ssnyder78

Hi, My doctor has now twice recommended I think about getting 'banded' and I want to learn more about the procedure, recovery times, long-term changes required in lifestyle, side effects and weight loss. I have always been overweight. I was a US size 10 by the age of 10 and have been a 14-16 since middle school. I now live in the UK and - even though I have dieted since childhood - find myself gaining weight. This is in spite of a strict 1200 calorie and <10 grams of fat per day diet for the past 5 months. During that 5 month period, I have put on 35 pounds. I don't eat a lot and rarely eat 3 complete meals a day. After quite a bit of testing and specialist visits, I've been diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome and severe insulin resistance as well as borderline Diabetes and PCOS. All of which is confusing, but at least I finally know what's wrong. The medicine (Metformin) seems to be working so far. I've weaned myself on to it over the course of 4 weeks and have lost 18 pounds since beginning. That said, I am still right at 200 pounds and 5'7" tall. The Endocrinologist that has diagnosed me has gently pressed for me to consider the Lap Band and I have a follow-up visit in August when I'm expected to give him my 'decision'. I don't know anyone who has one and would really like to learn more. I have read all of Wikipedia about the surgery and effects, but that doesn't really tell me what I need to know. This seems like a good place to start and I look forward to learning more. All of that is a really long way of saying hello and letting you know a bit about me. Thanks and I look forward to chatting. Stephanie