Don't know what to think.

[loulou29 3]

So im new here, just joined a min ago. I've been doing research about the lapband for about a year now. IM finally going to go throw with it. The olny thing I am freaked out about, is the fact that doctors want you to keep the lapband in for life. That freaks me out, having a object in your body for the rest of your life is scary. I'm 22, just turned 22. I have a long while, till I die... hopefully. Just need some advice and support about everything. Thank yall.

[SandyM 1,956]

The band is removable but as long as its working and not causing problems why would you. The port is the only part of the band that is observable from outside of the body and all you see is a small rise and that's not usually til after you lose your weight. I'm very thankful for the band. You don't tell what your weight loss is or your anticipated goal. There are other surgeries as well and one of the others could be just as good for you or better.. I think all of the surgeries have merit, but I chose the band for my own personal reasons. Don't overthink it while youre doing your research. That's easier said than done.

[labwalker 1,177]

All WLS is a lifetime commitment. Try "reversing" a sleeve! Or, check out the risks in reversing a bypass. I hate to be harsh, but I have to wonder if you are ready for any WLS procedures? This is something you to discuss with your surgeon, and the evaluation team who will clear you for surgery and also for insurance requirements.

I'm a bit worried that you'd expect that the band should be removed once you reach your goal. It was never intended to work that way, and no other WLS procedures meet that criteria, except for a few procedures that are not approved in the USA (gastric balloon.) Folks who have WLS are committed for life. Even if reversible, the odds are that most of the weight will creep back on, especially when you are older and less active. Think about this before you leap in.

No one knows the long term risks for the band going forward 20 or more years! The same could be said for the other surgeries. I was old enough when I had the band to accept the risks based on the current track record for recent lap band surgeries.

Edited September 27, 2014 by labwalker

[mrsto 2,925]

I agree with Labwalker. Lap band surgery is not a diet or temporary fix to get the weight off. It's a life commitment; one you need to make sure that you're ready for. And as Sandy mentioned, if there are problems with the band, it can be removed. It's 100% reversible. That is a big part of why I chose it over the other surgeries. The thought of cutting out most of my stomach, or rewiring my God given plumbing, did not sit well with me. I wanted more control, so this was the best option.

Your profile doesn't show your weight; how much you want/need to lose, etc. Have you struggled with obesity your entire life? Do you see the surgery as a quick fix? This is a huge undertaking, so I urge you to really think it through; make sure that you're not looking for something that sounds easy. I'm not saying that you are, but all of these surgeries are for life. Just make sure that you're ready to take that on.

I wish you all the best......

[loulou29 3]

I understand what I'm getting myself into and I appreciate everyone's concerns. I've always been overweight aka obese as they call it. I'm now morbidly obese. I just got diagnosed with sleep apnea. I've been dieting and exercising for almost a year now an only have lost 10 pounds. I've tried every diet possible. Right now I'm 335. I haven't seen below 200 sense I was in 3rd grade. I know I need this surgery. I want this surgery. I'm just worried about it like I'm sure everyone is worried about surgery. I don't want to be able to feel the lapband. An after finding this site today. I now am not concerned about about it.

[mrsto 2,925]

Loulou, the only time I'm aware of my band, is when I eat too much, too fast, and don't chew well. When you incorporate the new way of eating into your life, the band is like a guardian angel.....quietly signaling you when you've had enough to eat. And "enough" is WAY less than pre band.

The only part of the "setup" that you may feel, is the port. At first you'll have to push in to feel it. But as the weight starts melting off, the port is closer to the surface. At one point I considered having my surgeon relocate it; to the underside of the muscle. But I decided against it because I didn't want more surgery. Mine can't be seen on the surface, but sometimes it bugs me if the waist of my pants sits right on it. But your surgeon may put yours somewhere else. They place it based on your anatomy; the most strategic spot.

You will do fine. You have struggled most of your life, and this surgery can turn things around. I'm a lot older than you, but I've dealt with this curse since the age of 6. After losing and gaining hundreds of pounds through the years, I decided that I had to do something different. And I'm so glad I did!

Please keep us posted on your progress

Edited September 27, 2014 by mrsto

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Loulou29, Amen to the above posts !! Every one of them is right on the money ! I know everyone gets to the idea of WLS on their own sweet time, and good for you for thinking it through ! You really do need to know all the positives and negative s before you make such a big decision. That being said, I have to ask you, ( with all due respect ) in the scheme of things, is having the band permanently in you that big of a deal ? Its to permanently help you with weight loss so you can live a healthy life, as long as you follow the band rules. I always say , the 5 % negative of being banded is nothing compared to the 95 % positive of being banded ! I wish you well on whatever you decide !

[tiffanynco 5]

im 22 aswell turning 23, weighing at 74kg 162cm

im getting my band on the 9th oct. im still deciding whether i should follow with this procedure.

hoping this will change my whole life around, finally being confident with myself since ive been always chubby my whole life

not obese just slightly overweight. Theres always option to remove it, like other people has said its a reminder in ur stomach to not over eat and go back to the old eating habits. positive thinking all the way~ ive got 10 more days till my OP

[Bandista 7,466]

@@loulou29 glad you found this site. I learned so much reading through post after post and asking questions. It felt like it took forever to get my surgery date but in hindsight I think it was good for me to have that time to get myself ready. You seem like a very organized and procedural person -- good for you choosing yourself and your healthy future first. I love my band and would not want it out, that's for sure. And I can't feel it in me -- it's like it's on my brain instead because that appetite monster is off of my back. Very happy to be out of food jail.

[labwalker 1,177]

I now understand what you are going through. Being young, and so heavy is very depressing. In my heart I think you are making the right decision, and I wish the best for you. Being obese at a young age is akin to being a social outcast; and as many of us remember, it was not a pleasant time of our lives. Many of us have been there.

Just remember that WLS is a life changing experience, and that it carries risks, and the promises of untold benefits.

My only advice is to be very careful, and to spend a lot time researching for the best surgical group to perform whatever surgery you decide on. That is crucial!! I'm happy you're brave enough to make such a mature decision.

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@loulou29 Welcome to Bariatric Pal! I understand your fears and applaud you for making the choice to change your life in a positive way.

Much of what the posters above said is accurate. Not much is known about the surgical procedures performed today 20 years out since they have been revised from procedures that were performed 20 years ago. As we learn more and more about obesity and it's causes, effects, and ways to combat the disease and resolve the symptoms technology and medical science change the way procedures are preformed and apparatus are improved.

I understand your hesitation in having something foreign in your body for the rest of your life especially given your age, that can and hopefully will be a long long time. My husband recently had hip replacement surgery and he and some of the less experienced doctors were also afraid of how/if that might break down on him over time since he is much younger then most people who receive hip replacement surgery. The pain for him was so great that there was no choice, when we consulted a specialist in the field he advised my husband that the risk of needing another revision was minimal. When we went to the hospital and spoke with Dr. and nurses who had been there for 20+ years I asked them how many revisions and replacements of parts they had seen in the years from patients and they all replied Zero! That boosted his confidence he had the surgery this May and has been running around literally ever since!

The lapband is meant to last your whole life long. However that does not mean that you might not down the line revise to another surgery, and/or have some parts like the port switched out as you lose your weight. There is a low profile port that they can use once the weight is lost to minimize seeing anything under the skin. They can also "relocate" the port to make it less visible. These are all things to discuss with your doctor’s office when you go through the process of scheduling your surgery.

As improvements come along, we all like to be able to take advantage of them. Years ago port revisions were not an option today they are, so keep an open mind and know that there is always improvement in all areas. At your age the band is the way I would go. In fact I advise my step son who is 25 the same way.

With the band you have options with other surgeries you don't have as many options but the other surgeries can become options as you move forward if you wanted a revision down the road.

Do your research and due diligence when choosing your surgeon, ask many many questions. Read through this site, ask lots of questions here too. You will get a million and one helpful, not so helpful supportive, informative sometimes scary answers. Take them all in keep what applies to you and discard the rest.

Read @@Alex Brecher WLS books and once again Welcome to Bariatric Pal! Hope to hear more from you!!

[Meme713 18]

Great advice from everyone if I could pack you all up and move you to Houston I would my surgery is not until November and just from your comments and advice I'm ready... I was having mixed emotions but now I feel comfortable knowing that it's a great community of people here that I feel are giving great advice that I wouldn't mind having on my team #lapband????✌how do I add you guys has friends labwalker, Bandista, SandyM, mrsto, tiffanyandco and pink dahlia my new #wlsteam ????????

[Meme713 18]

Omg!!! We share the same bday @@lisacaron of course you're awesome!!!! ???????????? I'm truly excited now

[Debbie3sons 1,936]

As all the above posters have said is right , I have family members who have different surgeries for one reason or another , some of the had great, good & bad experiences , and I watched a couple of coworkers also that had wls before I chose for myself what I wanted to do I, I didn't want anything that I couldn't change and that was permanent if I wanted to , I also didn't like of the Idea of them rerouting or taking part of my stomach out at least that is what I understood at the time so I chose the band , because if there was ANYTHING that happens I could reverse it, as long as you follow the pre op & post op diet & instructions your Surgeon gives you , you will do well, the above posters are a GREAT BUNCH of GUYS & GALS that are giving you advise and suggestions , remember everybody & body is different some of us lose faster, slower or at the same pace sometimes , what ever wls you choose for you is for you , and as we usually d luck on YOUR journey .

[auntiemel 275]

I was sold on the sleeve as soon as I heard about it. I too was hesitant on having a foreign object and didn't want my guts rerouted, so when I heard that docs could just take out a hunk of my stomach, I figured, why not? Everyone has to make the decision on which wls is right for them. Good luck!