Gastric band advice

Lourdesong

princesspiercey wrote: »

I don't eat a lot anyway nor do I eat *kitten*. If I could do it without surgery I'd not still be fat right now. Surgery is my final option or its stay fat for life. It's partly also for potentially eradicating my type 2 diabetes that I'd considered the op also. I don't exercise much but even when I did used to go to the gym it never made a difference. Everyone's body works in a different way and that's what people need to understand. I know skiing people who eat like a horse but cause they don't gain weight no one bothers to moan at them for unhealthy eating habits yet of you're fat you automatically must eat *kitten*, loads of it and be a total pig. This is not always the case and it's about time people realised that. I have a friend who is like me also. Doesn't eat much, eats pretty well, is full easily yet she's also over wright but carries it better as is like 6ft tall so even though she weighs more than me she doesn't look as bad so her weight isn't an issue to her. Having a good or bad relationship with food isn't always truly reflected by a persons weight. The nhs don't tend to offer the bypass anyway unless the circumstances are extreme because of the dangers. The band is still the most common type offered.

If you don't eat a lot, then what is gastric bypass going to accomplish for you? The surgery's design is to keep people from overeating. And you claim you don't do that, so...

MKEgal

My doctor says they do lots of reversals of the gastric band.
Also told me about 30 lb ago that I'd lost as much as they would have expected me to lose if I'd had the surgery...
but I'm still whole.

If you don't sort out why you overeat, you'll still have problems no matter how you mangle your body.
Even people with the most severe stomach surgeries still manage to gain weight, remaining morbidly obese.
.

princesspiercey

Lourdesong wrote: »

princesspiercey wrote: »

I don't eat a lot anyway nor do I eat *kitten*. If I could do it without surgery I'd not still be fat right now. Surgery is my final option or its stay fat for life. It's partly also for potentially eradicating my type 2 diabetes that I'd considered the op also. I don't exercise much but even when I did used to go to the gym it never made a difference. Everyone's body works in a different way and that's what people need to understand. I know skiing people who eat like a horse but cause they don't gain weight no one bothers to moan at them for unhealthy eating habits yet of you're fat you automatically must eat *kitten*, loads of it and be a total pig. This is not always the case and it's about time people realised that. I have a friend who is like me also. Doesn't eat much, eats pretty well, is full easily yet she's also over wright but carries it better as is like 6ft tall so even though she weighs more than me she doesn't look as bad so her weight isn't an issue to her. Having a good or bad relationship with food isn't always truly reflected by a persons weight. The nhs don't tend to offer the bypass anyway unless the circumstances are extreme because of the dangers. The band is still the most common type offered.

If you don't eat a lot, then what is gastric bypass going to accomplish for you? The surgery's design is to keep people from overeating. And you claim you don't do that, so...

I would hope it would shrink my stomach even more so. It was only following discussions with my nurse that I started to investigate it further and having done the whole food diary business and what not for her to still recommend it surely she thinks it would help.

MKEgal

princesspiercey wrote:

Exercise and healthy eating alone doesn't work for me even alongside orlistat ...
I don't eat a lot anyway nor do I eat *****

lourdesong wrote:

If you don't eat a lot, then what is gastric bypass going to accomplish for you?
The surgery's design is to keep people from overeating. And you claim you don't do that, so...

Exactly.
Yes, it will surgically, artificially, make 2 smaller stomachs.
You still have to learn not to overeat, which is what you did to gain the weight.
If you were eating less than your body needed, you would be losing weight.
That's the only thing that will cause you to lose weight, whether you do it of your own free will or
because you want to avoid throwing up after meals because you've overloaded your new stomach.
There's a lot less pain & risk if you learn to do it yourself.

We can't see your diary, so can't tell if you're logging accurately, what you're eating, etc., to make
suggestions that might help.
Are you weighing / measuring all your food?
Are your calories at a sensible level?
Have you read sexypants?

Start there.

Lourdesong

princesspiercey wrote: »

Lourdesong wrote: »

princesspiercey wrote: »

I don't eat a lot anyway nor do I eat *kitten*. If I could do it without surgery I'd not still be fat right now. Surgery is my final option or its stay fat for life. It's partly also for potentially eradicating my type 2 diabetes that I'd considered the op also. I don't exercise much but even when I did used to go to the gym it never made a difference. Everyone's body works in a different way and that's what people need to understand. I know skiing people who eat like a horse but cause they don't gain weight no one bothers to moan at them for unhealthy eating habits yet of you're fat you automatically must eat *kitten*, loads of it and be a total pig. This is not always the case and it's about time people realised that. I have a friend who is like me also. Doesn't eat much, eats pretty well, is full easily yet she's also over wright but carries it better as is like 6ft tall so even though she weighs more than me she doesn't look as bad so her weight isn't an issue to her. Having a good or bad relationship with food isn't always truly reflected by a persons weight. The nhs don't tend to offer the bypass anyway unless the circumstances are extreme because of the dangers. The band is still the most common type offered.

If you don't eat a lot, then what is gastric bypass going to accomplish for you? The surgery's design is to keep people from overeating. And you claim you don't do that, so...

I would hope it would shrink my stomach even more so. It was only following discussions with my nurse that I started to investigate it further and having done the whole food diary business and what not for her to still recommend it surely she thinks it would help.

A band or bypass is designed to keep you from overeating. The fact that you think you don't eat much tells me you think the surgery is magic and is something other than an intervention to physically restrain people from eating too much. Somewhat like wiring someone's jaws shut.

What possible reason would the nurse have for recommending surgery to you after seeing your diary other than she thinks you eat too much?

cabennett99

I had gastric by-pass surgery in November and I've lost 105 pounds in the past five months. Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is a tool and not a solution, but in my case, with a BMI of 52, aged 54, both numbers increasing, losing and keeping the weight off through diet and exercise alone wasn't working. For a long time I considered my inability to manage my weight a character weakness, and WLS seemed like an extreme measure. Through outreach from friends and medical professionals I came around to the idea. Lack of will power is too easy a criticism, there are often psychological and physiological reasons that make it very difficult to achieve the necessary change. I chose the gastric by-pass partly because I was concerned about post op complications related to the band hardware, but mostly because CGP patients generally lose more weight than those with other procedures. My experience has been terrific. I've had no complications. The surgery has helped me to learn the difference between real hunger and head hunger. I used to think I needed a 3 egg omelette to be satisfied, I now know I can scramble one egg and I'll feel fine. The surgery has helped me to learn to eat high quality protein and produce first, and live without bread/rice/pasta. The surgery has helped me learn how to not snack -- if I manage my protein intake I'm satiated, never hungry. I can easily gain the weight I've lost back if I don't make a permanent change in my eating and exercise habits, the surgery is not magic, and it's not the easy way out, it's a tool that's helped me to change my behavior. The MFP app is another tool that's been very helpful -- as it is all about knowing what you put in and what you're putting out -- and you can learn a lot from the experiences of others as they go through their own journey. WLS is not for everybody, but for those considering it, and for those for whom it might be an appropriate, most Bariatric Centers of Excellence hold orientation sessions where you can get more information and have questions answered.

I'm re-posting this link to another MFP board with a community of folks who provide support and knowledge specific to weight loss surgery:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/637-gastric-bypass-vsg-lapband

Ayybee123

Hi! I had gastric band surgery in 2013 and I started at 120kg (264lbs) and got down to 71kg (156lbs) I've recently gained a few kilos after having it loosened before going on holiday, I over ate a bit! But back on track now and hopefully will lose another stone within the next 2 months if I stick to plan! But it's been a life saver for me, my weight was not budging and losing 9 stone has boosted my confidence so much

mmnv79

I wouldn't take any chances. I have thyroid issues, PCOS, a knee injury and a contraceptive implant. I'm not taking any medication at all and I'm loosing weight. I'm not different than you are. It may be hard, but it's not impossible.

Rethink your portions, a lot of us have huge portions and we eat a lot more than we should. Measure the weight and record everything in your diary. You may think you eat right, but you will be surprised how much sugar and fat there is in some seemingly savoury foods and drinks compared to sweet foods. I don't know what type of job you have but a sedentary work contributes to weight gain.

Start eating right and exercising and you will soon be shedding lbs.

sunshine5474

I had gastric bypass in November 2013. I have lost 129 lbs. Now a size 9. Best thing I ever did for myself. I am now active and comfortable doing it. It is such a personal choice and someone will always know someone who may have had a bad experience. It is always a personal choice. You will know if it's right for you. I see people on the gastric mfp group who continue to struggle and others who flourish. I decided after trying everything else for myself and when none of them worked that I would either need to do this or continue gaining. I chose my life back. Good luck to you. Friend me if you like. I'd be happy to share more of my journey with you.

mmnv79

All surgery comes with an element of risk and a gastric band is not as an easy fix to lose weight.

Complications Immediately After Surgery
The statistics are from NHS (UK)

- Infection – 1 in 20 people
- Blood Clots – 1 in 100 people
- Internal Bleeding – 1 in 100 people

Antibiotics are usually given to prevent infection. If an infection does not respond to antibiotics your band may need to be removed.

Main Risks After Surgery
The statistics are from Mr. Evangelos Eftimiou (Bariatric Surgeon at Harley Street Bariatrics)

- Damage to other organs in your abdomen – none for Mr. Efthimiou
- Band Slippage – 3 in 100 people
- Band Erosion – 1 in 100 people

Less Severe But Common Side Effects
The statistics are from NHS.UK

- Excess skin – gastric band cannot cause skin to revert to its pre-obesity tightness and firmness – almost all patients will experience excess skin to some degree.
- Gallstones – 1 in 12 people
- Food Intolerance – 1 in 35 people


You're very young and have two children to take care of. Don't take any chances. There is only one person who can help you and it isn't a surgeon, it is you. Learn to eat healthy and exercise more.

bahuber5477

Although many people have had many issues with the band I can honestly say that the band has saved my life. I got my band on April 25 of 2013 and I weighed in at over 310 lbs. I am not where I want to be yet but for the first time in my life I know I will get there. I am about 215 now. Losing nearly 100 pounds has given me my life back. It has not been easy but with my tool, exercising every day, and good logging history and staying within my allotted calories and protein goals i steadily lose weight. The band has taught me how to eat. I eat slow, I eat lean protein and vegetables and after that I have little room for extras. I follow up weekly with my bariatric nurse and weigh in and I have a strong relationship with my bariatric surgeon. These things are very essential. Although i know complications may arise and I may have to convert to another surgery or something similar I know that will be sustainable and I will know what is expected and how to eat healthy. For me it was something that I sort of saw as a last option. For me the lap band was a gift through and through. Although I could of possibly learned to do this all on my own (although my history has proven otherwise) the lap band forced me to make a lifestyle change weather i was ready or not and I needed this!

Good luck in your choice. If i was to recommend one bariatric surgery over the next I would say you have to research each one and decide whats best for you. Most people are choosing the sleeve right now. I work in the recovery room therefore I know a lot of complications and I know the percentage of people getting revisions and stuff like that so its an eye opener. I will say that a lot of band problems are related to people not following the lap band rules, keeping it to tight and ignoring warning signs. This is not always the case however. Every surgery has risks and benefits. For me, atleast to date, the benefits have outweighed the risks.

erojoy

princesspiercey wrote: »

I don't eat a lot anyway nor do I eat *kitten*. If I could do it without surgery I'd not still be fat right now. Surgery is my final option or its stay fat for life. It's partly also for potentially eradicating my type 2 diabetes that I'd considered the op also. I don't exercise much but even when I did used to go to the gym it never made a difference. Everyone's body works in a different way and that's what people need to understand. I know skiing people who eat like a horse but cause they don't gain weight no one bothers to moan at them for unhealthy eating habits yet of you're fat you automatically must eat *kitten*, loads of it and be a total pig. This is not always the case and it's about time people realised that. I have a friend who is like me also. Doesn't eat much, eats pretty well, is full easily yet she's also over wright but carries it better as is like 6ft tall so even though she weighs more than me she doesn't look as bad so her weight isn't an issue to her. Having a good or bad relationship with food isn't always truly reflected by a persons weight. The nhs don't tend to offer the bypass anyway unless the circumstances are extreme because of the dangers. The band is still the most common type offered.

It seems like you've made your mind up then. I'm not sure why you requested advice and then are getting angry with those providing it. I say do what works best for you. As you stated every body is different I agree. I think most people are just trying to save you the pain of a major surgery, because surgery is MAJOR and we would hope you are able to put yourself in the safest and healthiest position possible. I wish you all the best!

kraull2001

I am writing on behalf of my wife. She had a lapband done 2 yrs ago. At the time she was 5'6.5" and 282 lbs. The weight was going the wrong way. She had tried every program on the planet and had even worked with her DR on a couple prescription med methods as well. At the time (age38) she was still showing healthy at her physicals, but with history of Type 2 Diabetes, heart and lung disease and strokes in her family she knew she had to try something.
Here's the big thing - this surgery forced her to remake her lifestyle. She HAD to change how and what she ate. Sure, she could cheat and this could fail as well, but there was and is a constant reminder for her when eating.
She has lost 100 lbs and has now changed how our entire household eats. I myself have lost 20 lbs and am embarassed to say I am no match to her excersice. She eats healthy and excersices every day. She enjoys her FITBIT challenges and loves to get excited about putting in another record # of Steps (currently just under 30,000 in 1 day).
She does have challenges with the Band. Being adjustable helps but the psychological impact of defilling the band as she had it to tight was hard for her. She still struggles with food getting stuck, and sometimes not because she is eating wrong. Little things like stress or minor illness can affect eating, but she still says she would not trade it for anything and would do it all over again.

lfrbs

I'm about to have my band op tomorrow, reading some of the frankly scare stories from some and other success stories from others is just making me more determined to make the band work for me. Like others have said sure you can regain all the weight you lost IF you dont eat slowly, healthily and properly with small portions, not just temporarily (like a diet) but for life. But in most cases when done right, if you work with the band, dont cheat, do exercise you will have weight loss. I may even report back to let you know how it's going x

lfrbs

Quick update: 2 & Half weeks after my band and I've lost 43 pounds in total (3 Stone) I can only eat a tiny amount but I love it already, my BMI has plummeted and I'm feeling great.

josh6466

Talk to your doctor, and try a different diet first. I was on weight watchers multiple times. I lost a lot the first time, but on subsequent times I either didn't lose weight or actually gained. You may need to do something different. My doctor has me on a ketogenic (essentially Atkins )plan, and it's the first time I have lost weight consistently in years. The truth of the matter is that if you are going to make a food low fat, as many foods are trying to do, you have to replace the fat with something. that's usually carbohydrates. I apparently am sensitive to this, and they cause me not to lose weight. There is a body of evidence that suggests -but does not prove - that high carb-low fat diets do more harm than good. I won't cite sources here because it's to a good degree anecdotal.

It's not a panacea, and it's definitely not for everyone. I'd talk to your doctor before trying it. It will, however, be cheaper than surgery and won't be hard to reverse if it's not working.

TheSatinPumpkin

Congrats

rugbyphreak

Everybody I know that did some form of banding regrets it. Many have had to go in to fix slipping issues, which meant another surgery, more pain, extra scarring, and more recovery. They will be on vitamins for the rest of their lives. They did not learn how to eat properly, so most of them gained it back after a year or two.

On the flip side, the friends that had gastric bypass, removal of a large chunk of stomach, have fared better with recovery and have had less complications. They'll still have to take daily vitamins, watch what they eat, and keep active to keep the weight off and their health in good standing.

Both of those options do nothing more than restrict how much you can consume at one time. If you can't use moderation now, I promise you'll find a way around the healthy diet with the band. Sure, you can only eat a few ounces at a time, but after that food has passed out of the stomach, which takes about 30-45 minutes, you can eat more! You can still consume over your daily allowance with the band. Both options stress a good diet and moderate exercise. If you can't do those now, the band will fail within 2 years. Either learn moderation or wire your mouth shut so that you can't eat.

jeepinshawn

I would avoid all surgical options you can. I used to make all kinds of excuses, snack and not count it etc. but I started MFP and vowed to be completely honest with my journal and log every single crumb of food. When I did that, followed the routine(suggested calorie intake, and focused my calories in healthy foods, I began to loose weight.

The first thing I learned is you can not out exercise a poor diet. The next thing I learned is that you won't die if you get hungry between meals, hunger is good and helps you appreciate the next meal you get. After a few months you begin to learn which foods to eat to help you feel fuller, and you start WANTING to exercise more frequently because it actually makes you feel better.

In the end though if you eat at a calorie deficit you WILL loose weight. If you want to keep it off it won't be a diet anymore it will simply be how you eat for the rest of your life. Do you want to starve all day so you can drink 2 mochas? or eat a fat piece of cake? Or do you want to eat a huge chicken salad and feel full the rest of the afternoon? Only one of those choices is sustainable for any length of time....

tlsegar

I had lap band surgery July 2011 - so just over 4 years ago. I've been able to maintain an approx 90 lbs weight loss - down from my highest weight of 357. I'm not at my goal weight and to be honest I've been at a standstill for a couple of years. However, I blame that entirely on myself. I'm working to get back the mental motivation that I had when I first decided to go through with the surgery. That's something that no procedure, doctor, diet, whatever can fix. That's totally on me and I own every bit of it.

My decision to get lapband over the other WLS options was done after months of research and introspection. I had very specific reasons for electing lapband. Among them, I actually didn't want or need a rapid weight loss. I wanted a tool to help me as I revamped my entire relationship with food and exercise. I wanted to learn how to make healthy food choices and portion control. The band simply serves as an aid and not a fix or miracle. I also wanted to minimize as much as I could the effects of rapid weight loss in the form of sagging skin. I knew I would have sagging skin regardless, however I didn't want to compound it by unecessarily losing weight too rapidly. I also have a family history of cancer. There are some cancer treatments you become ineligible for if you have had the bypass or sleeve. And finally, I wanted the lapband because it is totally reversible. My plan is to have it eventually removed once I've attained and maintained my goal weight.

There have been some side effects. I had to have gall bladder surgery about 9 months after the lap band. Gall stones are actually common after significant and rapid weight loss. Since the gallbladder surgery, I haven't had anymore of those related issues (pain, vomitting, etc). Food does occasionally get stuck. That's a reminder to eat more slowly and chew my food longer. I've also had to get adjustments from time to time. There are certain foods that give me more trouble than others (salmon, eggs, bread)- again it's important to eat these foods slowly and chew well.

Overall, I'm happy with my decision and would probably make the same choice if I had to do over again. I think the most important thing is to be realistic about your goals and expectations as well as the work that is required of YOU to be successful. Like any other surgery, there are risks and everyone reacts uniquely. Take your time to research and consider your options and make the decision that you feel is best for you.

headofphat

I'm no doctor but it sounds like a quick fix. I would choose to learn to make healthier food choices, exercise and activity. Surgery sounds like a fast fix and I'm sure it will be but without an understanding of how to live your life with all the food temptations then you'll be right back on the same track you've been on just $20,000 in the hole.
Good luck.

airdale8263

No matter what procedure you opt to (not a fan of the lap band as I have seen a couple of my friends have complications only to have the band removed and gain the weight back) IT IS ONLY A TOOL....you still have to make a lifestyle change and commit.

gothchiq

I'm not sure what to think about it since the results vary so much. I'd approach the idea with great caution. I have heard some success stories, and then there's my friend who had it done 2 years ago. At first she had a lot of problems like dumping, heartburn, nausea, the whole nine yards. She initially did lose a lot of weight during the first year. However, no sooner did she stop talking about horrible side effects than she began to gain it all back, and now, 2 years down the road, she's just as fat as she ever was. Has anybody in your family had it done, someone whose body and health is similar to yours, so that you could look at their results and discuss the experience with them?

lfrbs

Update 1: It's 6 Weeks since having Gastric Band surgery I've kept mostly to a healthy eating regime, I've been excising regularly and so far lost 51 pounds since my very heaviest. A few more pounds to go and I'll no longer be obese! My horrific sleep apnea has dissapeared, I feel much more awake during the day and I feel much more active and healthier. I've been almost strictly following the 20/20/20 rule (google it) and apart from a few crisps I've been eating very healthy. My band isn't an easy way of loosing weight, reading some people saying such things on here is like telling an alcoholic the help they're getting is cheating and it's an easy way out, or telling a recovering drug addict that the help they got was cheating. Loosing weight, being banded and trying to stick to your new lifestyle is very much like recovering from a highly addictive substance, Some rare cases certain people can go cold turkey and go to a Gym and loose weight and keep it off, most.....can't and like me, some realize they need help to maintain weight loss long term either by having a band, sleeve or bypass.

Ofcourse there are dangers with any surgery, I believe there are far more dangers by remaining obese.

A Gastric band will never stop you from stuffing your face and eating as much as you want, that's why so many people fail after having had it. You have to restrict yourself by eating slower, sensible portions and the band will help by not making you feel so hungry all the time. People who have failed with the band I think weren't told this and expected it to do all the work, It wont. And that's why it's not the easy way out, because You have to do all the hard work, the band just helps.

I can report back to let you know if I've had to eat my words x