Very Nervous

January 31, 2007

Hi. Am seriously considering having a Lap Band but at 49 years of age I actually have never undergone any surgery of any kind so I am understandably very nervous. I have still to have a first consulation with the surgeon so am full of questions. Do I have to have a general anaesthetic? I think I weigh about 28 Stone. (In american terms thats 28 X 14........390 lbs approx?) As you can imagine, my life is hell. Full of pain, discomfort and all the usual ailments that go with severe obesity. Does anyone know about any down sides to this OP? I hear that Sharon Osborne has to have hers removed. Does anyone know why this is?

Thanks. Banrion. :think

marjon9 · January 31, 2007

Your questions are complex and difficult to answer in a brief manner. The best thing you can do is spend a lot of time reading past and present posts on this forum. Many people have had the same questions you have, and these issues have been discussed a lot. As for Sharon Osborne, there is a thread discussing her thoughts on the lap band. Run a search with the term "Osborne" and you'll find it.

I want to say just a couple things in response to your questions. Yes, surgery is scary. It is for everyone. And yes, you do need to have a general anesthetic. There are risks with any surgery.

HOWEVER: The riks are miniscule compared to the risks of living the rest of your life at 390 pounds. The surgery itself is very safe, with very little risk of any serious complications. Most people recover well in a few days and feel completely normal in a few weeks. The risk of not having the surgery is much greater, involving a greatly shortened life span and much suffering and expense while you live out your obese life. There is simply no comparison here.

And 49 is not too old by any means. Many people on this forum are over 50. I'm 53 and was banded 2 weeks ago.

Give yourself a chance at life, Banrion. Be brave, have the surgery. It is nothing compared to more years of extreme obesity.

ReneBean · January 31, 2007

Hi Banrion.

I can tell you that there haven't been any down sides for me. No complications, no issues.

My only problem was that I had to have numerous fills in my VanGuard band to get restriction. It was actually a good thing - as it allowed me to get used to eating less very slowly - gradual change works for me.

Of course - not having any restriction for the first 9-10 mos didn't really speed the weightloss process - but I have all my hair and I live a pretty normal life. I just eat less than I did before and I am able to exercise, now.

Including the pre-op diet, I have lost about 52 pounds in about a year. Considering the fact that I have been pretty undisciplined about my food choices, I can't complain. Even with only a 52 pound loss, I can sit in a plane without an extender, I can walk without constant pain and I can fasten the seatbelt in my car with my bulkiest coat on.

I don't know about Sharon Osborne - but for me, this surgery is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I fully intend to lose another 50 lbs next year - and 50 more the year after that.

Making better choices gets easier with practice. Excercise becomes habit forming. The band isn't a miracle cure - but it surely makes doing the "right" thing easier.

Hugs and good luck!

ousooner · January 31, 2007

Hi. Am seriously considering having a Lap Band but at 49 years of age I actually have never undergone any surgery of any kind so I am understandably very nervous. I have still to have a first consulation with the surgeon so am full of questions. Do I have to have a general anaesthetic? I think I weigh about 28 Stone. (In american terms thats 28 X 14........390 lbs approx?) As you can imagine, my life is hell. Full of pain, discomfort and all the usual ailments that go with severe obesity. Does anyone know about any down sides to this OP? I hear that Sharon Osborne has to have hers removed. Does anyone know why this is?
Thanks. Banrion. :think

Banrion, first of all welcome. It is totally normal to feel this normal. General anaesthetic has to be done. I am 37 and had never had surgery either (not counting having my tonsills out when I was 5, which I don't remember. ) Marjon said it well that the risks of having the surgery are far less than that of staying obese. Not to mention that quality of life is so much better. I have not run into any downsides. I would read that thread about Sharon Osborne. She does not have to have it removed, she is having it removed on her own for personal reasons. She also seems very misguided for her reasoning, but thats just my thoughts :rose: I would recomend taking a deep breath, sit back and read the posts here. Ask as many questions as you need to make you feel more comfortable. THats what we are here for. Just 9 months ago, I was sitting in the same place you are now. I remember the nerves kicking in. Let us know what else we can help you with.

Ambrosia · January 31, 2007

Welcome, Banrion,

I am 48 years old and I'm being banded 2/15. I, too, have never had any type of surgery and have never even been in the hospital before. So yes, it is kind of scary. But so is being severly obese. Do tons of research on these boards. Every question or situation imaginable is addressed here.

Good luck on making the right decision for you.

Sharon