learning the ins and outs

perry101 · April 14, 2007

I am new to posting messages. Here it goes! I am 35 yrs old and am tired of being "fluffy" as my daughter puts it. I have tried everything under the sun to lose weight, from xenical, starvation, and my last straw was accupuncture. Needles in the ear!!! :cry What was I thinking? Anyway, my sister has been insisting that I investigate the gastric banding, so I made up my mind last monday that I would. I have spent all week getting my medical records together, sleep study info and impatiently waiting until monday when I can go to the surgeon that does lap banding in my area just to fill out paper work . I'm a very impatient person, but I don't want to rush into anything. I want this done right. Besides, health is really the main reason that I am doing this. My brother, right now, has 3-6 months to live because of heart related issues. I have two children that I want to be around for. I have a significant family history of early death due to heart issues. I don't want that to be me. I have done my homework and found out that my insurance will pay for the gastric banding surgery, but I have to have it done before august due to deductibles. I am about 90-100 lbs over weight with several other factors that would make me a candidate for the banding. My BMI is 36 and I am 5'3" @ 205lbs. FLUFFY!!! What I want to do is talk to people that have had this done and what I can expect. My best friend had the bypass and she is down 125#, but her procedure is different that what I want. Please respond with your information.:help:

Kelsy · April 14, 2007

Hi,

There is a ton of information all over this board. You might have better luck reading through some of the pre/post op Q&A. Unless of course there is something specific you want to know.

I've had my lapband for 8 weeks now and I do not regret one second! The process was really fast. I wanted it to be quick as well.. But most places (I can't speak for all) Make sure that you attend a seminar or 2 to be well informed. It's worth it too.. I attended 2 and found the information really useful. You can attend those prior to having appointment dates set up.

Sandy · April 14, 2007

Perry - I think you will absolutly benefit from lapband. I just had mine done on 3/12/07. I've lost a total of 23 lbs. One thing you need to know is that with lapband the weight comes off slower, but it's healthier than with Gastric Bypass. If you are willing to work at it and lose the weight slowly you will love having it.

I haven't gone in yet to get my first fill yet, but in the meantime I am walking and just have to watch what I eat. I am solid foods now and can eat just about anything, but I try my best to watch it and the key is exercise.

E-mail me if you want to talk some more. Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!

perry101 · April 17, 2007

23# in a month! that's amazing!! When you said the weight would come off slower, I was thinking maybe 5-10#, That's great. I went today to fill out my paperwork just to get an appt w/ the dr. in my area. I go there on 5/21/07. NOT SOON ENOUGH!!! But w/ the request that IF there is a cancellation that I be called immediately - YEAH, right!! Anyway, the first hurdle is over. From what I understand, they wont give you an appt if your insurance is questionable. Evidentally mine is pretty good.:clap2:

juliegeraci · April 17, 2007

Hi Perry, I was banded last June and I'm down 52 lbs. I am considered an average loser at 1 lb a week. Although its been slow for me I am down 2 sizes on the bottom and 3 on the top. They say that the first year you should lose 30-50% of your body weight. That would put me at a little past normal since I have about 50 left to lose. You have to work with the band, exercise and drink your Water. The reason why I haven't been losing more agressively is because I didn't exercise the first 9 1/2 months or so. I just started back to Curves plus my treadmill. Just remember you can do this if you put the work into it. Julie