Trying to make a decision on lap band

[cjdisneynut 0]

I have not had the lap band surgery yet. I am on a 6 months weight reduction and will be scheduled for Feb 2009. I have read a lot of positive and negative things about the surgery on several posts and I am so scared that I may not be successful at this. Another failure in my weight loss attempts. I am a diabetic and on insulin and I have a very big appetite. I am afraid I will stay hunger all the time, like I am now. Any advice or similar situations out there?

[TQUAD64 9]

disneynut. I just have to say I love Disney too!!

I have never been a diabetic, so I cannot comment on that, but I can talk about a 24/7 huge appetite I that had and was never satisfied pre-band.

I had huge Portion Control issues. I would eat large quantities of food and would always be hungry. Plus, I would snack all day too! I was consuming around 3,000 to 3,500 calories a month and was gaining weight like crazy. The weight gain wreaked havoc on my joints and it was painful to exercise and walk for that matter.

But once I had the surgery, and I got through Bandster Hell, I was not as hungry as before. I was able to consume around 1,200 calories a day and feel satisfied. I was not snacking and weight was coming off.

Once the weight started coming off, I was able to exercise without pain. As I exercised, I was dropping pant sizes and inches quickly.

When my fill is working with me, I can eat a small meal and not feel hungry for 6 hours. When my fill is diminishing, I can eat a meal and go for 3 hours with out feeling hungry.

I am newly banded and have had 3 fills. I have a 10cc band with 5cc in it. I received a fill last week, so my restriction is great right now.

I understand your apprehension; wondering if the Band will realy appease your appetite. I had the same concerns. You will get hungry, but it will not be like before the band. The Band only allows you to each so much food.

I have no regrets at all and would do it again.

Good luck with your journey!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

TQuad gave you a good, well thought answer, and I'm with her on this. If you are a volume eater, especially, the band will do wonders for you.

You have to decide, though, what's right for you. Just remember that the negatives here are just a small part of the picture...often happy successful bandsters are out living their slimmer healthier lives, rather than posting about how great they are doing....so take this site (pro and con) with a grain of salt, and do what you feel is best for you!

[bambam31 168]

I am not diabetic but hopefully some diabetics will comment. I know there are bandsters out there who have been so successful that they have been able to reduce or even outright stop taking certain medications for diabetes. Being that a lot of diabetic complications are directly related to diet, I think it may be a tool to assist you for sure.

Brad