Should I LapBand? - Help Me Decide, Please

[ANTLIZ 0]

I need to choose one of the sugeries - Lap Band or Gastric Bipass. I want to get the Lap Band because I feel it is less risky. I am scared to get the other one.

However, my surgeon states that the Lap band is for Volume Eaters and they don't classify me as one.

Let me explain - in the Am I usually eat either oatmeal or a bagel and coffee or carnation instant Breakfast. For lunch, I sometimes get a happy meal or a sandwich and Snacks to eat. I eat a good dinner. However, I could sit down and eat half a cake, bunches of Cookies, lots of popcorn. And there are times when we go out to eat that I can eat a huge meal no problem. But I do get full after it - very full.

So - I don't want to get it and have it not help me. This is my one chance at this decision.

Can anyone give me some advice? I would so appreciate hearing from people who are like me or who have had the lap band.

From my research, please tell me if I am right or wrong, that the band will only allow me to eat about a fist full of food at every meal. No snacking. And I won't need to because I will be full from the meal before. If this is true, then I feel it will help.

Thank you to anyone who responds. I really appreciate it.

Researching since Sept. 08

1st consult - 11/13/08

1st Dr. visit - 12/3/08

U of Penn in Philly

2nd Dr. Visit - 1/19/09

Expected Sugery - April of 09

Psych and Nutritionist - TBA

Wt 252, Ht 5'1"

Insurance - Approved

:thumbup:

[SunnyRachel 7]

I think in the beginning we don't realize how much we actually do eat.

For example... I used to say, "But I only have a bowl of Cereal for breakfast!" Well, I didn't realize that my bowl of Cereal was actually like three to four labeled serving sizes and three servings of milk... even though non-fat. Not to mention that if I got to the end of the cereal and there was milk left, I put in more cereal.

No, I wasn't eating a large bag of chips every hour...but when I ate, I certainly did NOT eat reasonable portions.

Not only does the band stop me from putting more in, I'm not hungry in between my meals. That's what it is doing for me so far.

There are many other things to consider though, so I think you should definitely keep researching and talking with others with the band. But a CAUTION: The band is like a car... everyone can get in and drive it and get from Point A to Point B.... but not everybody drives it the same. You have to follow the rules to take good care of it, and you have to have patience and good communication with your surgeon (mechanic) to find the right adjustment for your body. If you can't do that, it will break down on you and leave you on the side of the road cursing. So when you talk to others about the band, think about how they are using it in relation to their experiences they are sharing with you. It's hard work on your part and requires a lot of patience and a good support system both medically and socially.

It is really the safer and less scary route to go as far as surgery is concerned. I hope you find all the answers you need to make your decision. No matter what though, it's great that you are trying to be healthier! I wish you all the best!

Take care!

Edited January 3, 2009 by SunnyRachel