Questions about the Lap Band procedure

[lotzasunshine]

Sorry about posting so long after this thread was started!

But I wanted to add my two cents as well.

I had the lapband placed in July 2008. I was around 315 and wanting to get pregnant. My husband and I decided that the lapband would be a good tool to help me learn to eat right and keep on top of my exercise. During the first year I lost 65 lbs. Not as fast as I wanted, but I was already feeling so much better! Then my Father passed away and I had some real issues with not being able to eat much of anything, except soups. That got old quick. Then I got to my surgeon for an unfill and it was so much better. I lost a little more, and then all of a sudden started gaining. Apparently I have a leak in the tubing that leads to the band. I am getting a port and tubing replacement surgery in 2 weeks. I will try hard in the mean time to not gain much more. I thought about this a lot, and I know that I will be doing the right thing for me.

That is what it all comes down to. What is good for YOU? Not everyone is the same. Some people lose a lot right after surgery, need no adjustments, and get to their goal weight without much trouble. Others, like me, have to work their butts off (LITERALLY!!!) I exercise and make sure to follow the rules, and eat the right foods. I make mistakes, and have to work harder because of them. This is a lifetime struggle that most overweight people have. You constantly have to make yourself do what you need to. I found that the band has been the right tool for me to use to achieve my goals. Make sure that you talk with your surgeon about all of your questions, and know for sure that you will follow through. Otherwise it is just a waste. Good luck in your decision!!!

 

[lotzasunshine]

I did some research on the internet and have decided against the procedure. One of the things that I read said that you had to maintain a 800-1000 calorie diet for 2 weeks before your surgery. If I could do that, I wouldn't need the lapband. I'll talk to my doctors about other options. Thanks for all of the input.

Actually, that depends on the Doctor. Mine just had me do 10 days of low carb low sugar. Many people are turned away from the surgery because they think that they can only have 1000 calories forever after surgery. I have to maintain a diet of abt 1500-1700 calories a day to keep losing. If I do less, my loss stalls out. It all depends on the person. Some people have no problem eating less than 1000 and losing, others have to have more. You kind of have to play around with it for a while. And the band really helps the portion control so it is easier to eat a lot less.

 

[Mickey527]

Another post that is late from the start of this topic but:
I had lap band surgery in September of 2009. I had been on every diet imaginable and lost 30 lbs and gained back 50, lost 20 gained 40 etc...
I have neuopathy from chemo so I can't exercise anymore since my legs will go numb and I fall. I found that eating light without exercise just makes you hungry it doesn't help to lose weight.
I was wearing size 18 and not liking myself at all but couldn't do anything to lose so I went to the Dr and talked to him about the band. I was below the recommended BMI for the surgery but they submitted to the insurance anyhow because of my past history.
My insurance paid because I had so many pre existing conditions: sleep apnea, cancer history, high blood pressure and many weight loss and gains that were documented by my doctor during routine visits.
I did have to go to see a psychiatrist to make sure I was not doing this with hopes of changing my life other than becoming healthier, and a nutritionist who told me about what I could and couldn't eat any longer and to go over my prior diets and what I ate.
2 weeks prior to the surgery my Dr required only protein shakes. Most doctors don't but he does because it helps to shrink the liver. If you have a fatty liver (which I did) it will shrink with only proteins and help make the surgery easier for all. The liver covers where the Dr has to go to put on the band so the smaller it is the easier the surgery will be. I had some difficulties the first 2 days but by the 3rd I was not craving any solids at all and had more energy than I had in years.
I have lost 64 lbs and am now wearing size 6 clothing. I haven't had a blood pressure pill since December, my blood pressure was 210/190 at the highest and it is now 115/64. the neuropathy has gotten much better, I can ride my bike around the block and went to WDW and my legs never went numb. They still do sometimes when it is cold outside but nothing like before.
I sleep through the night and wake up feeling great, I haven't had to take a nap in months. I used to take a 2 hour nap every day because I was exhausted.
I can play on the floor with my grandson where before the surgery I couldn't even get down on the floor, let alone up again. I wasn't HUGE, but between the arthritis, neuropathy, and weight it was a tough job.
I eat whatever I want. Candy and sweets are called slider foods because they do just that, they slide right through the band. I don't seem to have the cravings for them anymore though, I can eat one Hershey kiss and that is enough for me.
I don't drink cola or carbonated drinks but I do know others who can and some who can't. You have to try everything and see what is right for you. I can't eat peas anymore, don't know why, but even canned peas make me feel ill and want to bring up the food so I avoid them now.
I do have problems with bread, it balls up and blocks the band, so I avoid it. That doesn't mean I can't eat bread, I love Red lobster garlic rolls, and can eat toast without a problem.
I had asparagus the other day and it was very tough and did get stuck. When that happens it hurts big time, but then you bring it up and feel ok. It is not like vomiting though, it is like coughing on food and coughing it up.
I have 4 little cuts in my stomach, about 1 inch each. I could wear a bikini now but I am too old for that, but it is nice to know if I wanted to I could. I have a port that the dr can put fluid into the band when I feel I need it, for instance if I feel I am able to eat more than I should or if I am starting to gain weight. I had 2 1/2 cc put in but had 1 cc removed because I was getting alot of food stuck after the 2nd fill. The port will hold 16 cc so if I ever need it I can get it tightened more.
It does take discipline though, it is not an easy way to lose weight. I have to watch what I eat, more protein and less carbs. But that is with any diet or weight loss plan. I did Atkins and lost only 5 lbs in 2 months but now I am eating roughly the same way and have lost so much.
I feel it is a tool that I needed to help me get to where I want to be, and it has worked for me.
My sister had gastric bypass 15 years ago and she lost quite a bit of weight but has gained it back a few times. She doesn't eat right and drinks way too many calories. You can lose weight and unless you are morbidly obese it has become a very safe surgery. The people on TV who weigh over 1000lbs already have so many issues that anesthesia might be harder for them, and surgery only makes them more of a risk.
I would recommend you find a doctor that specializes in only lap band and gastric bypass and see him to see if the surgery is right for you. I am so glad I had it.