By Gloria Samuels

In order to make a decision about whether Lap Band surgery is for you "with your eyes wide open," it is important to set realistic goals early on, and discuss those goals with your surgeon.

Before surgery ask yourself these 3 important questions:

1. What are your goals in terms of your health?

2. What are your goals in terms of weight?

3. What are your goals in terms of your quality of life?

It is important to set goals and understand whether your goals are realistic. So, what were my goals in terms of health, weight, and quality of life?

Below is an example of one successful patient's goals.  You can use when setting your own goals.

"If you would have asked my husband, the decision to have lap band surgery was all about my health. If you asked me, and IF I was really honest, my health was at the top of my list, but how I felt about myself, my quality of life was a close second."

In terms of health: My goal was to improve my cardiovascular health, minimize the damage to my muscular-skeletal system, and avoid diabetes and heart disease. My father died at 65 of heart disease. I wanted to live a long, healthy life.

In terms of weight: I could be happy if I could lose two-thirds of my excess weight and maintain that loss.  That was more than average excess weight loss for lap band patients, but I thought it was achievable for me.  I was willing to work hard.  I wanted to lose more, but I knew I felt good and good about myself at that weight, if only I could stay there and end yo-yo dieting forever.  My doctor thought that this was a realistic goal for me.

In terms of quality of life: I had a great life but obesity was "my cross to bear."  I wanted to gain confidence; I wanted to be comfortable living in my body.  I wanted to know what it felt like to have a normal body.  I wanted to hike and bike with my kids.  I wanted my kids to be proud of me.  I wanted to feel strong and sexy.  I wanted to have energy at the end of the day.

 This is an example of just one patient's goals.  What are your goals?  Are they realistic?  What are you willing to do to achieve your goals?  Be sure to discuss your goals with your surgeon BEFORE surgery.