[carolynpep73]

I'm am seriously considering getting the lapband placed for weightloss. I am at my witts end. I have battled my weight for SO LONG (since 15) and just can't seem to keep it off no matter how I try. I can't tell you how many dollars I have sunk into programs only to put the weight right back on plus more. It's depressing and incredibly frustrating. I need extra help.

My question is, does anyone have or know anyone who has had experience getting the lapband surgery? How invasive is it? How long is the recovery? How do you incorporate a lapband into your everyday life?

[lou0728]

I don't know much about it..... Let me know what you decide/

[riptune2]

I had Lap Band done 2 years come August. It was NOT easy. I had to FAST for 10 days before the surgery (to reduce the size of my internal organs), then I had the surgery (in and out in a day), recovery was a week of pain (suture repairs and moving around with the kiddos, not fun), and then 6 weeks after the surgery, you get your first band tightening. A real wake up experience!! During the recovery period, there are 3 days of straight clear liquids, then a heartier soup or thin oatmeal, to something like mashed potatoes. They are not concerned about weight loss during this time. After the band get's tightened, you are on a STRICT diet. Load up on the protein and protein shakes. If you screw up (I did it PLENTY of times) your body will let you know right away. It feels like food gets lodged in your throat and you can do nothing about it. It comes back in either puke or "FROTH". Neither one of them is fun. Don't expect to ge to any restaurants or out with friends for a while. Even drinking can mess you up. They say no drinking with meals (only before eating) and no drinks with calories. They really frown on that.

Over all, it sounds awful but, if I had to do it again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I lost 80 pounds in a year and was able to start an exercise program without being injured by it for the first time in more years than I can remember. And, because of the weight loss and the exercise, AND the healthier living... I got PREGNANT. After 8 m/c's this one looks like it's going to stick around!!

Sorry about the ramble but, if you have any other questions, please PM me. And no, my insurance didn't cover any of it.

Shannon

[LucyLuMyLuv]

I am having weight loss surgery on July 7th. After much research, I am having the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. It works similar to the lap band in reducing the size of the stomach, but without leaving a device in place, and it has fewer complications. It has similar weight loss results as the gastric bypass but without rerouting of the intestines. There are insurances out there that will pay for the surgeries, but WLS is excluded from mine. The center I am using has very good self pay prices and the VSG is the least expensive as well. I am really excited about my upcoming surgery!

[gnattylove]

I had Gastric Bypass Surgery on March 24, 2008. I have already lost 68 pounds. It was the best thing I ever did. I have heard lots of people that have had more complications with a lap band than with the full Gastric Bypass. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. If you have any specific questions for me please feel free to PM me.

Good Luck,
Natalie

[WVUMom418]

I had the LapBand done 1 1/2 years ago, and would do it again. You have to look at it as a tool to help you lose weight and not a magic solution. It's all about modifying your eating habits and making lifestyle changes. My sister-in-law had gastric bypass 6 months before I had my surgery, she didn't want anyone to know but she lost weight so fast that everyone knew something was up, plus she was off from work for over a month recovering. I had my surgery on a Friday and was back to work on Monday, I've lost weight slowly and not one person has questioned how I did it.

If you aren't dedicated to it you can find ways to cheat it and defeat the work you've done. My doctor required me to go to a counselor before having the surgery to insure I was in the right mind set and if for any reason when you go in for checkups (fills) you haven't been losing he might make you go back to the counselor to get back on track. Why spend the money and go through the pain if you aren't going to do the continues work to get the weight off.

If you have specific questions PM me, I'd be happy to answer.

[hope872007]

my mom is going through the steps right now to get the lapband surgery done.

[TheFoxx]

You should talk to people who have had it done 4 or 5 years ago. My Mom had GPB done and now she's gaining back the weight as are a number of other relatives (who have had lap band and GBP) and friends.

The only way to keep it off is to be committed to a lower calorie/higher fitness lifestyle - period.... end of story. All diets work - as long as you stick to them. Unfortunately many people think that this procedure and others like them are some kind of magic wand that the doctor waives and poof - you won't gain weight.

Two things that many doctors don't require that they should require (IMHO) - several visits with a nutritionist pre and post surgery to educate the patient and post surgery therapy. Most doctors require pre-surgery but not post.

[LRA]

Carolyn

What did you ever decide? I have thought about doing the Gastric Bypass and my insurance would pay for it but I have had so many surgeries that I don't think it is wise. Plus my sister had it done and has gained it back. I wish there was a magic wand. Now my daughter is overweight so I really have to get my tail in gear. Has anyone ever used the website SparkePeople? We were using it to track our progress but went on vacation and fell off the wagon. Sorry for typos..i have a kitten chasing my fingers

[Betelnut]

I'm thinking about it too. Here's a good source of information:

Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

[grumpyskirtgirl]

Originally Posted by TheFoxx

Two things that many doctors don't require that they should require (IMHO) - several visits with a nutritionist pre and post surgery to educate the patient and post surgery therapy. Most doctors require pre-surgery but not post.

My insurance requires 6 months of meeting with a nutritionist. 3 physical therapy appointments spaced 2 months a part and 3 visits to the shrink pre surgery. Post surgery the Dr has monthly meetings with other patients required for a year, voluntary after that....

[Lori Elena]

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

[jemmawag]

UGH! I am at my highest weight ever, even more than when I delivered my 2 bio kids. I would seriously consider surgery if it were an option for me but it is not due to GI problems. Best of luck to you. Tough choice.

[TheFoxx]

Originally Posted by grumpyskirtgirl

My insurance requires 6 months of meeting with a nutritionist. 3 physical therapy appointments spaced 2 months a part and 3 visits to the shrink pre surgery. Post surgery the Dr has monthly meetings with other patients required for a year, voluntary after that....

And what happens if you don't keep the appointments? What is the point of the appointments? What about post surgery nutritional support?

Too many what if's. I'm not saying this is a bad thing - please don't think I'm bashing it. I just don't want to see people go into it lightly. My cousin did and ended up in a coma for 6 weeks.

[isabel41206]

well I am having my gastric bypass surgery on the 9th of Sept.. my info /advice is to do your research. try thinnertimes.com. i have alot to lose so bypass was right for me.