Thinking about the Lap Band Procedure

[makopp 1]

Hi-

I am new the site and looking for support to ask my concerns and questions about the lap band procedure.

I am 52 yrs old and need to lose 120 pounds per medical charts, my would love to lose 100 pounds to feel healthy again.

I have been reading about the procedure and have in the past attended the meeting at a local hospital 2 yrs ago- but still unsure.

I guess I am afraid of if I would not be able to eat 'normal' food again after the surgery and possible food blockage.

Can anyone inspire and clam me down about my concerns.

Mary

[Humming Bird 275]

Welcome to LBT

This is a great place to learn details. As you read here please keep in mind that many bandsters come here for support and advise when they are having some sort of problem. Many people don't post here when things are going great. Some newbies get a little freaked out when reading and think the complication rate is higher than they were told by surgeons.

The band has worked really great for me. In the first year I lost 100 pounds and as I get closer to my goal I drop about 1 pound per month. For me the process has been much easier than I thought it would be. I have put in very little effort.

Go to another meeting. Go in for a one on one consult with a surgeon. Watch youtube videos. Read here at LBT.

I personally have only great things to say about the band. I wish you the best with making up your mind.

[MikeSchor 0]

Hi Mary,

I was banded about three weeks ago after several years of research. I needed to lose 81 pounds and as of this morning I have 61 to go. I did the post-surgery diet for a few weeks and lost 8 lbs and 13 since then.

The first few weeks I was on a liquid diet; broth, Tomato or other creamy Soup, pudding, Jello, yogurt. I was worried about being hungry all the time but after the band I wasn't wasn't hungry after a much smaller amount of food than I was used to. I'm on soft foods now for a week; same as liquid diet, plus fork tender/smashables; fish, poached or boiled eggs, canned carrots, peas, tender meat. Next week I can eat more regular stuff; all the previous diet stuff plus more meats, dairy (cheese, etc). These are just a few of the things I eat. There's so much more to satisfy the pallet.

I have a friend who had the band 4 yrs ago and can eat sushi, a burger, slice of pizza, etc. That's their choice. I'm really motivated to get to my goal sue to medical reasons. When trying to lose weight rice, Pasta and breads are big no-no's. Those were the most difficult to cut out.

The most important thing to remember is that the band is a tool. It will work as well as you want it to. Cause and effect.

I can honestly say that as of last week my cravings for burgers and pizza are gone, even when the commercials come on TV.

I'm personally not afraid about not being able to eat this type of food any more but encouraged that in a few years if I wanted to I can probably try.

I hope this helps a little.

Good luck on your journey!

Michael

[sallyjo 0]

Welcome to LBT

This is a great place to learn details. As you read here please keep in mind that many bandsters come here for support and advise when they are having some sort of problem. Many people don't post here when things are going great. Some newbies get a little freaked out when reading and think the complication rate is higher than they were told by surgeons.

The band has worked really great for me. In the first year I lost 100 pounds and as I get closer to my goal I drop about 1 pound per month. For me the process has been much easier than I thought it would be. I have put in very little effort.

Go to another meeting. Go in for a one on one consult with a surgeon. Watch youtube videos. Read here at LBT.

I personally have only great things to say about the band. I wish you the best with making up your mind.

[sallyjo 0]

Mary,

Welcome to LBT from East Texas. I have been banded for five years come April. I would not take for my lap

band. I got within ten pounds of my goal and felt very comfortable at my age and go back and forth five pounds or so. I was 62 when I was banded. I have never had any big problems with my band. I know when

I have to much fill and when I don't have enough. I am empty as of now and go in on the 25th for a small fill.

I can promise you if you work with your band and have a great doctor the pounds will drop.

You seem to have the same worries I had.Will I ever be able to go out to eat again or eat normal foods?

Yes you can.I was a cheesburger and fries person a lot. I had my first one half junior burger one year after my band. I just did'nt want it. The only time I have any problems is when I cause them by eating to fast, not small enough bites and trying to drink with my meals.

Good luck to you Mary and if I can help just give me a shout. Don't mind at all.

Sallyjo

I never adusted my ticker at bottom. I also lived in Houston when I had by band done.

dhinson@cablelynx.com