Hello everyone. I "stumbled" unto this site about 2 hours ago and I can't get off of it!! It's so wonderful to have this supportive site. I am in the beginning stages of this process for the Lap band. I am excited, scared, and nervous all at the same time. I've heard horror stories and I've heard success stories. I am not detoured because I know that I need to do this for my health. After many many years of losing and gaining weight, at 35, I realize that I have to gain control!! My father, who is 62 years old and weighed over 340, had gastric by-pass surgery in May 07. He has since lost over 130 pounds and looks fantastic. When he first talked about getting this surgery, I was so against it because of all of the horrific things that I heard about the surgery. Did I mention that my father was diabetic, has angina, high blood pressure, etc, etc?...After his surgery, he no longer needed insulin every day, no longer had high blood pressure and he feels great.
My father is my inspiration. I've read all of the good, bad and the ugly and I realize that having this surgery is a heart felt, personal decision. I was among the people who said that and WLS was the "easy" way out but I have watched my father discipline himself with his eating and his excercising and I realize that even though WLS gives you a "boost" towards weight loss, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
I have opted for the Lap Band surgery because I am 35 years old and I have had 1 still born and 1 miscarriage . I want to have a baby and I feel that the LapBand surgery is adjustable and more conveinant. I also don't want to spend a lot of time out of work. I'm still doing my research and I am excited about this journey to my new life. I will be attending the weight loss seminar on Feb 19. My pre-op appointment with the doctor is on Feb 27. I'm confident that things will go well and that insurance issues will not be a problem. I have a lot of documentation for my weight loss attempts for the past 10 years. My main "advantage" is that very recently, I was seeing a nutritionalist for 6 months through my insurance.
Sorry this is so long but I'm so glad that I found this board!!