Thinking about the lap band....

[Asphalt Angel 0]

Hello my name is Cathy, I live in Gloucester Va and I am thinking about the lap band system. But it truly scares me. But I have tried everything else and nothing. I would loose and then gain and loose and gain. I am sure you all know the roller coaster ride we all take. I was stupid when I was young and started smoking. Now I am paying for that even tho I have been smoke free for 8 years now. The bigger I get the weaker my lungs get and I know I have to do something or else. I have an appointment with my family doc on thursday and I am going to talk to him about the band. It just scares me with everything that can go wrong. I guess what I am trying to get at is how did some of you get passed your fear? any help or advice would be great. I know I have to do this just need a kick in the butt I guess. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Humming Bird 275]

Hi Cathy,

I did the yo-yo diet thing most of my life. I understand how you feel. I figured I could try another diet, but then the years pass by and I would just be older and fatter. The lap-band seems to be the safest way.

I fear surgery in general. The band was my 4th surgery.

I can only speak from my own experience. So far, I have not had complications and am VERY HAPPY I did it. I am not having any mental issues with it and it feels so good to feel my clothes getting looser instead of tighter.

I would bet that more bad things can go wrong with staying obese than with getting banded.

The choice is always your own, but I am so happy I made the choice to get banded.

You and your husband could be band buddies. It would make it easier.

[Padanelle 2]

Hi Cathy,

I wasn't afraid of the surgery, so that wasn't an issue for me. For me it was mainly a health issue. I could barely walk without being in a lot of pain. Bending over to pick up something made me out of breath. Plus I have had high blood pressure for years and a history of heart disease and diabetes in my family. At sixty, I was feeling that my days were numbered.

Then of course, there is a bit of vanity. I felt like a beachball with arms and legs, so hated going anywhere.

I love the fact that I can walk again. I like what I see in the mirror. And I feel so much better. I love my band!

[Asphalt Angel 0]

I guess it is more of the fear of what comes next after the weight loss. I can not afford to have pastic surgery to get reed of the extra skin that I know will be there. Yeah my ins will pay for the band part but not the putting things back where it belongs part and am affraid that will look worse than me being fat. My cusions had the gastic done and they did not get surgery to put things back and they just look awful. But I also know they did not take to good of care of themselves either. But that is my main fear.. The extra left overs.. As for hubby joining me. He would kill himself. He does not chew his food good and I would be afraid he would cause a blockage. I would love for him to join me. We both need it. But he has to do it when he is ready and learn to chew his food better. What is it with some men that have inhale there food like someone is going to steal it from them if they don't eat it fast enough. (sigh) But oh well I have to do something I can not keep going like this and Thank you both so much for your reply.

Edited October 6, 2009 by Asphalt Angel

[YngGram 73]

Hi Cathy,

I live in VA also. Southern food makes our lives a little harder, (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!). I had fears also, but I had knee and foot pain, my back hurt and clothes were a joke.

I was 240lbs., 5'2", 51 years old and just tired of all of this stuff. I have high blood pressure, had breast cancer and was tired all the time. My doc said that all of the problems were side effects of being overweight. I have been overweight since I was about 25 and to hear I was "morbidly obese" was just to much.

My surgery was 3/9/09, and I have lost almost 60lbs. since I started this journey. It's been almost a year, I started by giving up some things in preperation for surgery. Soda and sweet tea were the first to go. That alone took out 4lbs., I then started working on having smaller portions.

It takes a commitment from you, this is a tool that only you can make work. I have only had 2 fills, need another but got a dumba** reason for not getting it. I love steak and not ready to give it up yet.

I have had no problems that I didn't cause. If I eat to fast, or the wrong thing, maybe a little to much, I get stuck or PB. As long as I follow the rules I am fine. There really isn't to much that I can't eat. No surgery problems and I didn't even have to get my pain.

Do the research, get as much info as you can; that will help you to make an informed decision. Hit me with a pm if you want to talk one on one.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Padanelle 2]

My surgery was 3/9/09, and I have lost almost 60lbs. since I started this journey. ...

I have only had 2 fills, need another but got a dumba** reason for not getting it. I love steak and not ready to give it up yet.

Hi nite run,

I love steak too! The items that cause me the most problems are chicken & tilapia. I think its because I think they should be easy to eat, so I'm not as careful.. On the other hand, I've not had any problems with steak. Probably because I cut it in VERY tiny pieces, try to remember to chew a lot, and dip it in a Greek yogurt & horseradish sauce. Mmmm. I'm getting an urge for some steak...

Joan

[elcee 3,341]

Your husband would soon learn to chew slower and stop inhaling his food. The pain is so bad when something gets stuck that you cannot carry on eating! You have to wait until it either goes down or comes back up. You tend to eat a lot more carefully after being stuck for the first time!

[Asphalt Angel 0]

Thank you niterun. I will keep that in mind and you just get a pm. lol I have no problem with soda. I have not had one in about 4 or 5 years. My doc told me to stop drinking it because it was making heart beat funny and almost caused me to pass out. And as for tea I use the triva or splenda for that. and it is decafe. I only get very little chocolate due to the caffen. the only health issue i have is my lungs from being a smoker so many years. Blood pressure is good sugar is good and chlo is good.

[kkarryall 0]

Personally, I was afraid of what would happen if I didn't lose the weight for good!!! My dad died of a heart attack at age 47, and he wasn't even obese, like I was!! I had gained and lost, and gained and lost...and finally, I got sick of it!! I can't say it has been an easy journey...but I did it and I have no regrets. I have lost about 120 lbs...30 more to go to get to my goal weight! Good luck in making your decision!

[TraceyP 0]

Hi there! I am so sorry you have struggled with your weight. I was 350 when I had my surgery. Please please please just do me one favor before getting the band placed, talk to your doctor in depth about the risk. My surgery was in May 2009 to place the band and then removed in August 2009 and it has been one nightmare after another and I am still suffering severly. I have lost 85 pounds but now I am sick and I was fine before just fat! Please seek all the information you can!