Pre-Op Questions

jshivery · December 19, 2010

Okay, I hope I don't get killed for asking these questions, but I do have a few. I will be getting surgery sometime in the spring, at Geisinger in Danville. I am super excited but my hubby is not. But anyway, I was wondering I am about 120 lbs over weight, Do you think I can lose that? I am so scared, because I am worried that this wont work for me and I have lost my chance of getting gastric bypass. I know it is just a tool and I am willing to work my a$$ off, as I have done for the last 13 years. But how much does 1 lose after wards. I am at 281, anyone around that weight that has any advice? I also have a question, Danville is about 1 hour away from where I live, what would happen if I got the stomach flu? I couldnt get in a car and drive while throwing up? I'm really worried about that, cuz w/ 3 kids it is bound to happen. My 3rd questions is, I have been having some horrible low back pain, like the kind that wakes me up when I turn in bed. Has anyone had this relieved after surgery?

thanks to anyone that has a moment to reply!

Thanks, Jamie

annieM · December 19, 2010

They usually say that the lapband allows you to lose 70% of your excess weight and the rest is "up to you". Meaning you have to exercise and really work to get that last 30% off. For me this was more or less true. I am 5lbs from my goal and stuck, and I know that I have to really exercise to build muscle to get it off. I think you can do it if you are patient and keep going in for your fills (as you lose, your stomach loses too and you need to "top off" your band)so you keep losing. One or two pounds a week is normal and safe, but it takes a long time, and a lot of patience. IT CAN BE DONE.

I've never had the stomach flu, so I can't answer that question, although I guess you could go to a closer emergency room for an un-fill if you needed it.

I have arthritis in my back and losing the weight has helped a ton. I also have a tempurpedic mattress which I recommend highly for back pain sufferers.

The lapband is a much healthier way to live than the bypass anyway. There are ways to cheat through your band (eating sweets and foods like ice cream that slide right through the band) but being thin is better than anything you could eat. So why cheat?

Good luck on your journey!