Really only for "health reasons?"

[marathonmommy 0]

So, I know that the LB will allow you to live a healthier life and that should be your main focus when considering if LB is for you. But, honestly speaking, did anyone do it just because they were sick and tired of being fat and wanted to live life in a "normal" body?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Well, to me it's all tied. Being this fat makes me unable to do a lot of things and to me, that's all part of "health". Getting short winded when I walk from the house to our mail box, for example (and no, it's not miles uphill both ways LOL). While I don't (thank God) have Diabetes, arthritis, etc etc YET...I could feel them breathing down my neck. I'm 54, don't want to wear a bikini and not really that interested in looking "hot". But I want to be able to wander around Walt Disney world all day, or fly without wondering if I'll buckle the belt, or be able to fit in a booth in a restaurant. All those things are 'health" to me because they are restricted by my obesity. So wanting to be "normal" is health related, to me.

When I was younger, however, had this surgery been out, you bet I'd have done it in an INSTANT just be be more slim and adorable!

I don't think we have to have "lofty" motivations to get this done and be successful.

[ClaudiaJ 0]

Health reasons to most while for some could be for better figure? :smile:

Anyways, I think its better now that people are getting more aware of their health and body. I don't feel the need for a surgery yet and I'm just watching my diet. I find it really hard to breath at times when I gain some pounds so I am trying my best not to get myself obese.

These lap band surgeries are actually very helpful especially today that there are so many factors that makes us obese (technology for one).

[crzytchr 3]

Health reasons is why I did it. I had never had major surgery before and I was terrified. I wasn't to the point of wanting to do it for "looking better". I am, however, thrilled that I look a little better everyday. The best part was the day I realized I didn't hurt every single day that I walked around and could actually walk through the mall without feeling like I was 9 months pregnant with a backache. Also my feet no longer swell each day!

[smsmithart 4]

I did it out of vanity..I'll say it I didn't want to be overweight anymore..don't regret it either.

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

So, I know that the LB will allow you to live a healthier life and that should be your main focus when considering if LB is for you. But, honestly speaking, did anyone do it just because they were sick and tired of being fat and wanted to live life in a "normal" body?

I had no health issues, it was pure vanity. I was tired of being fat and I couldn't do it on my own.

[ThinknHealthy 0]

I did it 100% for health reasons. However, I knew I would enjoy being able to fit in smaller clothes and so that is definitely a boost of confidence. I suppose the reasons depend a lot on your age and the sense you have of who you are. When you get older, you realize that your appearance is not as important as it was when you are younger. For appearance sake, I do just want to be normal and find clothes in normal stores. For health sake, I want to get off blood pressure meds, relieve stress off of my herniated disc, and not have floppy flabs when I choose to take a jog.

God Bless!

[jujuvee 0]

I am being banded on Tuesday and my reasons for deciding to do this is because the world is just not fat friendly. I go to a resturant and I can't fit in a booth and need a chair with no sides, I fly and need 2 seats, I haven't been on a theme park ride since a kid and all the cute clothes are not in my size so I am forced to go to a special store where they think just because you need a bigger size you have lost all sense of fashion, for example giant strawberries or teddy bears on a shirt.

I don't currently have health issues but I know that I can't stay 350 forever.

[Cingulus 0]

I am doing this for many reasons and I have to admit that health is not the top reason:

1. Career (I do lots of public speaking and it affects people’s perception of you)

2. Prejudice (Many people are strongly biased against fat people. I also feel it has cost me promotions at work.)

3. Vanity (Sick of being fat and not fitting in airplane seats)

4. Knees (They can't take the punishment anymore)

5. Clothes (I where a size 60 coat and a 22 shirt, when the big and tall store can't stock clothes for you it is time to do something)

Edited March 23, 2009 by Cingulus

[susan1961 0]

I wasn't overweight until my 30's... and I HATED being overweight. I had my band in part for health reasons (prehypertension, slightly elevated cholesterol) but mostly because I couldn't stand being heavy. I didn't like the way I looked, but just as importantly I didn't like the limitations I felt it imposed- I didn't enjoy skiing, scuba diving, found running too hard on my knees, couldn't keep up with my cycling friends once we hit the hills, was not willing to go to a class reunion, felt too unattractive to date. I wasn't that heavy when I had my band (BMI 32, size 16) but I knew that if I waited longer I would just be heavier, and that plus older age would equal higher surgical risk. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the band. I'm no longer obese, have lost half the weight I need to lose, and feel wonderful. I am able to eat anything I want, but want a lot less of it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, and wish I'd done it sooner.

[Theresa1511 0]

I did it 100% for health reasons. In fact I rejected any providers who marketed themselves as cosmetic surgeons. I had surgery with a surgeon who states openly that gastric banding is a medical procedure, done primarily for health reasons. I am approaching my mid-forties and started to wonder what my life would be like in the future as an obese person. I pictured myself stuck in an old people's home, unable to walk because of damaged knees and back, and reliant on pills to deal with diabetes and heart problems.

Of course, there are all sorts of added benefits to losing weight - getting fit, feeling great, being able to wear better clothes, airplane seats and so on - but there's no way I would have volunteered myself for surgery for any of those reasons alone.

Theresa

[swishbc 0]

I'm having surgery 2 weeks from tomorrow and I can say I don't have any health problems...YET. But I know if I continue the rest of my life being 250+ that it's just a matter of time. I'm only 32 and have only been overweight for about 12 years. I was pretty average growing up and gained weight after getting married, fat and happy. :crying:

I must admit that I can't wait to feel truly pretty and feel good about the body I'm in. I want to feel like I can shake my booty and have it look cute. I wanna have the body I deserve and I want to live a long time in it!

[JWL08 0]

OMG that's so true! I am so sick of the styles for larger sizes. I feel like going to clothing designers and screaming, "I'm fat- not a tacky loser with no sense of style or standards in personal appearance."

[footballmom104 0]

Health schmelth! I was sick of being fat and all the crap that goes with it, like being invisible, wearing ugly clothes, and having no credibility, because all fat people are stupid, aren't they? :crying: That being said, it will be nice to resolve the Type II diabetes and not take any medication.

[Abbie-pie 0]

Health schmelth! I was sick of being fat and all the crap that goes with it, like being invisible, wearing ugly clothes, and having no credibility, because all fat people are stupid, aren't they? :crying: That being said, it will be nice to resolve the Type II diabetes and not take any medication.

My thoughts exactly. :laugh:

In my case I'll be happy to get rid of the high BP issues.