Never Been So Fat :-(

[kimmy46 0]

Hi folks

Found this site whilst browsing lap band procedures out of desperation.

I'm Kim, 46, live in Southampton, and I've never had a weight problem until I had a number of gynae related problems then a partial hysterectomy in 2007 then the rest out in 2011. Been on HRT since then and by weight has balloned. I am only 5 feet 1 so every stone makes me look like a hippo.

Seeing photographs of me recently has made be so depressed, no matter how little I eat nothing seems to make a difference. I have been on a low calorie liquid diet for a few weeks now and haven't lost a pound; I feel something is quite wrong with my metabolism but my GP says just eat less and move move more.

The moving thing would be easy except I have a disability, chronic asthma and cannot walk very far without excrutiating pain in my feet. I suffer from calcified tendons which can happen at any time, at the moment I have calcific achilles tendons and can barely walk more than 5 paces without having to stop and also have calcific tendonitis in my shoulders which prevent me from swimming.

A few years ago I could swim 100 lenghts of my local pool in 90 mins, today I would be lucky to manage one :-(

I know that loosing weight would help my physical conditions and improve my general wellbeing but as I can't exercise I am on a road to nowhere. It seems a gastric band is my only hope to restrict my food intake to a bare minimum. What upsets me is that I am not a massive eater anyway, never eat bread, don't like sweets, rarely eat chocolate, and have cut my alcohol intake to a few social glasses of wine at the weekends. I don't know what has made me put on so much weight but it seems that nothing I do works to resolve the weight problems.

I am going to look into going to Belgium for the surgery, there seems to be a lot of people that have chose this option. Can anyone point me in the right direction here ? I know there are many posts on this and the particular surgeon but to save me hours wading through them is there a quick bullet point list on how to contact said Surgeon, make the arrangements, what to expect etc ?

Thanks for letting me having a rant....feel a bit better now :-)

Have a great weekend

K x

[Grandma3 73]

Sorry I can not help you on the Belgium surgery.

Many medications can make you can weight.

Have you and your doctor tried to figure out if it is one of your medications?

My daughter gained 90 lbs on a medication and after she stopped taking it the weight slowly came back off.

Just thought I would mention it.

[Sal58 4]

I would serious talk to your doctor and if that doesn't help find a different doctor that will listen. Before taking such a huge step I would really try and rule out other issues first. The band is a great tool...don't get me wrong as I am 7 weeks now post op but it isn't the only answer...it is a life style change as well. I went to Healthier Weight in Birmingham. Great people and no pressure. First though just make sure you don't have something else going on. I didn't think I ate a lot either but this band has proven me wrong. Nibbling was my demon that came along with stress eating. Take care and I hope you find some answers.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

First off, if your doctor won't take your concerns seriously, you need to find a new doctor. There are many medical issues that can cause you to gain weight, including medications and thyroid problems. You really need a full blood work up to rule out anything medically related before having weight loss surgery.

You mentioned having a hard time with movement due to disability. I understand this completely. I am also disabled. I have Multiple Sclerosis. While I can walk and such, sometimes it's a struggle and very often results in considerable pain in my legs and feet. Because of that, my exercise isn't like most others' here. My exercise is mostly walking a little more all the time.

I will say this though, I feel SO much better since losing weight. I still have a long ways to go, but oh my gosh, I honestly feel better than I have in over a decade. Losing weight can't make my disability go away but it sure as heck has helped me to better cope with it a lot.

Best wishes to you on whatever you choose.