New to the group!

[Sward06 7]

Hello guys!

Just thought I would introduce myself!

I'm Sonya and I am now officially on this beautiful weight loss journey. About a week ago i received my surgery date for lap band surgery after months of dietician and medical appointments; I am schedule for surgery Oct 18 and currently which is day one for me I'm on my pre-op liquid diet. I'm a bit nervous because this will be my first ever surgery. I would love some words of advice or encouragement because i am really freaking out a bit; especially when the my doctor explained a few things for the day of surgery when the procedure is all done.

Thank you guys! I'm happy to be here!

[Liz R 15]

Welcome! Surgery can be scary. Mine (sleeve) is next Friday, but I am following all the suggestions made by my surgery team and trying to remain in faith rather than fear. This is a wonderful tool we can use to reach our goals. Try to remain positive & remember that we CAN do hard things!!

[maintenanceman 285]

18 hours ago, Sward06 said:

lap band surgery

I'm curious why you are doing lap band? Most surgeons have discontinued doing lap bands due to failure of long-term effectiveness and post-op complications. Absolutely everything I have read about lap band has been negative.

Have you read through the lap band forum here? You really need to read through the experiences of others.

https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/4-lap-band-surgery-forums/

Edited October 14, 2023 by maintenanceman

[Sward06 7]

Hi! So i made the decision to do lap band because it is something that is adjustable. I am 31 and I haven’t had children yet and I want them and I thought Lap band is the right route for me right now because of that I went to experience that I know things can be adjust when this does come along with gastric sleeve and bypass it’s gonna be a bit more harder. I’ve already talk to my doctor about my options and he agrees that I can still have successful weight loss with band as well. I also know family members who have had the lap band and gastric sleeve that they’ve had success with both.

[maintenanceman 285]

OK, but I'm surprised that you found a surgeon who still does bands or even recommends them. Did you get a second opinion?

I'm not trying to be a buzzkill, but the negative sentiment about the band is so widespread, I would proceed with caution.

[Sward06 7]

There are plenty of surgeons that do the band still. I’ve done my research trust me and I know the pros and cons of it just like there are pros and cons to any surgery. Like I said I’ve known people who I am close to who have had lap band and still are doing well until this day with success. Everybody is different. And I’ve read the thread about lap band both negative and positive and again it’s like that with any surgery. You have to be cautious no matter what you get

[maintenanceman 285]

Just now, Sward06 said:

I know the pros and cons of it just like there are pros and cons to any surgery

Great. I wish you nothing but success!

[Kjhacker 0]

I had a band. Wish I never had. They are only temporary, have to be replaced in 10 years. Mine caused permanent stomach and liver damage. Ended up having to revise to RNY. Good luck.

[catwoman7 11,212]

I'm kind of surprised you found a surgeon that still places lap bands, too. That surgery has largely been replaced by the sleeve as the non-RNY option. My clinic quit doing lap bands even before I had my surgery eight years ago. There are definitely some people who love their lap bands and have been successful with them - but there are also a lot who've ended up having them removed and went with a sleeve or bypass.

Edited October 15, 2023 by catwoman7

[Spinoza 1,376]

Agree with the other posters. Almost never done by bariatric surgeons here any more because of the rate of adverse outcomes. I would never have had it having done my own research but I'm in a totally different life stage so best of luck to you if you do go ahead!

[RobinO 0]

How is your Band working out? I had mine done 12/18 and am heading for my 1st adjustment.

[Sward06 7]

1 hour ago, RobinO said:

How is your Band working out? I had mine done 12/18 and am heading for my 1st adjustment.

It’s going well so far! I’m down 50 pounds so far going on 3 months post op on the 18th. On Jan 15 I’m going to get my 3rd fill adjustment. I’ve had two so far and it’s been working out great.

[Sward06 7]

1 hour ago, RobinO said:

How is your Band working out? I had mine done 12/18 and am heading for my 1st adjustment.

It’s going well so far! I’m down 50 pounds so far going on 3 months post op on the 18th. On Jan 15 I’m going to get my 3rd fill adjustment. I’ve had two so far and it’s been working out great.