Gastric Banding

I think that's an American thing.
They don't do that here, thank goodness!

I didn't have to go through all that. Thank God! But it is true that in the US, some insurance companies and some doctors do require it.

I actually looked into this and my insurance requires six months evaluation - and in that six months I would undergo a weight loss program, undergo psychiatric evaluations, etc. And then they only pay 50% which is not in our budget.

Oh, well.

I actually want the counselling quite badly, I'm not really sure why I weigh so much, yes i overeat but not to insane amounts, since living with me, my boyfriend (very slim) has lost 10 pounds, I have PCOS and insulin resistance which makes it harder, but still...I think some support through this will be great

I hope it goes well for you and think anything that gets a person to a healthier weight is great. Good luck! 

I think that's an American thing.
They don't do that here, thank goodness!

I think thats quite a shame, actually. This is a life-changing procedure that can have very serious side-effects. Not something to jump into without a lot of consideration. Even with the six months, my father still had many issues afterwards. I think the global culture today is so tuned to an "instant gratification" mindset that people don't think hard enough about some decisions which are irrevocable.

I didn't have to go through all that. Thank God! But it is true that in the US, some insurance companies and some doctors do require it.

I think all doctors should, to be honest. I think gastric-banding and gastric bypass are being seen more and more as "quick fixes" and thats just...appalling.

I actually want the counselling quite badly, I'm not really sure why I weigh so much, yes i overeat but not to insane amounts, since living with me, my boyfriend (very slim) has lost 10 pounds, I have PCOS and insulin resistance which makes it harder, but still...I think some support through this will be great

I know exactly how you feel I'm overweight myself I know I over indulge I have a severe sweet tooth sometimes but it isn't insane amounts that I eat either. I was going to the gym 4 times a week I have a very intense program that I do. I had myself weighed once a month from the end of January till the middle of April I hadn't lost a single pound. I haven't been to the gym in just under a month now because I hurt my back at the gym an the Dr told me not to go to the gym for at least a month but in a week or 2 I'm going back to the gym. I just found out that I have PCOS & insulin resistance as well so at least I know it wasn't something I was doing wrong since I wasn't losing any weight. I have another Dr's apt next week so maybe they can give me a few more options to help me figure out how I can lose weight without any surgery's.

My Best Friend in California had the Gastric Bypass she said it wasnt all peaches & cream for her but it was the best thing she did for herself. so I think I want to try an exhaust all possibilties before I have to go down that road. she had some really bad times that for some reason I remember them like they happened yesterday an they didnt even happen to me.

I think thats quite a shame, actually. This is a life-changing procedure that can have very serious side-effects. Not something to jump into without a lot of consideration. Even with the six months, my father still had many issues afterwards. I think the global culture today is so tuned to an "instant gratification" mindset that people don't think hard enough about some decisions which are irrevocable.

I'm not a great believer in counselling, I'm afraid.

Gastric banding isn't 'irrevocable'... you can always have it removed, or leave the band in place but have it un-filled, if you decide it's not for you.

I'm not a great believer in counselling, I'm afraid.

Gastric banding isn't 'irrevocable'... you can always have it removed, or leave the band in place but have it un-filled, if you decide it's not for you.

A lot of people have gastric-bypass, which is irrevocable.

General anesthesia also carries inherent risks. 

Sorry, i was still on the original topic, which is gastric banding. 

Hi I live in the u.k and paid to have gastric banding in May.  I weighed 17 1/2 stone and now weigh 14 1/2 a loss of 3 stone, so I am feeling very proud, although it isn't always easy.  I find it difficult when I have to order a child's portion, because in my mind there will never be enough food on the plate for me, but there always is.  My brain just hasn't accepted that I need a lot less food yet.  I would recommend this to anyone and don't regret it for one moment.   I had one fill about 4 week after the op and am due for another anytime now.  I feel much fitted and happier, my clothes are starting to get to big and I love it.

wow, 3 stone since may, that sounds brilliant.
I know it is going to be an adjustment, but I really want this. Being around tiny japanese women is making me feel like a monster right now

This is really tempting for me.  The one thing that I am worried about is developing different unhealthy eating habits.  I don't want my life to be controlled by food.  I hate the idea of creating awkward situations in restaurants and at friends homes because I have to eat a certain way and constantly worry.

But then again that may be my already less than healthy relationship with food talking...

As for counselling, I seriously think that when you are making a life changing decision like this, you should have both medical and psychological opinions and treatment.  Reversible or not, it's putting your body through a lot, and it's hard to believe that some people still can't make the connection between what goes on in your mind and body...