would you do the lap band

[homemaker]

I have been struggling to get healthy and lose weight for years. I have five children and a family history of diabetes and stroke. I DO NOT want to end up like my family members. I am about 5' 5" and weight about 235lbs. I have tried to be motivated to diet on my own. A couple years ago I did do well with weight watchers but gained the weight back when I stopped going to the meetings. Right now I really can not afford to join any programs (husband was laid off a year ago). So I have been considering the lap band since my insurance will cover it. The thought of having to drink protein shakes scares me. They are horrible tasting. Is there a way to make them taste better? Will I be able to adjust to the new lifestyle? What would you do? Learn the love the shakes and do the surgery or not?

 

[nicolita3]

I had the lapband done. I had it done in March and have lost 85 pounds. The shakes were horrible the Dr. told me to mix in like a spoon full of low fat pudding mix and that helped, but I dont HAVE to drink the shakes on a daily basis. After the first week of surgery I had an all liquid diet. Second week was puree, third chopped up food, then forth was normal food. That being said I can eat almost anything just in small portions. The things my Dr said that were absolute no nos were gum, soda, and drinking with straws. I know some people cant handle bread or pasta very well, it doesnt bother me though. I cant handle spinach or lettuce very well. You will only be eating about a cup of food or less for each meal though. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.

 

[pjlla]

Have you talked to your insurance company to see if they would pay for you to go back to Weight Watchers? Honestly.... I think I would give it another try before taking the drastic step of LB surgery.

I am also 5'5" and weighed 219 at my top weight. I am currently 133, thanks to WW.... and I did it ALL on my own.. no meetings in the past three years. Not to say I've NEVER attended WW meetings... I have in the past, but I live in the boondocks and was having trouble always getting to a meeting... and I was tired of giving WW my money. I KNEW how to do it.... I just needed to DO IT!

I would be HAPPY to talk more about my experiences and such... either here or through a PM. Honestly.... I don't work for WW (although I would love to), but I'm so thrilled with my success that I would love to help someone else................P

 

[FireDancer]

Before I decided on a surgical option I'd have had to completely exhaust all other methods.

 

[kelsco99]

I agree with others that you need to feel like you have really given the standard options a very solid effort. Even with surgery, there are rules that need to be followed and if they are not, the weight loss and your health in general will not be successful long term.

That being said, I would NOT consider the lapband. There are other surgeries out there that have a much better track record of success and less complications. Before doing anything surgery related, know that you have options and dig into the pros and cons of each of them to know which is best for you.
Check out Gastric Bypass, VSG and Duodenal Switch. I had the last of those three listed and it was the best decision I ever made.

 

[got2lovedisney]

Not pushing surgery but...Many hospitals offer weight loss seminars where they explain the pros and cons of each procedure. You might want to attend one. I attended mine thinking hard about the lap band. I walked out and am now working towards the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). There is also a lot of info on the web. PM me if you want some good links.