deelefluer

Thank you, thank you, thank you NewSho! Your post helped to alleviate some of my doubts and fears. At 39yrs, 5'3", 270pounds...I need to do something! Dieting has not helped at all. Through the years, I have gained and lost so many pounds....it's disgusting....and probably why my bmi is at 49. I've been checking into LB because, after visiting my doctor with concerns about my weight, she suggested the surgery. I will have my initial appointment on September 26th. I too, hate to exercise...lol...but, knowing that it is necessary, I get in at least 30 minutes a day. Like several of the posts I've read, I am not a big sweets person. I just eat way, (way, way way) too much...lol. I am hoping that the band will help me to eat less. Dee

Vinesqueen, How did the doctor discover you had Cushings? What symtoms did you have? What are the warning signs? I know on the paperwork that I filled out for the surgeon, it specifically asked if I had Cushings? Dee

Wow! I am pre-band, in fact I will be meeting with my surgeon for the first time on Sept. 26th. I have to say that it's good to read all of these posts. Yes, even the posts from those of you that have not had the best results with the band. If I am going to have this surgery, (which I will have to decide by my second appointment), I would rather go into it knowing the possitive and the negative. I have to admit that some of the problems that some of you have had scare me. Right now I am sitting at 270 and I want to lose half my body weight. Surgery is something that my pcp suggested. Now that my first appointment is set, I fluctuate from being excited to being unsure. The fear/worry that it may not work is definitely there. I enjoy this group because we can get "both sides of the story" so to speak. The support is wonderful:-) Dee

I just received my referral from my pcp, and yesterday I got information/forms to fill out, from the surgeon! As I read through the information, most of it I was already aware of, (thanks to the wonderful information I've gotton here!) The one thing I'm curious about....and I must say, a little concerned about, is the required weight loss BEFORE surgery. I know that I will be seeing a nutritionist about this.....but I would love to hear from those of you that have already been through this:-) I've tried to lose weight off and on for years. (If I could do it on my own, I wouldn't be considering the surgery). Are you put on a special "diet" before surgery to help you lose weight? If so, what kind? Also, how long does it usually take to get from referral to surgery? Any and all information would be extremely helpful! Thanks, Dee

Thanks to everyone that has replied. It really helps to know that I'm not alone in this! I called my surgeon's office on Friday, because I had a couple questions before I sent in my paperwork. I spoke to one of the program coordinators and discussed the whole "pre-op weight loss" thing. Her response was, "Don't worry about it. We will work together to make sure the necessary weight comes off!" I told her, that if I could drop the weight by myself....I wouldn't be considering surgery...lol. She chuckled, (not at all sarcastically), and said, " we are aware of that...we are here to help!" It certainly helps to know that other people have gone through the same fears....and have been successful! Thank you, thank you, thank you...for all of your wonderful support:-) Dee

That's definitely a relief to know it's possible! Good luck with your surgery! I know if I went on a liquid diet that I should lose the weight....however, it's not something I could do forever...lol

Thank you all for responding! I think I could do the yogurt...lol....at least for a few weeks, but not for life! Reading through all the materials that my surgeon sent, it sounds like there are a lot of "hoops" to jump through before the surgeon will even agree to do the surgery. That's a good thing that they make sure you are prepared and don't just rush into surgery. I must say, though, it all seems a little confusing! Can you all tell me a little about the process you went through from the time you got the referral to the time of surgery? Do you still see the nutritionist after surgery? Thanks everyone! Dee

According to the paper work from the surgeon, I'm supposed to lose 5% of my body weight, which is approximately 15-20 pounds. I'm worried that I can't lose that on my own. I'm sure the liquid opti-fast diet would help! How long did it take from the time you got your referral until your surgery?

Kim, As I read your messages, I kept thinking..."wow, someone else is actually going through what I am!" I am also seriously considering the lap band surgery. Three weeks ago, my pcp suggested that I consider the surgery. I am seeing my doctor today and will hopefully set up an appointment with a surgeon. Like many have said, I too feel like I am addicted to food. I have been able to decrease what I eat some days, (other days....forget it..lol). I still eat more than I should. I hate the constantly thinking about food. I also have the fear of going through this surgery....and still not losing weight. I'm willing to do anything, (and have tried just about everything else) to lose this weight. I'm thankful that we have a place like this where we all can share our thoughts, fears, and feelings! The support here is wonderful! Dee

My name is Dee. I'm married and have twin boys. My doctor recently suggested that I consider the lap band surgery. The more I've looked into it, the more I'm leaning towards doing it. I have about 145 pounds to lose, and after a year of seriously trying to get it off (limiting my food intake, exercising more, and drinking more water) I've had no success:phanvan . So I went to my doctor for some help and that's when she suggested the surgery. My biggest concern is going through the surgery and it not working. Has that ever happened to anyone? I understand that it will not work if the person is not totally committed to doing what they're supposed to. Has anyone been totally committed and still had it not work? Any information would be extrememly helpful!

Thank you for all the good advice. Since talking with my doctor about 2 weeks ago, (which was when she made the suggestion about the surgery), I have followed her advice. I have gone from drinking 2% milk down to skim milk and I have increased my exercise from walking 4 days a week to walking everyday. I usually walk 2-3 miles a day. As for my food intake, most days is under 1500 calories a day. But there are some days, I must be honest, where it seems like I just can't get enough to eat. (I don't even want to guess the calories for days like that:phanvan ) I don't really eat a lot of sweets, but every once in awhile I get hungry for chocolate, so I eat maybe 10 chocolate chips....ugh! I have an appointment with my doctor next week, and will tell her that I am interested in the surgery. What are some questions that I should be asking my doctor....and eventually, the surgeon? I want to be as prepared as possible:) Thanks everyone for all of your good advice!