my story, and first questions, please help!

[battistigsx 0]

Hello all! Im 26 years old and officially in the worst shape of my life. Ive been very active throughout my life, competing in baseball, football, wrestling, swimming, soccer, boxing, powerlifting and for the last 16 months Mixed martial Arst (mma cagefighting.) Throughout all of this i maintained my body wuite well. I would say my problems started about august of 2009, at this time i began to gain weight dispite my 6 day a week workouts and strict diets that had worked for me for so long. My weight skyrocketed from a lean 205lbs and a 6-pack to 255lbs of anything but muscle. In november of 2009 i dislocated my shoulder while sparring which sidelined me until shoulder surgery in february. i was released by my surgeon to begin training again about 4 weeks ago, early may 2010. since the injury i had been unable to workout in any form other than to walk because the shoulder continued to dislocate daily, my weight jumped to where it is now, 275lbs. For the last four weeks i have been working out 6 days a week, i just completed my 4th week of shaun-T's insanity workout. My diet is very clean, high in Protein and Fiber and low in carbs and fats. i eat around 1600-1800 calories daily spread out over 5 small meals. On top of the Insanity workout i have started back to MMA 3 days each week, i walk daily and try to do some activities through the week like football or biking. i have been talking with my doc since about a week before my shoulder surgery about this problem. she started me on synthroid because my thyroid was slightly underactive and has recommended that i see a dietician. The dietician worked up a diet plan for me that was strikingly similar to the one i had already been doing. again high in protein and fiber and low in fats and carbs, 5 small meals daily and about 1800 calories. My mother had her lapband surgery about a year ago and has since lost alost 100lbs. I have decided that i would like to see a surgeon and discuss my options. Can anybody tell me if the lapband can hold up to my kind of workouts? Is this the right option for me to explore? i would love to get back down to 205, regain my cardiovascular abilities, and start fighting (MMA) again. Please help this former personal trainer get his life back on track! Any insight would be great!

[ssmom 0]

It sounds you JUST became a bit more overweight than you are accustomed to, so don't jump into this lap band. It is not a quick fix, it is going to take work for you to get back to the 6 pack, so why don't you just try it a bit longer the regular way. This is for people who has tried over and over to loose and can't and they have a large BMI and it sounds like you are as "big" as you feel. So just hang in there

[illuminationlady 7]

To answer your question, yes, you can work out just like you used to. Whether the band is for you or not is another question. It is a very personal decision and each person is different. But I know lots of folks who work out intensely and are banded. What ever you decide, best wishes to you!!!

[Nean4488 1]

Personally, I do not think the lap band is for you. It never hurts to go and discuss your choices but you only have around 60 pounds to lose I think this could be accomplished alone. You are working out a lot and eating right, this is what its all about! You had a set back with your shoulder and you just have to look past that and work for what you want. Maybe try a personal trainer, thats a good push!

Also, you would prolly have to pay for this surgery yourself because I doubt insurance would cover it. Do you really want to waste the money on something that it sounds like you can do by yourself.

Good luck with whatever path you decide to take!

[LeighaMason 19]

Boy this "your not big enough" stuff really wears me out. I was 50 - 70 pounds overweight for 16 years. Obese is obese, if its 50 or 100. As far as the "Just diet and lose it" theory goes, I had been dieting, for 16 years, that is why I was 70 pounds overweight and not 150. So I paid for the band. Now I am normal BMI, starting a running program, ride my bike to work instead of jumping in the car and all around feel like I am 25 again. So my advice is don't wait till your 40 to get your weight under control.

I cant say if the band is right for you, but if Portion Control is your issue that is what the band helps with. But with your work ethic and clean eating I think it is worth seeing the Dr about. Since your Mom is banded and has been successful, I'm sure you know what the band life requires.

I would think that if active NFL players can be banded any athlete can. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[battistigsx 0]

thank you all for the input, it helps to hear other peoples opinions to make a truly educated decision. my weight has been a struggle my entire life, thats the reason i work out as intensly as i do, its more like maintenance than anything. i guess one of my fears is that my shoulder is going to hinder my intense workouts and the weight wil become out of control rapidly. im going to stick it out for now, follow my diet and workout plans, no personal trainer needed, i was a certified personal trainer and strength coach for 4 years. I guess its something ill have to put a little more time into, my doc was the one to mention this as an option for me...which led me here. im glad to hear that the band is safe for athletes since MMA is my biggest passion these days and as long as my weight comes off ill be fighting again in no time. Thanks Again!

[smitten kitten 0]

Everything varies by doctor, but you can typically start full workouts (no heavy weights or abs) a month out of surgery. I'm not familiar with the "insanity" workouts so this may not matter, but if I remember correctly, about 6mo out you can do ab and heavy weights.

To get the lap band or not is a very personal decision, as already mentioned. Only you can decide, but *if* I were you I'd probably give myself two more months. That's time to see if the injury improves, perhaps start losing, and time to research more about the band and talk with a doctor.

If there was no loss or just maintenance at the end of the two months, I'd know I gave it my all and get the surgery. That's just me though, maybe you know you've given it your all, maybe not. I wish you the best of luck with your decision :thumbup:

Edited June 6, 2010 by smitten kitten

[Nean4488 1]

Everything varies by doctor, but you can typically start full workouts (no heavy weights or abs) a month out of surgery. I'm not familiar with the "insanity" workouts so this may not matter, but if I remember correctly, about 6mo out you can do ab and heavy weights.

I am four weeks out and I have no limitations to working out. So it all depends on the doctor, like she said.