Still Not 100% Sure...

[kbrenner19 1]

Hello All,

I have been considering lap band surgery since Nov. 2011. I met with a the surgeon's nurse practitioner and she was great! Answered many of my questions and was not pushy in my process. I attempted to lose weight on my own (again), but just seem to gain. I have insulin resistance and high cholesterol. I am 23, work full time as a paramedic and on call firefighter. I have become so discouraged, it seems I just keep gaining. I figure I now need to lose about 105lbs to be at a healthy weight ( I can't remember when I was at a healthy weight, but I have never been this big before)

I am glad I found this forum, as I have read quite a few threads and I feel like I can get answers from people who have had the surgery.

A few of my questions that I forgot to ask the nurse practitioner:

Is 23 too young for this surgery? I have not had any children. Has anyone here had the surgery and then become pregnant? Does it increase any complications with pregnancy with having the surgery?

I know the lap band won't take away emotional eating (something I have a problem with), but does it help to stop thinking about food?

While I don't think I drink excessively for someone my age, I do enjoy going out and having drinks every now and then. How does the surgery affect consuming alcohol?

Not that I would be embarrassed about having the surgery, I would like to keep it quiet. Is this the wrong attitude to have going into it? I am not sure how having the surgery and getting back to full time work as I do alot of heavy lifting and strenuous activity.

I hope this isn't too many questions! I just want to feel confident and pretty again, I guess I just worry that this surgery won't work as I have decreased my calorie intake and I still seem to be gaining.

Thanks so much for answers and advice!!!

Kaylee

[snielsen 1]

You are 23, that is a great age for the lap band because you will heel fast and yes you will be pretty again. I have seen a lot of new mom's on here as I understand it they just simply unfill their bands. I am more concerned with your curent health and maybe what condition you will be in the next 5 years.

Keep looking into this the answer will come to you.

[skitam64 1]

i think you have made that first step to making a change i really think if you have tried everything and you have health problems then this is for you. i am type 2 diabec and i had my sugery in august and i was scared like you and i really didnt care about what peopl was thinnking because this is my health and at the end of the day i have to live with this. i love my band yes i have my days but i am so happy to have this outlet to keep my self off insulin getting my leggs cut off or even losing my life to obesty. i hope the best for you and at the end of the day its your body. i think you will be glad once you get the band you just have to work you band honey and you will be just fine.

[B-52 7,113]

I have learned over the years, that when it comes to big decisions, life changing decisions, it is best not to try to persuade someone to do it.

Only YOU can make that decision, and you have to want it!

If you are not sure, then you're not ready.

When I made my mind up to have this decision, nothing was going to get in my way, and nobody was going to talk me out of it.

I knew what I wanted, and that was to be fit and healthy, and yes...Normal again.

I think that determination has stuck with me and maybe that's why I respond to negativity and quitters the way I do.

I'm not into astrology, but people who are can pick me out of a crowd. They say I'm classic textbook!

[NWgirl 574]

I am 23 and was banded last month. After being overweight since childhood and trying all of the fad diets and dietician's, etc over the years, I knew something had to change. I finally admitted that I needed more help with this than I was willing to accept before. I am not getting younger, and I am not getting thinner. I want to prevent any health problems from happening, and I was not doing a good enough job on my own.

As for not wanting people to know, I felt the same. Only 5 or 6 people in my life know, 3 of which are parents, 1 grandparent, my boss, and my boyfriend. I kept it a secret at time of surgery and plan to continue keeping it a secret, unless someone who has a weight problem like I did asks me what I did.

I have not tried to drink since surgery and was never really a drinker to begin with, but people say that the surgery turns them into a lightweight.

[twi 40]

I don't understand some of the responses itllssskiesd

[twi 40]

Sorry crazy phone it sounded to me that you have decided to have surgery just checking on a few points?? . I drink a little When I go out with friends I haven't notice change in consumption but I cannt drink a lot of beer due to the carbonation I work in healthcare with heavy lifting and I was able to return to full duty 3 weeks per dr but I also had foot surgery at same time and didn't go back for 2 months. So not sure how it would effect you. Good luck!