New to the process....very concerned

[NurseMichael 142]

Hey everyone. I am 33 and have a BMI of 44. I am starting the process of looking into the band and i need some feedback.

I have been a yo-yo dieter for about 12 years. Up 20, down 15. Down 80, up 120. I have the ability to loose weight, but cant seem to keep it off.

My concern with going forward...if i dont do the surgery, i can loose the weight, but run the usuall risk of regaining. If I do do the surgery, i will surely loose the weight....but what happens when im at my goal.

Im ready to make a life change but i just dont know if surgery is a necessary part of that change....

any input would be greatly appreciated.

Nurse Michael

[btrieger 21]

Michael,

Welcome aboard

As they say in the 12 step programs, "One Day at a Time."

I think you are looking too far ahead. You have to get to your goal before you get concerned what to do once you get there.

Lapband surgery does not come with a guarantee of losing a single pound. Many fail with it. Fortunately, many succeed as well.

The lapband is just a tool and comes with quite a few rules in order to make it effective. You should be asking yourself whether you can adhere to these rules for the rest of your life.

1. Eat only three small meals a day
   
2. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (15-20 times a bite)
   
3. Stop eating as soon as you feel full
   
4. Do not drink for 30 minutes before or after eating
   
5. Do not eat between meals
   
6. Eat only good quality food
   
7. Avoid fibrous food
   
8. Drink at least 64 ounces of Water a day
   
9. Drink only low-calorie fluids
   
10. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
    

You'll learn a lot more on your journey and it is definitely a worthwhile one.

Remember, it is not too late to turn back until the day of your surgery. So, take it slow and if you find the lapband is not for you, call it quits.

Good luck!

[atgoalgal 0]

Hey everyone. I am 33 and have a BMI of 44. I am starting the process of looking into the band and i need some feedback.

I have been a yo-yo dieter for about 12 years. Up 20, down 15. Down 80, up 120. I have the ability to loose weight, but cant seem to keep it off.

My concern with going forward...if i dont do the surgery, i can loose the weight, but run the usuall risk of regaining. If I do do the surgery, i will surely loose the weight....but what happens when im at my goal.

Im ready to make a life change but i just dont know if surgery is a necessary part of that change....

any input would be greatly appreciated.

Nurse Michael

I love that Bob posted the "rules". We all have our own version of those rules from working with our doctors and our own experiences, but they are all very similar. It 's important to understand these rules - becasue they are the "owner manual" for how to work the tool.

I did go into this looking far ahead. I was looking for what would give me the best odds at a long-term solution. I also was able to lose 80 lbs on and off. I was an overweight child, teen, and yo yo dieter. I couldn't really remember a year that I hadn't gained and/or lost 40 -50 lbs. I was banded in 2006. What I can tell you is that I've been maintaining for over 2 years, so this tool has definitely worked for me. You can learn a lot more about my story, including how I made my decision ( I was conflicted between bypass and band) on my blogsite which is in my signature below.

Do your homework, talk with people (like you are doing here), learn your options, learn how this tool works, and what you will have to do to work it, figure out what your goals are in terms of health, weight and quality of life, and what it will take to meet those goals. We are all here to help. Good luck with your decision.

Edited March 27, 2010 by atgoalgal

[AnneGG 0]

I'm at different place in my process- haven't had surgery yet because it keeps getting put off for very good reasons like having to take care of breast cancer (early stage) and my surgeon switching medical practices- but I'm through the uncertainty and now am practicing changing behaviors to make it easier for myself post surgery.

I'm tired of the yo-yoing, and am looking forward to the help of the band. I do know it takes work, but where it is most helpful is supporting long-term weight maintenance.

I like what Bob said about going through the pre-op process knowing you can change your mind anytime up to the surgery.

Gloria, you and your blog are inspiring!