Is it worth it?

[Essence33 90]

for me its worth it' date=' and i was a cash pay no insurance. but let me tell you that this is no easy fix I know people who are getting weight loss surgery and say to me " I can still eat what i want but I wont be as hungry and won't eat as much, so i'll lose weight". I don't think so....

let me tell you, you'll probably lose weight for a while but if you don't make a lifestyle change it will come back, I Have seen this happen with several people.

so its worth it if you do it right!

Good luck You'll do great![/quote']

I'll be a cash paying client as well. I'm saving up now for it. Its just the tool I need.

[Essence33 90]

Your story is my story. Up and down weight over the years. VERY good at dieting' date=' horrible at keeping it off for any length of time. I truly spent much of my adult life either on a diet or thinking that I should start one, and feeling bad about that. I am a couple inches taller than you and fluctuated from 130 to almost 240 and in more recent years could not get under 180 no matter how hard I tried,

I researched WLS for 2 years before getting banded 1/18/2012. Was it worth it? God, yes.

I really can't explain the power and control it gives you over eating, but it is the first time in my life I can eat like a "normal" person. And maintain!

I am currently maintaining at 160 pounds, and I am pleased as punch.

In my opinion, I think the band works very well for those who have dieted successfully in the past (because it does require following a diet of sorts). The key is that you don't gain it all back immediately (I don't know about you, but I could lose 10 lbs in a month and then gain 5 back in one day?!!) and with the band, that just hasnt happened for me. I've lost slowly, but it's always been a downward trend for the past 2 years.

I hear your frustration, and been there. Yes, the lap band helped me. Tremendously.[/quote']

Yes, I've had those days. Lose 10 and gain 5 in a day...man I was always like, "UGH, I give up." But, with this tool I am more than willing and ready to work my a$$ off and keep it off. I'm trying to lose about 120....don't kind being where your at in weight. I haven't seem the 100's I'm a very long time. Btw, congrats on your weight lost. Thanks again for the reply.

[Essence33 90]

Is it worth it??? It changed' date=' AND saved my life....I too have dieted for over 30 years...up and down, always failing and feeling more down about myself than before...and my medical issues are, WERE too numerous to mention....WERE because they are all gone!

So I NEEDED WLS as a last resort...to do what I was unable to do with dieting on my own....surgery to correct my eating habits and personal behavior....And I can not be more pleased with this new life I now have....

For me, I have lost all my excess weight, reaching a good muscle mass and body fat %, all without dieting, counting calories, or any of that stuff that used to drive me crazy....this is truly the easiest thing I could have ever done....

I don't even think about the band, or feel I even had WLS, or the constant worry of loosing weight anymore....people all around me are always commenting how they need to go o a diet etc, etc, and when I hear this it brings a big smile to y face....NO MORE of that for me....

Granted, the first 3-6 months were very hard and frustrating, because the band is adjustable and it can take some time to get everything...including myself and my behaviors, in perfect balance with one another...it can be difficult, and I read here people never finding that balance and always complaining about gaining their weight back, uncontrollable hunger, etc, etc...Most of it, IMO is because the band is adjustable and that is where they choose to be....but it does not make it right or wrong, it's where everyone wants and how to live with it....

But I love it...it is indescribable and way beyond my expectations....it really is a new lifestyle, I never worry about overeating and being fat again....

(cannot ignore the band, and it calls for some routine maintenance...but other than that...)

Everyone will have a different story, because everyone IS different, and have their adjustable bands set to their desire...that does not make anyone right or wrong....it is a very flexible thing and it all comes down to how you want to work it...that's another thing people like about it as compared to other surgeries....it is more flexible...[/quote']

B-52, thank you for your response and the inspiration you have given me. I can truly say your right, everyone is different and will have a different story. When its my turn I want my story to be a success as yours and the other bandsters on this forum. Thanks again, and congrats on your weight lose journey.

[Essence33 90]

It is worth it! I lost 100 lbs and eat to live' date=' not live to eat. i maintain and at 65 am happy and healthier than I was for 20 years. I lived a yoyo life, also. I was on blood pressure mends, cholesterol meds, others. I am off all meds except Vitamins, now![/quote']

Man, another success story. Makes me even more anxious to do this surgery. I can't wait the day I lose 100 pounds like you...by the way congrats! I'm gonna throw myself a party. I'll be in the 100 mark...gosh I'm excited. Thanks!!

[Essence33 90]

Absolutley' date=' Positively worth it... I am 66 years old, had been on thousands of diets.. Like B52, I had to have WLS to save my life.. I was diabetic, high blood pressue and high cholesterol..after losing nearly 55 lbs since January with the band I no longer take any medications.. I am able to enjoy life .. I can actually walk without panting for breath, I can tie my shoes,, It's not easy but it's doable... I feel in control for the first time in 30 years... I was always small, 5' 0" .. and weighed 93 lbs when I married my husband.. 38 years ago.. I gradually went to 200 lbs. over the years of dieting , losing and regaining for years.. It was the best decision I ever made and I feel confident that as long as I do my part, the band will do it's part...[/quote']

Sharpie, you are right. The day I can tie my shoe will be a blessing. I also can't wait to get off my HBP meds. Congrats on the awesome weight loss. Thanks

[Essence33 90]

yep' date=' def worth it...i went from the pic in red who could hardly walk and had trouble wiping her butt to the image on the right who now does step aerobics..down from size 30 pant to that size 16 in the picture..

the band/plication

not only saved my life and gave it back to me to enjoy

but gave me something i thought i'd never see again...myself[/quote']

Girl you look stunning! Man...speechless. I'm more and more anxious to get this on the road....hehehe Thanks!!

[Essence33 90]

It's hard work friend. Your not going to wake up and be back to that college size but if you invest the time in yourself and take it one step at a time and have the commitment and perseverance that having the band requires you will be one of the many success stories I read about and one day hope to be!

Having a good sense of self and body image even at a larger size is a great benefit to you. You will be able to take things easily and work to improve your health and well being and the weight loss will follow.

It has been only 5 months for me' date=' but I can tell you even through all the hard work it's been MORE then worth it to me and my husband. I would do it again tomorrow if I had to.

I wish you all the best on your journey![/quote']

First and foremost, congrats on your 5 months post op. I do realize I may not get back that size. I actually don't want to be lower then 160, however, with determination, persistence, and perseverance all things are possible. "You right about taking it easily and work to improve my health, and weight loss will follow." I totally agree with you in everything you stated. Thanks for sharing, and good luck on your journey. Congrats!!!

[Essence33 90]

I finally figured how to reply back to each post. Again, I thank everyone for their comments, statements, replies, inspiration, and etc. I will take all advice into consideration and use it to benefit me when my surgery approaches. I'm ready for this weight loss journey and the new lifestyle that's ahead.