water the same, I eat small meals and still don't know what stuck feeling feels like. I am losing weight slow, but, I am still happy with my progress. I feel better all around. I am very active and I feel great buying new clothes. I just bought a size M dress and size 10 skinny jeans. I am looking forward to the next 30 lbs. Overall, I am healthier today then I was 3 months ago. I have to admit, I do feel alot more sassy. Btw, I didn't tell any friends just a select few. I feel better that way. I didn't want ppl judging me and not understanding why.

[transforming jlaroux 78]

A lot of surgeons tell you how much you'll lose but they're only going by statistics. Be more than a statistic. My doctor told me that I was only going to get to 224. That's not okay to me. And I'm only talking for myself. I personally want to get a lower number than that. So I'm going to shoot for 170. I know I can do it. My surgery was May 18, 2011 and I've already lost 65 lbs. I'm going to keep going until I reach his goal. And then I'll keep going until I get into the 100's. And then I'll keep going until 170. And you know what? I'll keep going until I am comfortable. I do plan on losing more than 100 lbs. Because determination and hard work goes a lot longer than just a few statistics. Besides, you're young... you only get this life once so why not make it the best you can? But here is some truth: The band isn't going to lose the weight for you. If you've been going to the gym religiously and havne't had much success then the band isn't going to drop the weight. Eating veggies is going to be a way of life because most foods (starchy) aren't going to go down the "pipe." fruit, veggies, and lean meats are my daily foods now. Maybe meet with the surgeon and your dietician and tell them about the situation. They'd love to hear about it. I wish you the best with whatever decision you make!!

I told my surgeon I was about to prove him WRONG! He told me a lot of the same things he told you. I love that I am losing, and plan to get into the 100's as well. I don't have a number goal per se, I want to feel great, I want to be thin, and when my body tells me its done, then I'm done!

However, my first goal is 75 pounds, because at my clinic they give a blue ribbon out at 75 pounds. There are not many band patients who get that ribbon, you better believe I will be one of them!!!!