I've been doing a little research on WLS, and one thing I've noticed is that patients still have to be on some kind of diet for the rest of their lives. This isn't a bashing thread. I'm genuinely curious because I'm considering WLS for myself. Is it truly easier to follow an eating plan after the surgery? I'm particularly interested in responses from lap band patients. What is the difference after. Is it the fact that if you overindulge, you might get sick? I've been 100 pounds overweight for about 17 years. The most I've ever lost is 60 pounds and I managed to gain that back within a year and a half, so I would truly appreciate some really honest feedback as to why surgery has made the difference for you.

Janet

Janet - each and every one of us will have different answers to your question. but let me get the ball rolling by asking YOU a question -

how many people do YOU know who don't have to watch what they eat?

my point is this: everyone on this planet has to watch their food intake. why should surgery make that different? it doesn't give us a free ride, but it does give us a fighting chance - Dawnajoy said it best: we now have a level playing field.

more later!

jiffypop, (cute name by the way)

I did some more reading last night and now have a better understanding how surgery can be used as a tool. I've read stories of people gaining weight back, and that was scaring me off from considering surgery. I now know that it is a tool that can be used in your favor, but it isn't an easy way out. You're right about most people having to watch what they eat, although I do know about ten people who don't (I hate them by the way)!! LOL!!

I am going to see my doctor and get the process started for myself since I now have hypertension and am pre diabetic. My feet and ankles hurt, knees, hips, etc. and I think I'm just too young to feel this old. I appreciate your response, and I hope my original post didn't offend anyone. It certainly wasn't my intent to do so.

Janet

As Jiffy said, everyone who is successful at weight loss (with or without surgery) and most people who are normal weight watch what they eat and exercise.

The difference for me with the lapband from every other diet I've done is I'm genuinely not hungry. I still have to make good food choices and so on but it is so much easier to do when I don't feel like I'm starving. And I'm full/satisfied on MUCH less food.

When people ask me how I've lost weight I answer honestly that I'm eating less and exercising more and making better food choices. Of course, without the lapband I'd be yoyo-ing like I did every other time.

All weight loss is about the tool that works for you, whether it is WLS in any of it's flavors or a formal diet program or something that clicks for you.

Free Ride !! I like that Jiffy...ain't it the truth.

WOW!!!!

TANN!
Thank you so much for posting those pics! What an inspiration you are! You are so beautiful! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Lori

TANN ROCKS!! (waving - hi Tann.)

What an amazing transformation you have made! You look amazing!!

Wow. I forgot what this thread was all about soon as I saw Tann's before/after pics!!! You inspire me...and most everyone here i guess. Way to go!

Now I remember. Answer to the original post...why surgery? because if you've tried just about anything and nothing works...and you've tried as in REALLY tried then surgery is the only real option you have left. And hopefully it will work on all of us like it did with Tann!