If you made the decision to commit to a new lifestyle with the LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, keep in mind that the post-operative support you give yourself, through such positive, reinforcing behaviors as monitoring your diet and exercise activities, will help you achieve and maintain your long-term weight loss goals. And, the ongoing support that you receive from your family, friends, and others can also have a significant impact on your success.

Get Your Loved Ones Involved in the LAP-BAND^® System Journey Right From the Start

Since a positive atmosphere will benefit you, consider educating those around you to help them understand your new lifestyle - including your diet and exercise program. You can use the information, answers to key questions, and other support material on this website, and encourage your loved ones to visit, too. You can also bring your friends and family with you to seminars, support group meetings and even a surgeon appointment. Learn about the LAP-BAND^® System together, so that everyone understands and supports what you are doing, and helps you avoid temptations that may be placed in your way. Information you share with your loved ones will help you stay motivated and celebrate your successes along the way.

Start the Journey with My LAP-BAND^®

One of the ways that you can track your successes, milestones and commitments is to create your own My LAP-BAND^® profile. Here, our step-by-step process will guide you along the way, and you can make notes of weight lost, follow-up appointments and support group meetings. It's a personal and private way to mark the steps on this journey. Or, you can choose to share your story, and inspire other patients as you may have been inspired. Click here for My LAP-BAND^®, a personal support guide and progress tracking tool, and a place to share your success story.

Attend LAP-BAND^® System Support Group Meetings

Naturally, once you've made this life-altering weight loss decision, you will need support through the pre- and post-surgical experience, to help you adjust to and, best of all, enjoy your new and exciting lifestyle. One excellent resource is the support groups for LAP-BAND^® System patients. These are usually organized by your LAP-BAND^® System surgeon and his or her team, and attended by other patients just like you. Support group meetings may help you make healthy and satisfying diet choices, and find fun and effective exercise options. Your fellow patients' support and encouragement will be one of the most important success factors through this journey. Click here to find support group meetings near you.

Celebrate Your On- and Off-Scale Successes

Not every goal is a pound lost - some of the off-scale achievements you may make are shopping for clothes in a 'regular size' store for the first time, eating out at a favorite restaurant while staying within the dietary guidelines, gaining improvements in obesity-related health conditions or attaining a new exercise goal. Remember to celebrate these successes and get your loved ones involved - it will be very important to you and those who care about you.

Rebecca's Story

Find out how Rebecca's dad, a doctor, helped her on her LAP-BAND^® journey…

Your results may vary. Click here for detailed risk information.