Lap Band

[Happiest mommy]

Hello all this may not be the place for this but I wanted input from people that have gotten this done, My sister wants to get this Procedure please give me the good, bad etc about this TIA

 

[momofrrr]

I know three people that have had this surgery and been very successful. They look amazing and all three say it is the best thing they have ever done for themselves.

 

[momof1princess]

i've known several people who've had lap band surgery, and unfortunately, none of them have managed to keep the weight off, and are now bigger than they were before surgery. my poor neighbor, she really regrets lap band, and wishes she'd gone on and done gastric bypass surgery instead-she's now much bigger than pre-lap band. i had gastric bypass surgery in 2004, lost 190 pounds, and am still maintaining my weight. if i had a choice, i'd choose gbs. however, i also think you get out of it what you put into it, and if you sister is committed, i think she can make the lap band work for her. if she has more than 100 pounds to lose, though, she might want to at least consider other options. those i know who've had lap band didn't lose more than 65 pounds, but again, it's what you make it, so a person who is truly committed may do much better; i can't personally vouch for that, but i also know people who had gbs who gained the weight back, because they didn't make an effort. i wish your sister the best of luck, because i know how truly difficult the journey is.

 

[balletmom97]

My SIL had the lap band and has TWICE had to go in for surgery to fix it for slippage.

She has lost weight, but has had quite a few problems. (Honestly, part of it may be her--I'm not sure that she follows all the guidelines like she should.)

She didn't reach her goal, but went ahead and had the excess skin removed and a tummy tuck. I hope that will encourage her to keep it off.

OTOH-- my aunt decided not to have the surgery and to follow Weight Watchers. She has lost 180+ pounds in not quite 2 years. It was completely done through behaviour/diet modification-- she didn't even exercise! (She is taking her first trip to WDW to celebrate, next month.)

The positive thing is that both of them are now much healthier and have come off the multiple medications they were on prior to the weight loss.

 

[okeydokey]

My friend had it and lost a lot at the beginning but never changed her lifestyle or eating habits and gained it back.

 

[kim929]

I had lap band surgery in 08. It is not a quick fix. I have had to learn what I can tolerate and what I can't. (bread is a major no no for me, I can't handle it)
It takes time to find the right fill amt for your band and restriction. It takes about 2 years to reach your weight loss goal, they want it as a slow and steady loss. Band slippage can happen. If the Dr. doesn't "tie" it down, you eat to much and are always throwing up. If you take care of your band, then it will take care of you...lol.
As far as gaining that much weight back after having the band, I can't see it. If they have a fill in the band, then it would be very hard to gain the weight. I do know people who have had the band emptied and have gained weight back. but never when they have had it filled.
One of the major deciding factors for me was that if there were any problems it is reversable. It has taken me a yr and a half to loose 80 lbs. I have never regretted my decision in having this surgery. It has been hard at times, but it is worth it in the end. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them

Kim

 

[CastleCreations]

I decided to have the VSG...the sleeve. I'm having it done in September. I can't wait. I have a lot to lose, and this was the best option for me.

 

[momof1princess]

I decided to have the VSG...the sleeve. I'm having it done in September. I can't wait. I have a lot to lose, and this was the best option for me.

congratulations and good luck!

 

[iwrbnd]

A teacher I work with had this done and it went perfectly. My friend's sister had it done 2 years ago and sadly died from it. With any medical procedure there are risks and benefits. Good luck with your decision!

 

[SarahKate]

A friend of mine had it and she looks great. But she had food issues before the surgery - just VERY picky. So now she doesn't eat much but what she does eat is not always very good for her.

As for the weight gain, she doesn't seem to have had any probs but I have heard of people gaining the weight back.

I heard of one person downing milkshakes (and I'm sure there are other things which are easy to get down), which is a low nutrition, high calorie/fat/sugar type of food. I could see people finding ways to "beat the system".

I would say that if someone has really tough psychological food issues BEFORE surgery, that they're not going to go away just because you can't eat as much at one time.

Me personally, I'm probably about 70-80 pounds overweight. If I had a choice, I'd definitely choose the lap band just because of the reversibility of it. I know so many have done g.b. with great success, I personally just can't get over the idea of it being so invasive and permanent.

 

[Disney_Princess_Fan]

I decided to have the VSG...the sleeve. I'm having it done in September. I can't wait. I have a lot to lose, and this was the best option for me.

Good luck with everything, my friend! I hope everything will work out only for the best for you!

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

My sister had one done a year ago and is doing great. She can eat what she wants in small portions. She has lost 120 lbs. and is keeping it off. It isn't a magic pill. It is really just a reminder not to eat too much. If you don't limit, and in her opinion , exercise, it won't work.

 

[3boys4me]

Tell your sister to find the website obesity help. Very informative. They talk about the good the bad and the ugly of all of the surgeries. Each surgery has it's own forum. I think she can get a lot of first hand knowledge there.