Nervous, Need information on lap-band.

[sharon_57 0]

Hi, I am going to conference by the Dr. in March. I do group in March. I hope after that I will get the appointment for surgery.. I am excited but really scared. I have heard a lot of bad things about after the surgery. Lots of complications. It really worries me but, I want my life back. My weight now is 390 and I hate it because I can't walk much, can't do anything with my grandkids, can't sit in a booth anywhere because I don't fit.. So many things I can't do because of my size and I hate it.. I want to live and see my great grandkids, but with my size it's not going to happen. Please give me any info. you have on lap-banding.. Thank you very much....:sad:

[btrieger 21]

Welcome!

Do you have specific questions?

There are literally millions of posts in this forum and I don't think a single subject has been missed. You can search for keywords using this link: LAP-BAND

Or check out other patients blogs here: LAP-BAND

[sharon_57 0]

That is really great. I know you can't hardly wait. Good luck and I will say a prayer for your speedy recovery. :sad:

[voiceomt2002 4]

Hi, I am going to conference by the Dr. in March. I do group in March. I hope after that I will get the appointment for surgery.. I am excited but really scared. I have heard a lot of bad things about after the surgery. Lots of complications. It really worries me but, I want my life back. My weight now is 390 and I hate it because I can't walk much, can't do anything with my grandkids, can't sit in a booth anywhere because I don't fit.. So many things I can't do because of my size and I hate it.. I want to live and see my great grandkids, but with my size it's not going to happen. Please give me any info. you have on lap-banding.. Thank you very much....:sad:

Honey, I'm one of the success stories of banding, and I used to be just like you. In fact, I was in a wheelchair anytime I wanted to go anywhere except a small grocery store. Now I'm down to a size 18 and it's been just a little over a year. It's worth all the trouble to get to the surgery. Be the circus poodle and jump through their hoops. Do what they say. Really, it's worth it. It really is. Trust one who used to be a borderline diabetic, had high cholesterol, rode around in a wheelchair, had to sew my own clothes because nothing fit, etc.

Do I throw up when I've been naughty? Yes. I deserve to do so. Have I had a month where I gained a pound or two? Yes, and I deserved to. I lost it the next month, plus another six gone. Do I have bat wings on my upper arms from loose skin? Yep. Will I always have the varicose veins my lard butt caused? Unless I go have the lasers, yep, but they don't hurt anymore. Some are much reduced. Is life perfect? No. Did I have to learn new coping skills? Yep. (Start this NOW.)

Life isn't perfect when you're a size 18 as opposed to a 26+, but it's a whole lot easier to be happy. (wink)

Lena

[sharon_57 0]

Thank you for that info. I have the same things wrong with me that you talked about , and more. I hope to get off some of these meds. I am hoping to do a lot of things when I lose weight.. I miss so much now.. I really want my life back. Thank you again for the info..What kind of things do you eat after surgery ? Is there a lot of special things you have to buy ? When you get a chance please let me know... Thanks again

[serenity55 15]

Hi,

Just like you, I was afraid of all the complications, and I'm terrified of needles.

But I've faced all my fears, and no, as the previous poster said, it isn't easy, but it really is so worth it! For me, the results were almost immediate. I could reach up to places on my back I never could before. I can now tie my shoes easily. I don't get winded when I walk. I'm off one of my blood pressure meds.

As for the food, your surgeon's office will let you know what to eat before and after surgery. Usually there is some form of pre op diet, and then liquids after surgery for two weeks, sometimes more. Gradually you introduce soft foods, (mushies) and then regular foods back in to your diet. The important thing is to get in the right amount of Protein, which can be done through Protein powders which can be added to things, or drinks. I choose at this point to get as much of my protein as I can from the foods I eat.

I hope some of this helps. Congratulations and good for you for taking charge of your life!

Keep us posted! Getting the band is the best thing I've done for myself, and I hope you will feel that way too.

Debbie

[sharon_57 0]

Hi Debbie, Thanks for the information. I am really looking forward to having a life again. I hope it works as well for me as it has for you and so many other people.. You and so many others are doing so great... Hats off to all of you... It really encourages me to hear how well your doing.. thanks...:thumbup:

[voiceomt2002 4]

Hi Sharon! Yeah, Serenity had the right of it. You must follow your doctor's instructions, since they will be tailored to your needs.

As for the foods I ate, my doc is a low carb kind of guy. 30g of carbs and not a drop more! LOL! I recommend stepping down in the carbs at least at first if your doc does that. Keep a food diary every day, and learn to do without anything white except cauliflower. White bread, rice, potatoes, oatmeal, and of course sugar. By stepping down pre-surgery, you set a course with fair winds and following seas for later.

As for the recipes and foods post-surgery, you're welcome to read my blog here, and eventually you're welcome to take a peek at my off-site blog, where I have even more bandster recipes, even for holidays. The address is at my LBT blog.

There are some common denominators for eating after surgery. Things like these (I've probably forgotten a few.)

1. CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. Pay attention to what you put in your mouth and how long you chew it. Turn off the TV and pay attention. I'm not kidding!

2. Take tiny bits. I whirl all my meats in the food processor until they resemble hamburger even today, but just for my portions. The DH still gets his steak the way he likes it. I still can't eat stringy meats without this. No, you don't need a Magic Bullet. (rolling my eyes) If you have a blender and food processor, you're set. (I also have a mandolin, but I love to cook!)

3. Your portions will be smaller, so think about using a bread/dessert plate for less dish-washing later. (wink) No, you don't need the baby fork and spoon. Skip that purchase. However, a sippy cup right after surgery can help you learn not to gulp. I took a purple sparkly one to the hospital, sans the valve inside. It taught me and was given to my granddaughter a month later when I no longer needed it.

4. Remember the band only controls VOLUME. You control CONTENT. Ice cream will slide right past the band and will not help your appetite. Eat slowly, chew every bite, and you won't need to eat much before you're pushing that itty bitty plate away.

5. Do yourself a favor and eat Proteins first, veggies second, and THEN whatever you know is naughty and simply must have because we all test the band. A few times worshiping the porcelain god and then having to explain to the doc why you managed to gain a few pounds with a band should give you the mental spanking you need.

That's enough to overwhelm you, I think. :thumbup: I see some of you scribbling notes. I did too. LOL! :wink2:

Lena

[atgoalgal 0]

Hi, I am going to conference by the Dr. in March. I do group in March. I hope after that I will get the appointment for surgery.. I am excited but really scared. I have heard a lot of bad things about after the surgery. Lots of complications. It really worries me but, I want my life back. My weight now is 390 and I hate it because I can't walk much, can't do anything with my grandkids, can't sit in a booth anywhere because I don't fit.. So many things I can't do because of my size and I hate it.. I want to live and see my great grandkids, but with my size it's not going to happen. Please give me any info. you have on lap-banding.. Thank you very much....:redface:

I'm in my 4th year and love banded living. Getting my band was one of the best decision I ever made! Lots of great info here. Check out the success stories. When you read about complications, and yes there can be complications although they are mostly minor, be sure you consider the alternative - the risks of obesity, the number 2 preventable cause of death in the US. I also started a blog, a retropective view of my lapband journey that you may find helpful atGloria's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story. When you check out my blog, you can downloand and interview the 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Lap-Band surgery. Lots of people have found it useful Good luck. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

[Laura Lane 0]

great to hear you have come to the decision to change your life. plus you have your grandkids as a big motivation and that´ll make you put lots of effort in what is coming. wish you the best of luck.:redface:

[sharon_57 0]

Thank you... I love hearing form anyone. I am so interested in everyones story about the lap-band and how they are doing. I see you have done great.. You are an insperation. Thank you again...

[Frogrock2 0]

Hi Sharon and all,

I too am considering lap-band. I have been overweight my whole life and currenlty am at 370 lbs and 5'6". I cannot ever remember NOT having to make accomodations for my size. i am SOOOO tired of it all!! i want the 2nd half of my life to not be riding in handicapped carts instead of walking or staying on a bench while everyone else walks to the geyser.

My worries are also about stories I've heard of people being very ill for months and years and also about the financing as my unsurance specifically does NOT fund the surgery.

What I've been reading here is very encouraging...Suggestions?

[sharon_57 0]

Hi, I am glad to hear from you. I don't know anything about payment plans for the surgery. I am getting mine done through Medicare. I am 52 will be 53 in May. I have been on S.S for several years now.. I am like you , I hate sitting on the side lines while my family has so much fun. I can't do anything because I am so fat. I just want to be able to have some fun when my family plays bad mittin or volly ball and other things... I cant even walk a block. I get out of breath and I have R.A. My right knee is shot it has no cartleige , I can't spell..lol... I need knee replacement surgery. I am planning on having it done when I lose weight.. Good luck with your surgery also... :frown:

[SunneeHunnee 0]

Thank you so much for being honest and real. I too was scared about having surgery and I tore my insides out ( emotionally) about making the decision to move forward with surgery. I was 382 at my highest weight and that is the number that got me thinking about it. I am diabetic, though otherwise fairly healthy. I had my heart, pulomonary function, psych eval in 2008 after I went to my initial surgercal consultation. I did lose 17 pounds on my own in 2009. In sept 09 I went to a different surgeon a friend recommended and I knew he was the right one for me. I had to do the Green medifast diet before surgery and lost 7 pounds. I had my surgery on 12/11/09. Other than the post-op pressure in my chest from the Co2, I was great! I feel better, my blood sugars have improved some and I am down about 28 pounds. My weight loss is slower as I am not to total restriction yet, but, even so, I can tell a difference in my clothes, and how I feel. I can even bend forward easier now that some of my belly is gone. I would do this again and would have done it sooner had I known. The longer one waits the worse our health can get and nothing is more important than our health; it is priceless! I know you already know all this. Fear is powerful and you are courageous to consider surgery. Allow that courage to drive you forward and challenge you to greater things. God Bless you! :tongue_smilie:

[sharon_57 0]

Hi, and thanks . I am excited about the surgery but like I said I am also scared.. I wish I could just have it today and not have the waiting part but there are lots of tests I am sure I will have to do before the surgery. I am going to the siminar that Dr. Baker is doing on the 2nd of March. Not much longer for that one. Then on the 11th of March , I go to group therapy. I don't have any idea what happens next..If you don't mind could you give me an idea for what is next..I hope I can get through all of this stuff pretty fast. I am ready for my surgery now.. I am glad you are doing so well with your surgery .. I really think I will do ok too.. Good luck and God bless you.. Hope to hear from you soon...