CajunCutie

I am also not getting banded for a few months. My doctor wants me to lose a lot of weight before surgery. I drink whey Protein shakes 3-4 times a day. It really helps with controlling hunger. The hardest part for me is the mental part. Stay strong! You are on the right track.

Thanks for responding! I didn't cheat! I made it through today!

I am pre-op dieting also! My doctor has me on a whey protein diet. I don't even have a surgery date yet. But, the diet is working. I feel better already.

Krystal, Thank you for sharing your story. I am getting banded soon. Please continue to let us know how you are doing. Amy

When I was younger my grandmother would measure her waist, then measure mine. So, when my waist got bigger than hers, she bragged that she was smaller. She also told me things like "no man would ever marry a fat woman" and "you can't be a good wife if you are fat". And the worse one....."REDUCE!!!!!" :angry

My mom died of problems from the result of being severly morbid obese. I was 13 when she died, she was 45. The last time I saw her living I promised her I would not let myself die at a young age b/c of my weight. I weighed 240 pounds then. Now, I weigh 435 pounds. So, in 15 years I actually gained 195 pounds and I haven't kept my promise. For the last 15 years I have been yo-yo dieting, depressed, and in denial. If I don't do something soon, I will die. I will die the same way my mother died. I have decided that gastric bypass is not for me now. But, I think Lap-Band is the tool that will save my life. So, today I went for an appointment with the nurse. I need to lose some weight before they will do surgery. The next month or so I will be on a liquid whey protein diet. Wish me luck!

I can't decide between lap-band and gastric bypass. I am 28 years old and I weigh 440 pounds. I have seen two surgeons already. The first one said lap-band would be great for me. I would lose the weight and still be able to have kids. The second surgeon pushed gastric bypass. He said b/c I am so overweight that I would lose more weight by doing gastric. He also told me that since lap-band is a new procedure, there is not much research on the matter. He claims that all bands will have to be replaced in 10-15 years. Has anyone else heard this? Also, his nurse said that they will not be able to access the port to fill the lap-band for someone my size. She said that they do not make 8-12 inch needles to fill the band. First of all, I thought the port was placed in the area under my rib cage. I don't have 8-12 inches of fat there. Also, the second surgeon said that 54% of severe morbid ob. patients that get lap-band end up getting gastric bypass. I am just very confused on what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :help:

Thanks everyone! I am so glad to have this support system!!! I have an appointment Thursday with the first surgeon.

Congrats!!!!! You look great! Your baby is BEAUTIFUL!!!

I am looking for a surgeon in Louisiana. I will be paying out of pocket. :girl_hug: Good luck to all!

Hi. I am new to the boards. I am looking for a surgeon in Louisiana. My insurance will not cover the Lap-Band, so I will have to pay for it myself. I have an appointment with Dr. Chung in Lake Charles this week. Has anyone used him? I have heard great things about Dr. Lavin in Metairie. Any suggestions would be great! Thanks!:help: