Lap Band right for me?

[AJLChase 0]

My sister is the one who got me interested in the Lap Band. She is looking into it for herself. My story is this....like many of you, I've always dealt with weight issues. When I thought I was heavy, it gave me horrible anxiety to deal with myself. Now, I look back at myself and old pictures and can't believe I thought I was even heavy back then, what I wouldn't give to be in that shape now.

About a year ago I had my spine fused at the L5-S1. It was from an injury that dated back about 12 years before. From the time I graduated from high school I've gone up and down in weight. Sometimes from 260 down to 185. This has happened 4-5 times. Every time I obviously gain it all back. Before the surgery I was down to 185. Now, a year after my surgery I'm up to 265. I'm only 5'8. My back hurts a lot, I can't excercise how I want to, and I feel like I'm getting heavier and heavier as I go. I have a family history of type 2 diabetes , asthma and high blood pressure as well as cancer.

The last time I visited my family doctor they ran some tests and said that my metabolism was really low, I had higher cholesterol then I should at my age and I needed to lose weight or they would have to put me on meds.

So, to sum it up. I'm heavy, in pain and am not sure if this is a good procedure for me or not. Would like some input or opinions. Thanks!

STATS:

Age : 29

Sex : M

Weight : 265lbs

Height : 5'8

[zeniada 9]

My sister is the one who got me interested in the LAP-BAND®. She is looking into it for herself. My story is this....like many of you, I've always dealt with weight issues. When I thought I was heavy, it gave me horrible anxiety to deal with myself. Now, I look back at myself and old pictures and can't believe I thought I was even heavy back then, what I wouldn't give to be in that shape now.

About a year ago I had my spine fused at the L5-S1. It was from an injury that dated back about 12 years before. From the time I graduated from high school I've gone up and down in weight. Sometimes from 260 down to 185. This has happened 4-5 times. Every time I obviously gain it all back. Before the surgery I was down to 185. Now, a year after my surgery I'm up to 265. I'm only 5'8. My back hurts a lot, I can't excercise how I want to, and I feel like I'm getting heavier and heavier as I go. I have a family history of type 2 diabetes , asthma and high blood pressure as well as cancer.

The last time I visited my family doctor they ran some tests and said that my metabolism was really low, I had higher cholesterol then I should at my age and I needed to lose weight or they would have to put me on meds.

So, to sum it up. I'm heavy, in pain and am not sure if this is a good procedure for me or not. Would like some input or opinions. Thanks!

STATS:

Age : 29

Sex : M

Weight : 265lbs

Height : 5'8

You sound like you would be a perfect candidate for the lap band system keep doing your homework and find out as much info as you can i have really read and re-read all the post on LBT and it has helped me make my choice to go for the lap band.....Good luck

[Kira Helene 0]

With type 2 running in your family, this surgery may just be a great idea for you. I am a type 2 diabetic..and honestly, I wish I could have known about the surgery BEFORE I let myself get this bad.

[btrieger 21]

The lapband is a tool that will help you control your portions but it doesn't keep you from eating the wrong foods.

You sound like you have a good track record of being able to lose weight. If you are willing to follow a few basic rules, the lapband can help you keep the weight off.

Talk to a bariatric surgeon. Initial consultations are usually free.

Good luck!

Bob

[JillianRN 0]

My sister is the one who got me interested in the Lap Band. She is looking into it for herself. My story is this....like many of you, I've always dealt with weight issues. When I thought I was heavy, it gave me horrible anxiety to deal with myself. Now, I look back at myself and old pictures and can't believe I thought I was even heavy back then, what I wouldn't give to be in that shape now.

About a year ago I had my spine fused at the L5-S1. It was from an injury that dated back about 12 years before. From the time I graduated from high school I've gone up and down in weight. Sometimes from 260 down to 185. This has happened 4-5 times. Every time I obviously gain it all back. Before the surgery I was down to 185. Now, a year after my surgery I'm up to 265. I'm only 5'8. My back hurts a lot, I can't excercise how I want to, and I feel like I'm getting heavier and heavier as I go. I have a family history of type 2 diabetes , asthma and high blood pressure as well as cancer.

The last time I visited my family doctor they ran some tests and said that my metabolism was really low, I had higher cholesterol then I should at my age and I needed to lose weight or they would have to put me on meds.

So, to sum it up. I'm heavy, in pain and am not sure if this is a good procedure for me or not. Would like some input or opinions. Thanks!

STATS:

Age : 29

Sex : M

Weight : 265lbs

Height : 5'8

We have almost an identical history. I have severe back pain because of an injury to my discs (L4-L5). I have been a yo yo dieter all of my adult life. Being excited and losing 35-40 lbs only to quickly gain it again. I have Fibromyalgia. Being a nurse I have done extensive research on the Lap Band. I can not find any reason for myself not to have it. When you look at quality of life, I feel that I have none.At the present time, I have completed all of my testing, Surgeon visit, Psych eval labs nutritionist etc. I am waiting for the paperwork from my psych eval. Then they will submit all of my info to the Insurance, hopefully this week....Let your mind believe in the future. Do not allow bad thoughts that "What if I do not succeed." We can do this!

[LeighaMason 19]

If you are looking for something to monitor the portion size of the food you eat, while you monitor the type of food that you put in your mouth then lap band is what you are looking for.

If you are looking for something that will stop you from eating junk food, it wont help. Sweets and carbs go through the band like its not even there. A common theme for people who are disappointed with the band is "I thought I was going to eat the same, just less of it, and lose all my weight."

(This is a generalization and doesn't apply to everyone who is disappointed with the band, but I see it a lot.)

[AJLChase 0]

This is all very good to know. I've always been one of those people who eat to feel good. Not necessarily can eat really big meals, i just snack through out the day on very unhealthy foods. I like the idea that I don't have control over my portion size with the lap band. It's one big important issue I feel I wouldn't have to deal with, because it's out of my control. To feel full, and know that I can live just fine with out constantly eating through out the day...sounds like a much needed break from myself.

My biggest fear with my injury and being in pain, is that I'm only making it worse and with time I'm gonna get to the point of no return, which I may already be at right now. As far as what I can do on my own, goes. If I can abstain from sweets and junk foods then I feel like this would be a huge feather in my cap to have on my side when it comes to leading a healthier life style.

Thanks for all your help!

[amybethy 0]

I to have low back problems in 08 I had back surgery on 2 of my lower discs and now one of them has rehearneated and I also have type 2 diabeties. So I know your pain I am looking at the lap band surgery as a tool I can use to help me take control of my life and have a life again I am still young and have my entire life left. But if I stay the way I am ill be stuck in bed all the time in pain. Good luck on your decision.

[btrieger 21]

... i just snack through out the day on very unhealthy foods...

This is a NO-NO and something you will have to get over if you want the lapband to work.

One of those rules I mentioned is "eating only 3 meals a day and having a light snack in between if necessary."

[AJLChase 0]

Well, I called insurance today and they said that with my plan weight loss surgery will only be covered if and only if it's deemed medically necassary. I asked her if there were any stipulations to what is medically necassary, and she said only that the doctor has to document why it's medically necassary. So, that's not a no at least.

[Cali Sal 0]

I think that is the standard response from the insurance companies. Medically necessary is deemed by your doctor and I think the standard for that is 40+ BMI OR 30+ BMI with co-morbidities. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

[btrieger 21]

I think that is the standard response from the insurance companies. Medically necessary is deemed by your doctor and I think the standard for that is 40+ BMI OR 30+ BMI with co-morbidities. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.

The standard is a BMI of 35+ with comibidities.

If you have no comorbidities then chances are that there is no current medical necessity. Family history of comorbidities probably does not count. But it is free to ask your surgeon. Pick up the phone and call him.

[OnTheWay to Thin 0]

You sound like the perfect candidate for a band, with the potential for diabetes and the cholesterol, back surgery and all you could improve all of those issues/conditions with weight loss. I have a really bad knee and Type 2 in my family all over the place, however even though I have only lost a bit over 60 lbs in just over a year, my blood sugar is no longer prediabetic, I am off of my arthritis and cholesterol medications, and I suspect I will go off of my blood pressure pill at the next doctor appointment. Definitely give it some serious thought, go to a seminar and then make an informed decision. We are all here to support you on your journey.

[AJLChase 0]

Welp, got a call today and my consult is on the 9th of September. So, here's hoping!

[Cocoabean 430]

You mention snacking throughout the day. Do be aware that with a band you can still graze, and can graze on unhealthful foods. As Leighs said, carbs go right through the band. The urge to graze will still be there, but the band helps with the physical hunger so you can then work on the emotional hunger.