nancynancy

I haven't been banded yet but know about depression first hand - I was diagnosed years ago. I have been on meds for years and they make a huge difference. I also understand using food as a means of dealing with life's iussues. My thoughts about this are that, though you may feel that food "deprevation" is the cause for the depression, I would suggest you dig for more (it sounds like you've started to since you are seeing a doctor). For me, eating was/is the way I deal with so many issues in my life that I DON'T want to deal with. It is a struggle for me and I suspect it will always be but... over time and with help from others, I have learned some tools to get me through the hard times. Food still plays a part in that but once I'm banded it will be taken out of the equasion. I'm pretty confident that the tools I have learned will help me get through the tough times, without food as a factor. I think someone suggested having your fill taken out. That may be a good way to start. You may feel less deprived and it may give you the lift you need to get past the tough time's but without turning to food so drastically. I hope that you continue to analyse your feelings and the possible reasons for the depression - for most it was not just one things. I know I have a whole bunch of reasons but with help (and prayer for guidance and courage) I am working throuigh them. I hope and pray you can too. What you decide to do is truley up to you. I hope what ever decison you make has the effect you are looking for.

Thanks for the info! I found one person who said her Dr. told her she needed one because her BMI was over 55 - mine is too - so I will plan on being required to get one and if I don't have, well, that will be a bonus.

I've seen reference to having a filter put in before banding surgery. What the heck is a filter and what does is do?

Well, I think I've decided that lap banding is for me. I just turned 40 and have been getting steadily larger for the past 20 years. I'm the largest now that I have every been - BMI over 50 - have sleep aphnea, diabetes (I take insulin 6 times a day), asthma and all the aches and pains that go along with being over 300lbs. I have a 20 month old daughter and have come to the realization that Iwill not be around for much of her life if I don't do something soon. I've read tons about pre/post surgery and have read lots of journals, which continue to awe. I'm so amazed that people take the time and energy to share there experiences - good and bad - and offer encouragment to virtual strangers. This is the true power of the this electronic age!!! :help: I have a few questions that I was hoping to get some answers to. Like I said, I have a toddler so she still needs to be picked up quite frequently. How long after surgery will it be before I can pick her up? How long would I expect to be out of work. I was thinking 2 weeks??? I'm very lucky to have great insurance that will cover all by a few hundred of the total cost. I know that to start the ball rolling I need to see my PCP to get a referral to a bariactiric surgeon. What I don't know is about how long should it take from the point I meet the surgeon to actually have the surgeory? Obviously I have to a lot to loose - well over 150lbs. I carry the majority of my weight in the belly, which is really saggy (gross, huh). Is there anything that can be done to help shrink the skin post-op while I'm loosing the weight or is plastic surgery the only option? (I know this is premature but it's been on my mind so I figured I'd ask)? Sorry this is so long but once I started typing I just had to get it all out. Thanks. :nervous