going under the knife
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going under the knife
| Fri, 01-05-2007 - 3:12pm |
This is my first time on this web site and I am a little nervous. I am looking for help and support on lossing at least 130 pounds. I have been over weight my whole life but it just seems like it has gotten worse. Looking back when I thought I was over weight in high school (I was) but now I would give anything to be that size again. I am thinking of having the lap band procedure. Has anyone had it? does it work? or am I just kidding myself and I have to find the modivation to just exercise and eat right without the lap band. any help and suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

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I've never considered it, but I believe that most reputable doctors won't perform a procedure like that until, like Angie said, you have stuck to a dietician/doctor-supervised diet for a specific period of time and/or lost a % of your weight - I think to show that you are really motivated and not just looking for a 'quick fix'.
I might be wrong with this and I invite people to correct me if so...but I think that's how it is at least where I live!
Kelly
You are correct, Kelly. Unless there is some life-threatening reason that surgery is required immediately, most doctors insist that you lose weight first. Partly because anesthesia is more dangerous if you're overweight and partly to see your commitment level. I considered the surgery myself, but thought that if I can stick to a diet for 6 mos. and/or lose 40 lbs., I might as well go the rest of the way myself and avoid having surgery!
Good luck in making your decision, Angelval. Only you and your doctor know what's best for you.
Mary #3
Edited 1/5/2007 10:22 pm ET by ursaluna
Thanks for your input. I am looking into all of my options and just feel like I am so unhappy that it is really time to do something. I feel like I say it all the time but it is now time for action and results. Maybe doing the surgery is a short cut but maybe its the boost I need. time and doctors will tell.
Thanks again
Jenn
angelval--I think that bariatric surgery is an awesome thing, there are so many people out there that are alive because of it. my mom had gastric bypass three years ago and went from being a diabetic with high blood pressure to being off all medications. That being said I think that really giving it a good committed try with the help of a dr. or dietician is the best way to start out. I am in my last chance change of lifestyle before I look in to surgery myself. My dh and I discussed it and decided that I was going to really, really give it one more try but if I can't do it I am going to persue surgery. I am completly committed this time and am loseing at a great pace as I change things in my life. I am learning to enjoy different foods, and activities and I feel great about myself. Good luck in whatever you chose to do, you came to a great place!!
Cassandra
289/255.8/150
I had lapband in April of 2005 and have lost 107 lbs since then. (I also have hypothyroidism so I consider myself a slow loser although I am right on the mark of 1-2 lbs per week)It is by far the best decision I ever made. It is not a quick fix, you have to learn a new way of life as with any life change. You have to commit to changing the way you eat and the follow up care that is required. The nice thing about the band is that it is always there to provide some physical willpower when I don't have the emotional willpower. It also is there for life and won't fail me unless I fail it.
I still have a few (umm ok 50) lbs to go, but I now have a light at the end of the tunnel whereas before I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide in the tunnel.
One key is to make sure that you are ready to make the lifestyle changes that are required. I don't diet anymore at all. I can eat whatever I want, I just eat less. I eat better than I ever did because I don't want to waste my precious space on junk. It is possible to beat the band if you eat chocolate and pizza all day. But it's not like I never have it either. Now I just don't feel guilty about it.
One thing that you need to make sure of is that you find a great surgeon with a good aftercare program. Aftercare is soo important with the band.
Hope this helps!
Kris
jenn