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I had gastric bypass surgery in 1996. I lost approx 130 lbs. I too, battled weight all my life. For the first time in my life I was happy with my appearance. I was able to smile at myself when I looked in the mirror. I wasn't "skinny". I was able to fit into a size 10 or 12. But, at 5'5" that was pretty good. However, I will say, eating was not a pleasant experience. I could eat only minimal amounts and did alot of vomiting. That being said, I was still thrilled with my new self and always said that even though it was tough, I would do it all over again if I had too.
After about 5 years, trying to conceive, fertility treatment, and the stress of it all, I found that I was starting to gain back some weight. By the time I conceived (2003), I'd gained back 40 lbs. By the time I delivered my son (stillborn), I'd gained back about 90 lbs! After all was said & done I was left weighing in at 230 (2004). How could this be?? Well, I knew something had to have gone wrong with my bypass. I spoke with my surgeon (2006) about it and he poo poo'd me saying that I had to just stop the snacking. I pleaded with him to run some tests to see that everything was intact and as it should be. He agreed. Just as I suspected, something had gone wrong. I had developed what is called a "fistula". I was told that I would have to undergo the surgery all over again if I wanted to resolve the problem. Without hesitation, I scheduled surgery.
I had my surgery in Jan. 07. I've lost about 65 lbs since then. Due to insurance change, I had to use a different surgeon, who didn't believe in the extreme measures my first surgeon used. He created my new stomach with a larger opening to allow for more food consumption. I may not be as thin as I once was, but, I feel good, and I am able to eat like a normal person. No bird size meals followed by vomiting. I am still losing very gradually. I'd love to lose another 25-30 lbs. We'll see!
Sorry for the long ramble....my point was.....having this surgery was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself. No one who has never been severly overweight can understand what it's like. Suggesting that a low calorie diet and discipline is the only way to lose weight sounds a bit condescending to me (NOT trying to light a fire here!). Sadly, some people, in fact, MANY people cannot do it without help of some kind. This is why the weight loss industry is through the roof. Losing weight is just not as simple as it may seem.
I have no information about the lap band, but, my advice to the original poster is this...Do whatever it takes to lose the weight. It WILL change your life for the better. You will feel better both physically and mentally. You will be able to do things you weren't able to do before. You will be happy with "you" and that will change your outlook in general.
Best of luck!
Lori
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