to band or not to band

[jaciqltz 0]

That is the question that has been going thru my mind for the last 2 years. I cancelled surgery last summer and I found a different Dr. this year and am slated for surgery on Sept. 4th.... talk about unsure! I am 48, weigh 230 right now, and stand 5'3". I am type II diabetic on insulin for the last 5 years due to problems with other meds. I know this weight is rapidly killing me, but if I have to eat right and exercise daily anyway, why do I need the lapband? Surgery does not scare me, I had 5 major surgeries between Dec. '06 and Aug '07! BUT again, those were surgeries I HAD to have, the lapband is something you choose to do. If I do not have time for the gym now, how am I going to have time for it after the banding? So many questions still unanswered and I am down to the wire here on the decision making! Thanks for letting vent! Jacquie

[Fae 0]

Generally speaking, the band creates Portion Control, which you will not have when you don't have a band. Sure, you can eat healthy and exercise, but how much food will you be taking in when you have no band? Will you eat a full three course meal at dinner or a half a cup/cup of food? That cut off of intake of food will make a huge difference in your weight and eventually your overall health. This is why people need bands/bypass/sleeves. Portion control just is not achievable without help, because with a regular sized stomach, you will end up starving all day on band size portions of food.

[silvers320 12]

I can relate. I had those same issues/concerns but not until the day after my surgery. My issue was not so much what I ate but the volume. I was never happy with a cookie, I needed 1/2 a bag at a sitting.

It's hard to explain, or describe but the band works for many folks- myself included. Did I change what I was eating - yes. But know I now that I could not have changed the volume of what I was eating without the bands help. I know this because I had been trying for 20+ years.

And as the weight dropped - and I was starting to see results, I found the time for the gym. To the point that I actually enjoy it.

No one can make the choice for you. And you should consider the other WLS. Best of luck

[jaciqltz 0]

:thumbup:Thanks for those replies. I stay within my portions for my diabetes, but since being on insulin I just can not lose more than 15 pounds ever, then come winter it all comes back! As soon as my veggie garden is done and the perennial bed all cut back for winter, I do not have much to do outside of the house. I am hoping now that I am not in school this year, I can work on ME, instead of getting a job! My goal used to be 100 pounds, Dr says 80 would be good! What exercise have you all found to be your best? I do have a Y here that offers Water aerobics/water walking. I have a treadmill, and a free gym at our base as well! Wish I had more support at home, but have found I will be doing this 100% on my own! Thanks again for the understanding and advise.

[tulsarealtorgb 0]

Hi Jacque, I am from OK too! I had my band surgery on May 22nd and I have lost 32 pounds since the week before that. You have probably gone thru the same thing most of us has, losing weight and keeping it off for about 3 months and then it comes back every time, plus more. With the band, you are not as hungry. You fill up on very little food. You do start enjoying exersize and really look forward to it after a while. I work out at home because I know I won't stick to going to a gym. Let me know what you decide to do. GB

[jaciqltz 0]

May 22nd was my birthday!

I have been really reading alot on here tonight that is helping me understand how the band helps when nothing else has!

I once lost 110 pounds...walking, exercising, and eating right...but then got pregnant and it has been tough since then to lose anything...age, diabetes, yada-yada-yada...

school comes early, so off to bed!

[Wesley'sgurl29 2]

Well, I know where you are coming from.... been there. I do not regret this surgery whatsoever. it has changed my life drastically my HGAb1C went from 11.8 to 6.2 from 11/04/08 to 08/12/09 I no longer wear insulin pump/60-70 unit Novolog per day to no insulin. i do not take any other medications for diabetes or blood pressure. so, if you ask me I would do it all over again........My weight has gone from 258 to 178.2.

[jaciqltz 0]

Wesleygirl,

Keep up the good work.

My A1C's going into this are only 6.3....I used to do insulin 34 times a day, now I use Lantis only once a day! That was a huge change in my life right there!

To be insulin and MED free is my main focus...to be med free for life, is the ultimate goal!

[favorite 3]

insulin makes it harder to lose weight. its sort of a double edge sword. you need it for the diabetes but it helps you pack on the pounds. once you are banded mostly everyone that is type 2 diabetic goes off their insulin. you have no idea how much better you will feel. i can't encourage you enough to have the surgery. you will feel like a new person.