RoundMoundOfSou

Hello Stephanie, I attended a seminar at Tufts NEMC in Boston re Lap Band, and was pretty impressed. I'm in RI, and not impressed with the local programs. If I might ask, who was your surgeon? Was he at Tufts? After reading these posts, I feel so lucky to have a good health insurance plan willing to pay for the procedure. Thanks

Dorothy, Try to remember that behind every MD there are ten lawyers triple-checking everything said, insinuated, suggested or promised. Lap Band is wonderful. It will improve your life if you are willing to play by the rules. And there are hard and fast rules, not suggestions. Everyone's metabolism is different. Obesity brings with it many problems. Weight loss many benefits. Your diabetes situation will be changed FOR THE GOOD once you lose the weight. To what extent, no one can guarantee.... but there will be an improvement. You'll see. By all means, go to as many seminars as you wish to become familiar with the procedure. Read these posts as often as you can. They will guide you and help you make the right decision. Wishing you good health and success in your quest.

Hello Maurice, Remember the Atkins lets you eat a LOT of food and still lose weight. Pre-op, you'll need to get along with small quantities of food. Post Op, it'll be even less, after the liquid phase. You might want to check with your surgeon's nutritionist to see if Atkins will be OK pre-op.

I know someone who flew to Palm Springs CA to have it done. The surgeon made arrangements with a local pleasant but reasonably priced hotel for a few days, and then my friend flew back home without any problems, but he said that if he had to do it over again, he'd recruit a friend to accompany him. Going it alone should be the last resort.

Maybe in the very beginning you might find some minor, awkward situaions, but believe me, after a little weight loss, you'll feel like a new person. Besides, people who know you will admire your fortitude and your new lifestyle, together with the weight loss. I was always a 'recreational eater' and thqt was mostly the cause of my obesity. Learning to 'sip' rather than guzzle, and enjoying the situation is the key. Don't worry about the little things. Once you begin living inside the 'new you' things will be great. Good Luck

Hello Jenny, BP differs from person to person. Your body has to adjust. Your BP went up gradually, and now it'll go back down. gradually....; Just have it checked often. What frequently happens is that your pressure starts getting LOW while on BP meds, so your MD will have to adjust it. I know someone who went off BP meds entirely, but thast doesn't happen with everyone. Be patient, and check the BP often. Good Luck

Hello, rdaggett, I'm 63, and tried every weight loss program and failed miserably at all of them. My BMI is 42, and my PCP suggested Lap Band as an option. You're still young. I wasted a lot of years YO-YO dieting, which is damn hard on the body. I have the same problems you have, minus the diabetes, add high cholesterol, I am an emotional-stress eater, but realistically, I'm a recreational eater, too. You've got to know your 'stress buttons' and get them under control. Lap Band is not a 'Quick-fix' but it involves a lifetime lifestyle change. I've decided that this procedure is a lifesaver for me. I want to see my grandchildren grow up. My best wishes and prayers are with you in your quest for success.

Hello Maria, I've tried just about every diet plan out there, up to and including Atkins (lost 100LBS) but all failed, but after a lot of research, I think that this will be the ultimate way to go for me. YO-YO dieting is hard on the body, and my MD suggested I consider this. When he used the term 'MORBIDLY OBESE it scared the h-- out of me. As I see it, the thing here is being able to COMMIT to this. I am an emotional/stress/recreational eater. This is something you have to conquer before the surgery. An advance pre-op visit to a good shrink is a great idea. Its OK to feel nervous because you're embarking upon a new path in life. Try to remember that you'll want to be around to see your GRANDCHILDREN. I don't know about you, but I find myself going to a lot of funerals lately. I have decided that I want to live healthier and longer. I pray that you find success and happiness on your journey.