diana: I would urge anyone to read up a lot about the Lap Band procedure before you take this step. There have been a lot of questions about the overall saftey of this. and i would tell you from my own experience that nausea vomiting, stomach pain and heartburn are regular parts of my life now. And the most heart breaking thing about it is that it has now been 4 years since my surgery and i have gained 75 % of it back due to health probelms that prevented me from exercising. This procedure has basically made my quality of life much worse.

Sera: When I first had the LapBand Surgery I was feeling pretty okay, which was surprising. I have recently been feeling nauseous, however, before and after I eat. I have not yet called my doctor about this but I probably should. IS this common, does it go away?

LaurieD: I don’t mean to sound too dramatic, but I probably don’t have much time. I can’t afford to make a mistake. Either I do Lapband surgery or I try one last time to diet with a supplement or diet pill and sensible eating and exercise plans. I have no reason to believe that this time it will work. I am just scared of surgery. But I am more scared of the alternative. Have any of you lost a significant amount of weight (70 pounds or more) without surgery? Thanks so much, L Davis

Naomi: The Lap Band Surgery was basically my last diet option, I have never had success with diets in the past, the weight either never comes off or comes back, plus some. When I went in I was 111 lbs overweight. The thing is very uncomfortable but I am limiting my food intake, it’s making a difference. I would not recommned this unless you really need it, I am hopeful it will work for me.

Ellie: I had Lap Band surgery and here I am 10 months later and I am putting on weight. I must take steps to get back on my diet. I don’t want to just rely on the surgery. I thought I would never have to worry about my weight again, but I guess this will be a life long struggle.

Laurie: One of my good friends had the Lap Band procedure done…for her it had come down to the risks of surgery Versus the risk of remaining at her dangerous weight (487). But i don’t think she realized what she was truely in for. She experienced leakage which led to an infection, causing Septic Shock. She almost died…eventually due to the slippage and leakage of the band, she had it removed. Now she remains at that weight and continues to be at elevated health risks. She doesn’t want to undergo the procedure again, and i don’t blame her.

virginia: shortly after i had the lapband system in place i had to have it removed, due to complications. it was causing me to vomit severely; i lost weight but not in a healthy way. i’m searching for a different type of method now, something less invasive, i hope.

mitch: I got so far as the information kit about the Lap Band before I decided I wasn’t going to continue down that road.I just didn’t feel reassured about the procedure. I am working with my physician on different weight loss strategies and I hope it works out. Being an obese man is difficult. My wife left me and my children are ashamed. It’s very hard.

Marge: I vomit alot since I had my surgery on 4/17/07. I would have to say i vomit probably once a day. It seems to many people that i am bulimic, but i don’t want to correct them, because the truth is even more embarrassing. I really can;t; go out to restaurants with friends, because i generally cannot get through an entire meal with out running to the bathroom to vomit. This is not what i had invisioned when i decided to get Lap band surgery.

Phyllicia: surgery is not always the answer. In our quick fox society of consumption and excess we all want to be placated like children, I was no exception. I had the Lap Band done because I didn’t think I could do it on my own. It caused severe discomfort and didn’t make my life less complicated. I am now in the road to recovery taking the necessary steps to get healthy. I would love to try and lose weight naturally but I know I will need at least an appetite suppresant and a fat burner.

Minnie: When I decided to go through with the LapBand System I felt really, really good about my decision. Scared, but confident it would work. So far, it has proven to be MUCH more challenging than I ever dreamed. I am exercising more, but am still so heavy I often get chest pains, I need to take it slow. Food is the biggest problem, learning how to eat less & feel satisfied. This was not just an easy way out, like part of me sorta hoped for, it is very tough. But I need to see this through, I think the changes are all for the better.

natalia: being obese can be very bad for your health – it has caused me diabetes. I don’t know if I should have the lap band installed because I have read about the side effects and I am worried so I was wondering about alternatives. Thank you very Much, n

Lucille: My insurance will not cover the LapBand surgery but I am still planning on attending a seminar to see whether or not this is somethiing I should pursue. These comments are helpful to me, to see what I could expect to go through should I decide to do it. Does anyone know the cost of this, if insurance will not cover?

Harold: Hi everyone. I was banded 5 years ago, after I had gotten out of Alcohlics Anonymous; i thought i was in the clear. I would have to say, i would not advise LapBand for anyone with a drinking problem, or even who drinks a significant amount. Because you can get a lot more liquid through the LapBand than food, and those calories are absorbed. SO i feel off the wagon 2 years after i was banded, and i gained my weight right back. If you drink, i would say lap Band is not the smartest choice. Harry

ericacooper: I haven’t been able to swallow solid food since I had my lap band surgery. Sure, that’s one way to quit eating burgers. I try to maintain a sense of humor but I wish I had made a different choice. Now I feel like it is my responsibility to warn others. If I could change one thing about my life it would be this. I wish I had trusted in myself to lose weight on my own.

Daphne: Finally seeing some weight loss with this, but it is very slow & I have to really really watch what I eat or I will have unpleasant side effects. I am not exactly happy that I chose the LapBand at this point bcs the progress is painfully slow but if i lose more in the end i guess it will be worht it.

Sandra: well, tomorrow happens to be my one-year “Bandiversary” and I’m not quite sure what to think. I suppose i expected more dramatic results. I have lost weight, but looking in the mirror, i am still unquestionably a “fat lady.” I wanted to be free from the whole thing of being fat, but now i’m just a skinnier fat person. I don’t know, maybe by next year it will be better, i gesus i shouldn’t complain.

dixie: Perhaps I should have told my LapBand surgeons that I had a history of binging and purging. I have no idea if my experience is typical but if you are considering the procedure and have ever been bulimic I would not recommend it at all.

Gina: It was not an easy choice to make but I’m glad I went with LapBand System for weight loss. I am recognizing how destructive my lifestyle was before and learning more about how to eat, what to eat, when to eat, etc. I think the system is helpful, I am not hungry as often. Not something I wish I had to go through but it was the only viable option I had.

bonnie: the weight is not coming off , i feel very bloated & uncomfortable with this lap band on me. the surgery itself was a mess, and i don’t feel any better about my body than i did before. i am considering have my lapband removed.

Gina: I agree, we are too reliant on surgery instead of being the master of our fate. I knew that I can lose 60 pounds without surgery. Lap Band seems dangerous. I would’t risk it.

kim: MY COUSIN DIED AFTER GETTING LAP BAND SURGERY!!! DONT DO IT!!!!!

Sofia: At this point I have not experienced major side effects from the LapBand System, but I am worried that they will start. I thought this would be an easier solution for weight loss than it has been, it is taking a lot of work, a daily challenge. I think I am stuck with it I must make the best of it & try to lose weight now.

Terri: Wow I thought the burden of carrying excess weight around was bad, but its nothing compared to having this LapBand in my stomach. Very uncomfortable, wish I would’ve looked into other options first

Faye: My daughter decided just a few weeks ago that she wanted the lap band surgery. Said she was tired of being overweight. She is only about 60 lbs overweight. I have tried to get her to join a health club and get on a weight loss program of some type other than surgery. She met with the doctor and boom! … he went ahead and scheduled her for surgery in two weeks! Is this normal for a reputable doctor? Wouldn’t she go to meetings and find out more about the surgery? I feel she is jumping in water much too deep and that she will drown in the end. She loves to eat and cannot say no to sweets and colas. Any advise as to how I should deal with this situation? I am worried about her but she just gets mad when I try to talk to her and then she just walks or storms out of the house.

Theresa: please help I have been 5 days out and have not haad a bowel movment. did delclolex nito supoitory prune this is starting to hurt

cindy: I am shocked at the amount of thumbs down comments. I had my surgey almost 2 years ago. I had no complications. I weighed 250 lbs and now weigh 160lbs and still slowly losing. There are very strick restrictions to the band. People, chew your food and make healthy food selections with enough lean protein. Buy a food scale and a food diary that has all the calorie and protein contents of the stuff you are putting into your body. And excercise is a must! The lap-band is a weight loss tool. I personally know of 6 other peolpe who saw my success and had the surgery. Four of those were very successful. Two make poor food choices and do not excercise. They lost little weight and are unhappy because it did not “fix” thier problem.

Melanie: Well, i don’t think i like what some of you are implying…Yes, i have had bad treatment effects after LapBand, but that was NOT my fault! I exercise and eat very balanced meals every day, because I understsand it is my responsibility to do so! But I still vomit frequently….i am tired of the implications that it is MY Fault. This “blame the victim” mentality is insulting and NOT very supportive.

deanna: Well, i felt that the results i got with lapband just weren’t as good as i’d hoped for, especially considering the price and the time investment involved. I also vomit regularly, and have digestive problems that are very unsavory. Plus, i have gained back some of the weight, it happens! i don’t know….i feel that for all that i went through, this should have been better.

Jill: I am 4 weeks post band. I’ve lost 13 pounds since the surgery and will have my first fill shortly. The key to using the lap band correctly is small bites, no drinking with meals, slow eating and chew chew chew!!!! I had the shoulder pain and the tight feeling the first few days, now I am healed and doing great! I have a lot of optimism that the lapband will help me do what I couldn’t do alone. Eventually you can eat most everything you did before, but much much less of it. 4 bites of pizza instead of 4 pieces. Each person is different and different foods will affect people in different ways. I can’t tolerate scrambled eggs anymore, which is ok, I don’t like them much anyway. Talk to your doctors and go back through your phases of eating if you are off track. Good luck and much success.

michelle: hi, have any of you tried Hoodia after being banded? i was banded last april, and once I was able to tolerate foods again, i noticed myself having certain cravings…b ut you have to be super careful or you will make yourself sick. i found a really awesome hoodia pill called Hoodia P57, and its giving me that extra incentive to stay on the straight & narrow. It works on your brain, actually, so i don’t think it intereferes with any of the digestive processes that are affected by the band. I’m finding that its helping me with my self-control and my result has remained consistent.

Cassie: I had the surgery 10 weeks ago and it was the best decision I have made. I have lost 28 pounds and over 18 inches. You have to be ready to have it done. No procedure is a miracle cure. You need to stick to the lap band rules and you will do fine. I have had no complications. I have had 3 fills and am doing well. Do alot of research and choose a Dr. wisely. Most of all be honest with the staff providing you with the lap-band. I would do it again tomorrow if necessary. Be realistic and rember this is a lifestyle change.

Nancy: After having lap-band surgery i didn’t have the discipline to stop drinking beer, and i regained all but 4 lbs i had lost. The thing they dont really warn you about is that alcohol sort of slips under the radar bcs its liquid. But beer is a carb and its fat. And i packed it on super quick. i should have been able to give it up, but i guess i was more dependent on it than i realised.

terry: I love my band… Best choice I ever Made! I’m learning healthier ways to eat, and learning to like exercise. I actually enjoy it most days.

Louisa: I went to see a Dr and he refused to do the surgery on me, I am not fat enough apparently. for you info I am 217lbs, do I wait until I have a heat attack? what the heck this is non sense.

Maxine Barksdale: I love the band, only thing i am not sure if i need to get it adjusted becuause it is letting me eat more than I think I need what shall I do

erin: i was banded in sept of 2007 and all was going fine until i started experinecing anterior slippage (reflux vomiting etc) and i needed to go in for a second surgery to have the slippage fixed. After a second surgery it worked again for about 4 mos and then i started having symptoms of slippage again. So after my doc confirmed the slippage he decided that the band was just probably not working out for me. He decided to remove the band and it was removed in July of ‘08. Since that time i have steadily gained the weight back and have now gained a total of 54 lbs back. This is very upsetting to me, after all that pain and suffering to see my results reversed right before my eyes. I am trying to watch my diet and exercise but there is only so much i can do. My problem has always beene a slow metabolism but I wawnt to stop this weight gain before i become just as big as i was before.

maysee: HI erin you know some peoples bodies are not compatable with the Lapband and in these cases you simply have to accept it and chalk it up to experience. Its depressing but you must move on. I had my band removed 2 years ago and while at first i was wallowing in a “poor me” mentality eventually i knew i needed to take action! So i sought out a good metabolism booster (metbaolism is my problem too btw) and i found Slim10 which is great thermogenic diet pill. I am proud to say that I have NOT regained my weight since having the band removed. I initially regained 14 lbs there at the beginning but i lost that with the Slim 10. I walk every day and i am proud: i may have been thru hell but now I am doing it myself and it is working. good luck

joanne: The lap band is a great tool to help you feel full and eat less. The problems people have is not going regularly for their fills. It is a safe alternative to the drastic bypass surgery.

Shel: Like anything else, I guess, the LAp band is gonna have successes and failures, maybe even combined in the same person. I lost weight with it myself, until I also began experience some digestive issues after several months. Finally had it removed, 5 months later. Its only been out for a week and am regaining my appetite. Hoping to try something else that works for keeping the weight off (and losing about 20lbs more) before its too late. I appreciate all the other experiences here, nice to know i am not alone.

kb: I researching the lap band procedure and feel confident it is for me. I will HAVE to quit smoking which has been sooo hard in the past and concentrate on losing weight. Has antone out there had a smoked prior to this procedure?

NatV: I am11 days post-banded. I had some complications with surgery such as vomitting but I realize I was taking in too much fluid. Now that I am following the rules I am feeling much better. I have lost 9 lbs so far and plan on a long slow weight loss. I accept that this is not a miracle and requires work. We will see how I am doing down the road.

Pinklily: I was banded 11 months ago and have only lost about 30 pounds. I haven’t been great with changing my food choices and have just recently started at the gym but I still have lost a fair amount of weight. All of the literature says that the lap band IS NOT a magic pill and that you must watch your diet and exercise regularly; and now it’s finally beginning to sink in with me. Do I wish I was one of thepeople who lost 100 pounds in the first year? Sure but I’m 30 lbs lighter (hoping for another 60 over the next 2 years) and 4 sizes smaller so something is working. A lot of the issues with lap band is not that it does not work, but unless you break the habits of eating like a “fat” person you will run into trouble. For example, you can’t shovel the food in, or take large bites. You can’t swallow without really chewing and if you have to stop the moment you feel satisfied, not full. That’s what I’m starting to learn now. It hasn’t been easy but it’s been worth it!

Michelle: I hear about a lot of people vomiting after they eat. Evan at 1 year after the surgery you should only be eating 4 oz of food at each meal. I keep a scale with me, I am 4 months out and have lost 52 pounds, but I also swim and attemp to walk every day. It is not a magic cure and from what I hear on these comments a lot of you are not in close communications with your Doctors or they would be answering your questions, If you are throwing up all the time, have the band decreased, if you feel you can’t stop eating, have the band increased. You must take some responsiblity in order for this to work. The exercising has been really tough on me since I have arthritis in my knees but the water really helps with that. I started at a size 22 pants and now where a size 16. I have days where you cannot get the chocolate out of my hands but then I usually get sick and need to remember that outcome the next time I get a chocolate craving.

Wanda: I have tried every diet in the world. They all help you to shed pounds. The problem is when you go off the diet all of the weight plus a litle more comes back. If the medical profession really wanted to help they would come up with something that works without killing us or breakind down joints with exercize that is also a temporary fix. I used to walk five miles a day and everything was fine. When I quit everything went haywire. It is like my body is fighting against itself.

Leigh: I had the lap band procedure done 5 months ago at the age of 36. I spent the majority of my life over weight and/or obese. In the past i would have to do extreme exercising and extreme calorie restriction to achieve results. With the band i am seeing results with less extreme exercise and dieting. Starting weight was 274 and i am now 224. Average of 10 lbs of weight loss per month, and if i keep that pace up i will be thrilled. My goal is to lose 100lbs in one year. Slow and steady but healthy. I never feel deprived, i do not suffer nausea or vomitting. ( if i eat too much i may occasionally have to spit some food back out , but it is not like vomitting). I never have pain from the surgery site or port. I try to exercise 20-30 mins a day 6x’s a week ( definatley do able ). I highly recommend this procedure to those people who have the endurance and positive attititude to see it through. It is definately a life style change and an attitude change, but it has also been the “light at the end of my tunnel”. I have hope in my life and a better outlook for the future. Do not take the decision to have this surgery light heartedly and by no means think of it as an easy way out. Keep a positive attitude and you too can achieve results

miranda: ihave had the lap band surgery it has been about a month now and i feel great, you have to be ready for a life changing reality. you can do it and exercise is the main key i walk a lot sometimes twice a day i statred out at 305 i lost down to 281 before surgery i am going into my 5th week and am down to 267 i get my first fill on august 4th im ready cant wait before i started this i could not even walk a fourth of a mile now i do a mile and some with pleasure. im looking forward to a very smaller me by christmas.

Sheila: The lapband (REALIZE) is a good alternative to weight loss. It all depends how serious you are and how much you want to lose weight. It’s not a quick weight loss, and it’s not suppose to be. Don’t try to lose too fast, it will only come back fast. Go to CalCount.com and start a membership (free) and start logging your foods and counting your intake. Make sure you get you proteins in, and try to stay active. Try water arobics if you’re not able to do strenuous stuff. I joined the YMCA and it costs only $31 a month (senior discount)and it’s worth every penny of it.

Chelsae: The lap-band is an excellent tool for people who are meant to be naturally skinny or were once thin and have gained weight. It limits how much food you eat and you lose the weight quickly. For those of us who are limited by thyroid problems or slow-metabolism (yes in many cases this is legitimate) the lap band doesn’t give you the miracle others get. I’ve had it for 2 years now and I have lost merely 100 lbs, only half of what I need to lose. It has been HARD! It is a tool, but a small one, I have to exercise excessively and eat healthy just as if I didn’t have it. The vomiting some here post happened a lot until I stopped eating the foods that caused it. You HAVE to give those things up or be miserable, this is what the lap-band is for. The surgery is not for people who aren’t ready to make serious life-style changes. It is not a miracle, or a quick fix.