By: Gloria Samuels

When considering lap band surgery it's critically important to surround yourself with the right people to help you make the best informed decision, and to support you on your journey.  So who do you need on your team, and why do you need them?

Loved ones

Do the most important people in your life know you are thinking about surgery?  Do they support you?  Will they be involved in the decision process?  I've learned that it is important not to under-estimate the impact of this life-changing decision on those closest to you.  Decide who will support you, then be sure to include them in your research and discussions. If possible bring them to seminars, support groups, and doctor's appointments.

If you chose to go ahead with surgery, they may be worried.  You'll be changing quickly and that means a lot of change for those closest to you.  The eating habits of everyone in your household may change as a byproduct of YOUR surgery.  It's a lot easier for your loved ones if they are part of the exploration process.

Primary Care Physician

Work closely with your primary care physician (PCP).  Your PCP may be encouraging you to have lap band surgery or discouraging you. He or she may have a lot, or very little experience with weight loss surgery.  If you are in an HMO, you will probably need a referral from your PCP.  It's ok if your doctor is early on the learning curve; this is a new and growing area.  Your doctor may be willing to learn with you since obesity is the number 2 cause of preventable death in the US.  Your PCP is a critical member of your team.

Bariatric Surgeon

The surgeon you select will ultimately have your life in his or her hands in the OR, and can also become your head coach for years to come.  Choose a practice you have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable with. Do your homework.  This is not your typical surgeon - patient relationship where something is broken; the surgeon fixes it; you follow-up once or twice and you get on with your life.  This needs to be a practice that you want to see to over and over again.  After-care is very important to achieving your goals.

Other patients

There is tremendous value in learning from others who have bands.  My doctor often reminds us that he doesn't have a band, and that members of the Banded Living community can learn a lot from each other.  Find successful patients and learn from them. Research shows that those who participate in support networks achieve higher levels of success.

Friends and colleagues

It seems that a lot of people have an opinion about weight loss surgery.  Some of it is current, and some opinions are based on anecdotal experience that is 20 years old.  If you are exploring lap band surgery, it is important to think about who you are going to tell and who you are not going to tell.  There is no right or wrong answer here.  Some things to consider are: Who will support you?  Who will judge you?  Who will sabotage you?  Remember once you decide to tell someone, you can't take it back, so think this through early in your process.

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