jgreen8112

I wasn't sure how to "post' but i think I've got it now! For the last few weeks I've been serioulsy considering the Lap Band procedure ( I really want the easyband...). I was very much impressed with Dr. Rumbaut in Monterey, Mexico. I decided to go to a 'informative" seminar about the procedure, locally, (at a hospital in Salem, Ma.). After the seminar, I was a bit depressed about the info I heard. I know they're a hospital and have to cover themselves (or is it the insurance companies?) and I never thought is was going to be easy street. I do work out regularly and eat well balanced meals, but the restrictions were many....i.e. coffee, nsaids,alchohol,smoking etc...etc...I'm not so sure I want to eliminate all of those things (even though I don't abuse any of them). I do agree with the quitting smoking (even though I only smoke less than 1/2 pack a week). It's no good, period! Then all the complications! wow. I would'nt even look at bariatric surgery for those reasons. Now, I understand that you can "pop" the band off if you get sick, choke easily, get stomach ulcers/perferations if you eat/drink the wrong things,etc..etc.. yet, I hear of so many people who have had this done (testamonials) and have breezed right through it, losing weight without complications (most). . I have no problem being restrictive and making lifestyle changes, but to cut out everything (forget about moderation) is a bit too drastic for me. They make you go through months of nutritional counseling/exercise (done that, been there, still do) through their "group" at the hospital and more after surgery. I guess for those that are sedentary, it is very important. It seems to me that they would work on the phycological aspects (why are we eating?) and suggest hypnotherapy first (good alternative and non-invasive). The nurse didn't give me a great explanation ($$). I also mentioned surgery in Mexico just to see how she would answer and her first response was " We don't recommend out of country surgeries. Those are the people we usually end up surgically correcting". As with any surgery, due diligence should be top priority. But from my investigations and homework, I'm pretty sold on Dr. Rumbaut and his team at San Jose` hospital (unless they are doing a good sales job). But facts can be verifed. I would really like to hear from other banders about the extremes of what they had to face. I am 5'3" and 224lbs.. I play tennis 4-6 x a week and walk. My weight is evenly distributed, although my belly is getting bigger... I have type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. I never said "I can't lose weight" just that those two roadblocks make it so much harder. At 49 and am having a much more difficult time taking it off than when I was in my 20's & 30's. I realize that stress, sleep, and other factors play into this. The Easy-band (no needle port) sounded perfect. It would cut my food down even lower than I do on my own and I wouldn't go through the nasty "hungries" and be bitchy all day. Is anyone in a similar situation? I'm at the piont of trying hypnotherapy first (after I find a legitimate certified, state licensed person) and see where that takes me. Any opinions or comments are welcome!

Hi All, I was trying to find the "replies" after I posted (took me a while) but I finally found them. Just wanted to say thanks to those who replied. I know having any kind of stomach surgery is a personal decision and everyone is different. I have decided to start with hypnotherapy (seen a lot of weight loss stories and pictures like the lap band) because, as much as I like the idea of not having that "hungry" feeling all the time, I beleive that it all starts up in your head to begin with i.e. emotional eating,self image,disorginazation,etc...etc... No matter what, your still thinking with the same brain. Even though you can only eat small portions (or you'll pay for it!) your brain still "craves" those things that maybe aren't so good. We never feel satieted until we've eaten more than we should of the foods that we love. Yes, it's torture. As much as I really want to lose weight (not to mention, my diabetes will disapear) I just think that there are too many probelms to deal with: (risk,port,fill,infection,BP's,slime,mental anguish,chew,chew,chew,food limitations (or consequences!) etc...etc... If one is going to go through all that, then why not put that effort in with-out the surgery and work on the "head" i.e. hypnosis for that "satieted feeling". I could be wrong, but I betcha I might be right. In any case, looks like l've talked myself out of the procedure :sad:. I don't blame those who have done it. Best of luck to you! I will keep you updated on my hypnosis progress (starting May 8th). I just know for me, that when I did exercise consistantly 4-6x a week, not only was I burning more calories, but my mental state was SO MUCH BETTER! It's a bitch to get up early and get my ass to the gym (or outside) but I was always saying to myself once doing it "this feels so good (mentally) I should really do this everyday". My problem has always been consistancy. I'm either good with exercise and not as watchful with my food intake or vice versa. I know I need to put the two together. On top of all that, I teach Italian cooking and travel extensively around the world (mostly to Italy) so It makes it very difficult to establish a normal "routine". This is where I'm hoping, hypnosis can help. I also smoke (less than 1/2 pack a week) and drink (italian style) which I don't necessarily want to give up (well, the smoking I will). What's the deal on having wine with the lapband? Not that it's a crucial determinant... I had mentioned the "easyband" before and no-one has heard of it. This is another reason why I'm trying hypnothereapy first. I'm waiting to see the results of the easyband (no needle port. The fills are done by "remote control" in the doctors office) less invasive, painful and chance for infection. It's not approved in the US yet (nor in some other areas). Anyway, this is way too long, but just wanted to share my thoughts. Good luck to all of you on your procedures and I'll stay in touch about mine :frown: Jgreen

Hi Margie, Thanks for your reply. Did you attend the one in salem or somewhere else? I have heard some really positive things with hypnotherapy. It all starts up there right? I'll keep you posted!