Lap-Band® and Weight Watchers

Penelope · 02-07-2008, 04:43 PM

I AM FINALLY IN THE HOME STRETCH!
Got insurance approval yesterday - preop on March 3rd and surgery is scheduled for March 11th - WHOOPEE!!
My question is - Has anyone continued to go to weight watchers either pre-op or post-op? I made a committment that I was going to continue to go to weight watchers on January 2, 2004 until I reached "lifetime" and I am still going even though during these four years I lost 49.8 pounds - regained 20 - lost it again and regained 30 this time. (Husband cancer surgery and Daughters wedding) Still going, still paying but is anyone else? They said I could keep coming even after banding but if anyone asks me about it, the leader quickly changes the subject. I guess they want my money but not my input. What do YOU think? Should I keep going to honor my "committment" I made to myself or just keep attending the support group at the hospital?
I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Penny

MamaJava · 02-07-2008, 04:57 PM

I'm going to definitely re-join Weight Watchers again in a couple weeks when I have the money, and after my first fill.

Their CORE plan is fantastic for band patients! No measuring (so you can limit your meals to 4-6 oz. for your band), no calorie counting, no points to keep track of like their other program (which you'd have to readjust anyway because of your band)...and all the CORE foods are very band-friendly (lean meats, veggies, fruits, oatmeal, etc.). I did fantastic on CORE a couple years ago and gained it all back when I quit (I was single mom and poor at the time and couldn't afford the $12 per week). I cannot WAIT to get back to it!

I'm also joining CURVES on March 3rd.

I love WW...it is an amazing program...and my leader is totally accepting of the fact that I had the band. She's educated in it and she knows this journey will be just as challenging for me as it is for people without the band. She's excited to see my progress!

morningoasis811 · 02-07-2008, 05:00 PM

I joined WW when I was struggling with my pre-op diet. It really helped. My primary care dr. suggested it. I've made a commitment to stick with it. I like the weigh in's weekly. I'm on the core plan. It's working great for me. Makes me feel like a real normal eater, not on a diet. It really helps me stay motivated weekly. I get a lot of support.

betrthnever · 02-07-2008, 06:47 PM

I, too, lost and regain a lot on WW but all in all its a good program. I've been thinking about rejoining just to "keep me on track". I'm to be banded 2/19 (think I'm fighting a cold right now so I hope I won't get pushed back). The support is great with WW but I've only been able to take (stand) attending for about 6 months max on it before I'm bored out of my skull. The meetings repeat themselves. That old adage - the longer your're around the more things stay the same or something like that is true with WW. But it might be good to help "jump start" me. Good luck!

juliegeraci · 02-07-2008, 07:02 PM

My only feedback is that I had to go down to 20 points a day to lose.

RainyDay · 02-07-2008, 07:20 PM

If you have a good group I think it might be helpful. The leaders at my WW site were very anti-WLS in general and I wouldn't have felt supported.

katcap13 · 02-07-2008, 08:30 PM

I am attending WW during pre-op. I am planning to continue going post-op but I have no intention on telling the group I have been banded. I don't think it is anyones business. I hear that doing WW or other programs can help you keep going, "keep your eye one the prize." Besides, I want to achieve the coveted LIFETIME MEMBER which I could never reach without the band.