Hello from Virginia!

junebug · December 4, 2007

Hello on a cold December morning! My name is Arthur from Roanoke, Virginia. I am in the process of getting the lapband. I originally wanted to have the gastric bypass, however I am almost a three year breast cancer survivor (I am a man by the way) so they didn't want to do the bypass in case the cancer came back.

The surgeon that did my cancer surgery also do gastric bypass and lap band so I feel good about that.

My biggest concerns right now are if they lap band makes you feel like you're choking or can't swallow. I am at the point where I haven't made up my mind 100% about getting banded, however it does seem to be my best option.

Six months before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I had lost about 80 pounds through diet and excerise, I was diagnosed with diabetes. Since my chemotherapy and radiation the weight just doesn't want to come off like it once did. It may be all the steroids I was on during cancer treatment. I know during chemo I couldn't exercise and gain about 50 pounds back. Over this summer I've only lost about 25 pounds.

Sorry to be long winded on an introduction :omg:

transformer · December 5, 2007

Welcome!

Congratulations on beating cancer! I'm in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. I've read that the lap-band is a good choice for cancer survivors because it is adjustable. Hopefully, the band can help you lose enough weight to help improve your diabetes.

I haven't found having the band to be terribly uncomfortable or anything like that. Most of the time I don't even notice it is there. If you follow the "rules" from your doctor, you can minimize problems with your band.

Of course, as with any surgery, there are risks that you have to consider...but I'm probably preaching to the choir about that!