[Bettyann]

Hi, I'm looking for someone who has had lap band surgery or is contemplating it. I am scheduled to have lap band surgery in January and would love to talk with someone who has had it. So far, all the threads I have read have been about gastric bypass surgery.

[decker1976]

Welcome! Sorry I can't hep you with your search for a bander but please visit the site often. We're all here to support you regardless of the surgery you choose.

[Tigerfly]

I think are a few lap folks on here, be patient someone may show up.

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
Congratulations on your date.
(((((HUGS))))) May your journey go well.

[Lana]

Hi Bettyann, I'm a former bander and I'd be happy to answer your questions.

[Bettyann]

Hi Lana, Do you still have the lapband? I'd like to ask you if you were happy you did the band and would you do it again? I'm still a little nervous about it but I am diabetic and need to lose the weight. Any other info you can give me would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Lana]

Hi Bettyann, I had my band removed 3 months ago and I had the gastric bypass. I wasn't successful with the band. I never had any problems with it but it just didn't work for me.

I certainly don't want to discourage you in any way. I know many people who have done wonderfully with the band. Hopefully you've done enough research and made your decision based on that (and with your doctor as well.)

I found that with the band you have to have a heck of a lot of willpower. More than I had. What happened with me, and with others, is you start eating "slider" foods, like ice cream for instance, and when you realize it goes down easily, you want and eat more.

My port always annoyed me and I could never achieve the right fill amount. Either it was too tight or too lose. Bottom line, I did lose 40 lbs initially but then I gained it all back.

Like I said, I don't tell you these things to discourage you, only to inform you of my experience. Not everyone is the same. Please understand that. If you're scheduled for surgery in January then I'm going to assume you've done your homework and have made an informed decision.

The band is definitely not a quick fix but it can most definitely be successful. I hope I've helped you. Please feel free to ask any questions. I've been where you are and I know you're nervous.