considering Lap Band Surgery need Advice??

ratkins811

As many of you have been through, I have lost weight over and over. I am considering Lap Band or Sleeve since I am well over 100lbs over and high BMI. I have lost and gained weight over and over but I am unsuccessful at keeping it off. I lost 50lb on MFP but I have gained 25 back. My insurance wont cover the surgery but I may pay out of pocket or a loan.

Any suggestions?? I would like to loose it the right way without surgery but my health is declining and I cant seem to keep it off. thoughts??

rumplesnat

My husband and I both had RNY in spring of 2012 and have had amazing, positive results. It requires a lifelong lifestyle change, however. It is not magic. Sure, you lose weight easily and quickly initially, however you will likely soon be able to return to poor food choices and eating habits and have the weight come flying back on. If you don't make a permanent change in your eating habits and exercise activity, you will not be successful long term.

The Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book is actually a great book that covers the basis necessities for both pre-op and post-op of a variety of different surgery options, has tons of FAQs and recipes.

My biggest tip (aside from daily exercise) is FOLLOW YOUR SURGEON'S DIRECTIONS! Don't progress too quickly, don't fall back into old habits, and stick to the criteria set for you by your surgical team.

Best wishes!
~Kelly

mrsmarit

As many of you have been through, I have lost weight over and over. I am considering Lap Band or Sleeve since I am well over 100lbs over and high BMI. I have lost and gained weight over and over but I am unsuccessful at keeping it off. I lost 50lb on MFP but I have gained 25 back. My insurance wont cover the surgery but I may pay out of pocket or a loan.

Any suggestions?? I would like to loose it the right way without surgery but my health is declining and I cant seem to keep it off. thoughts??

When I started this weight loss journey in March of last year I was @ 245 lbs and am 5"2' well over 100 lbs over my ideal weight. Since that time I have lost 57 lbs and I couldn't be happier.

You need to look at WHY you gain the weight back. Do you have unrealistic weight loss goals, do you properly account for everything you are eating, are you active?

Before spending money on a risky surgery with no guarantee of success you should probably take a good hard look at what you have done in the past and see where you went wrong. Remember that weight loss is a marathon not a sprint, you didn't put it on quickly, don't expect a Biggest Loser kind of weight loss.

ratkins811

thanks so much. I will look for the book

1princesswarrior

You've shown you can lose it on your own. I also think you need to look at why you gained it back. Weight loss surgery is really risky and it doesn't address the reasons why you eat what you do or overeat. Look at all the risks and get the emotional help you need, then and only then get the surgery if it's your last resort. I know many people who have had weight loss surgery and sure they lost weight but they hated the negative side effects along the way that never go away and some have turned to drugs to deal with their emotional traumas since food is no longer an option. Be very careful.

TheCaren

WLS is just a tool to assist you as part of an overall lifestyle change. It isn't, in itself, the lifestyle change. So if you aren't ready to change the way you eat and the amount of exercise you get, WLS probably isn't going to be a long term solution for you. It will work in the short term, but if you aren't willing to shed the old habits of eating and inactivity, that weight will creep back on. I've seen it time and time again.

I believe in the value of WLS (I'm blessed I have not been in a position to need it, but would consider it if I was) but it's important to remember that they don't put a sleeve on your brain that keeps you from wanting to feed your emotions or sit on the couch when you should be taking a walk. It's only on your tummy to reduce your overall food intake. So if you aren't ready to shed the old thinking, I'd really think long and hard about putting your body through something that drastic that may not have lasting value for you. IMHO.

Debbjones

A family member did the sleeve and does not recommend the procedure. As with all procedures, the key to losing weight and keeping it off is to cut calorie consumption and eat right. Surgery is not the answer... everyone I know who went in for surgery gained weight back, and also had to deal with the side effects of the surgery. I would recommend you see a nutritionist and seek other alternatives.

aylajane

I would seriously reconsider the lap band... Do some research - they do not work well, and they cause all sorts of issues when they slip or erode the stomach, etc. Not to mention you have to pay to have it filled and unfilled etc. And most people just dont lose much with it, and are miserable most of the time.

RNY and DS are pretty drastic, and unless you are probably closer to 200 over, probably not worth it yet. Be sure to ask people or research on forums the "bathroom" life of people who have this as well as the vitamin regimen, as both can be major changes. They are certainly worth it if you life is at stake due to your weight, but at "only" 100 pounds over, you have some time still.

The sleeve is a good compromise - it gives you a lot of the benefits of RNY and DS (it is actually 1/2 of the DS procedure) but without messing with your intestines (read about RNY and DS "dumping" and other issues). For people with less to lose it is a more reasonable choice. And if it does not work, you can still have the RNY or DS if truly needed (though unlikely).

Check out LOTS of forums and talk to lots of people about their "after" life at different stages before you pick any certain one, if you choose to go that route. ANd like the previous poster said, be very sure you follow all directions - this is an "aid" to weight loss, not a miracle cure. It is also not a long term "fix" - it buys you a year or two of time to get your body and mind adjusted to a new life style. If you only use it for the short term weight loss and do not change your lifestyle, it will be back nearly as fast as it went.

Good luck!

GURLEY_GIRL3

thats a very personal decision. I have a few friends and family members do it. It has worked well for most. If it is heath related I would consider it. But for me not to be able to eat or drink anything I want for the rest of my life! Is not something I want to do. I have done very well so far on the site w/ the support. Its not rocket science. Eat your calories and exercise. I tried every fad diet and pill for a decade and now im like duh! its so simple. Yes some days are hard and you will cheat and mess up but thats life. Just get back at it and dont let it get you down. Also you have to stay on liquids for like 2 weeks if you can do that than you can just do it yourself. Thats just my opinion. But I see you've lost 50 on here before? You can do it. Maybe dont be so strick on yourself. Make yourself a once or twice a week cheat day. Just log anything you put in your mouth to keep you accountable. I still have steak, hotdogs, hamburgers, ice cream not everyday but If I want if I just make sure its in w/in my calories or go for a walk.

jaksmom060567

I have been taking the steps to have the sleeve surgery. My doctor makes you go to two support group meetings before the surgery. I have been attending and its been very educational. All the people who have had any of the surgeries are so open for questions. There hasn't been anyone yet that I have come across that would NOT do it again. They all seem to love it and it has changed their lives. Maybe you can find a support group in your area and check it out.

magerum

Don't do it. It's dangerous, evasive, & major surgery. It is also expensive as well as the after care. Your diet will be limited, forever. PLUS you still have to restrict calories and exercise to see weight loss, just with a bunch of other complications and restrictions placed on top of it.

So if you have to watch your caloric intake anyways, what's the point? If you don't you will not lose the weight or keep it off, even with the band.

Best of luck to you.

garber6th

I have been taking the steps to have the sleeve surgery. My doctor makes you go to two support group meetings before the surgery. I have been attending and its been very educational. All the people who have had any of the surgeries are so open for questions. There hasn't been anyone yet that I have come across that would NOT do it again. They all seem to love it and it has changed their lives. Maybe you can find a support group in your area and check it out.

Same here. I have gone to additional support groups, and I have also talked to people who have had the gastric bypass surgery and had setbacks, to get both sides of things. It is a very personal decision, I made my decision with the help of my physician, surgeon, therapist, family and friends. Look into it thoroughly and make the best decision for YOU.

ratkins811

thank all of you for the responses and the great points you bring up. I guess in my heart I want to lose it without surgery and try to deal with the issues of why I over eat. Thanks again.

EvgeniZyntx

Why don't you openly discuss the issues here - you'll get good insights from others that might help you break a pattern.

Things to think about:

- What is your current lifestype?
- How do you prepare your food?
- What made you gain the last 25?
- What do you want to achieve?
- How are you currently working on it?

Openly discuss these, and others and people will give you good (and bad, alas) input.

JewelsinBigD

I have a good friend who did it- initially she lost a lot of weight and looked amazing. Since then she has gained some of it back - though not all of it. She looks a lot older than she is and she is no longer thin (more average or bigger). I have considered it myself a lot but I figure if I have to make a change anyway I might as well do it on my terms without any additional complications.

onwarddownward

I considered it.

However, I know that being the type of person that I am, one that tends to look at life's problems like a Rubic's Cube, I would work the system.

I would eat high cal stuff all the time and I would gain the weight back after I lost the initial amount and the honeymoon had faded.

Plus, I would like to see, perhaps twenty years down the road, what the long-term ramifications are going to be. A lot of things come to light after decades pass. I was happy to find that I am doing ok losing it on my own. It's not a picnic but then again, it's not impossible. It's changes over time.

Good luck with whatever path you choose.

Portugueselove

I lost 70 on my own before having my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, i kept counting my calories and exercising and was yo-yoing 10 lbs in 3 years so that is when I decided to do the Sleeve after not being able to lose anymore on my own, but like some people say, it is just a tool. U gotta work ur tool. U gotta continue to watch ur calorie intake and up your protein and exercise. I did it for health reasons, my dad had two strokes and a heart attack and he was obese. My mom died at the age of 58 and she was obese. I wanted to see my son grow up and see my grandchildren so i did it and now i no longer have high blood pressure and am off all meds. My best friend decided to do it after I did and now she is diabetic free. I researched for a year about all the surgeries and the less evasive one to me was the sleeve, you don't get mal absorption, my hair didn't fall out at all, i can eat whatever I want just very little (so that lady that said "she wouldn't want not to eat whatever she wanted for the rest of her life" is not true with every individual). I have no regrets. I have joined my friend in selling affordable WLS at Bariatric Solutions Group if you want to take a look. It is a life changing decision and you have to be mentally prepared for it. I thank my surgeon every time i see him for saving my life. I couldn't feel better.

playsallyplay

WOW!!! 209 lost - congratulations!!! Im down a little over 100. have 60 to go.....

Lili0817

My advice is don't do it.
Instead, perhaps you can benefit from some therapy to see why you gain the weight back. I know some people that had the surgery and re-gained most, if not all the weight back. Also, you just won't look as good as losing the weight naturally. I've noticed some people that get that surgery look older, flabby, saggy, no muscle. Nothing like doing things the healthy, normal way. This is very much a life style change, so unless you change your life style then you will gain it back no matter what. Also, I noticed on your profile you mention healthy food is very expensive. I agree! It sucks that we have to pay more for healthy food, but your food determines your health and everything starts with your health. I've learned to prioritize my income and spend those extra dollars on healthy food. 100 lbs, you can TOTALLY do it. You already know what it takes to lose weight, you've done it before.

symkat

I know alot of people who have had the surgery. My mom had it when I was a teenager, 2 of my sister in laws had it, several friends. I'd say about 15 people I know have had it and it only worked for one person. The bottom line is that it seems to only work really well for people who over eat because they are physicaly hungry. If you over eat for emotional reasons or because of severe cravings it is not as likely to work because you will continue to eat as much as you can and push the limits of what your stomache can handle. Also remember that the surgery only serves to make your stomache smaller so that you are full faster but it doesn't keep you from eating extremely fattening and unhealthy foods. One of my in laws had the surgery and she is the only one it worked on that I know personaly and she is thin and much healthier but her skin is very saggy and loose and she now looks 20 years older than she did when she was fat. Just be sure that you have all the information before you do something so drastic. Find out why you over eat and see if there is another way. Always get ALL the facts before jumping in. I wish you the best of luck on your weight loss journey.

ratkins811

Why don't you openly discuss the issues here - you'll get good insights from others that might help you break a pattern.

Things to think about:

- What is your current lifestype?
- How do you prepare your food?
- What made you gain the last 25?
- What do you want to achieve?
- How are you currently working on it?

Openly discuss these, and others and people will give you good (and bad, alas) input.

I am not very active because it is so painful to move. I cook when I am up to it but not as much as I should. I think I gained back the 25 lb this last time because I got lazy and not really monitoring my food. Went on vacation, over ate etc. I'm not looking to be thin and I'm too old (53 y/o) to care about how I look in a swim suit. I just want to be albe to walk with my 80 y/o parents without getting so worn out. I really want to feel better and fit it... if that makes any sense.

missdibs1

As many of you have been through, I have lost weight over and over. I am considering Lap Band or Sleeve since I am well over 100lbs over and high BMI. I have lost and gained weight over and over but I am unsuccessful at keeping it off. I lost 50lb on MFP but I have gained 25 back. My insurance wont cover the surgery but I may pay out of pocket or a loan.

Any suggestions?? I would like to loose it the right way without surgery but my health is declining and I cant seem to keep it off. thoughts??

when I had 100 pounds to lose surgery was not an optin (via insurance)

If I could lose the weight.... so can you!!!

It is not an easy process. Diet is the key/ persistence. Are you being honest in your food journal? Are you moving /exercising?

Have you seen your doc?

I had a bad foot (limped) and hypothyroidism as hindrances. I was successful! I know you can be too!

Surgery should be a last last last resort.

Plus my friend had it done (500 pounds btw) and had success............but they were +400 over weight

Compudad

I had the RNY Gastric Bypass surgery on December 5th of last year and have done very well with it.

As part of the program I met with counselors, nutritionists and several other medical specialist doctors. The program looked at the big picture and not just the surgery part. The ongoing care and support from my team of medical professionals and support group members keeps me going in the right direction and helps validate the life decisions that I have made.

Every skinny person out there seems to "know someone who has had the surgery and failed" My experience is that the people that I meet and interact with that have had the surgery are happier, healthier and wish they had done the surgery sooner.

Peer reviewed medical studies show that the success rate is better than any other diet plan out there and that fewer than 20% have any complications.

As part of the program, I have changed what I eat, exercise daily and make better food choices all with the added benefit and aid of having a digestive system that is not as efficient at processing every last calorie of food that I consume. I have no more diabetes problems, no high blood pressure issues and my cholesterol is under control. I live a more active lifestyle and feel great.

Weight loss surgery is only successful for people who take advantage of all your particular program has to offer in an effort to change your body and mind. Without change to both, you will fail.

aimeemanninghunter

As many of you have been through, I have lost weight over and over. I am considering Lap Band or Sleeve since I am well over 100lbs over and high BMI. I have lost and gained weight over and over but I am unsuccessful at keeping it off. I lost 50lb on MFP but I have gained 25 back. My insurance wont cover the surgery but I may pay out of pocket or a loan.

Any suggestions?? I would like to loose it the right way without surgery but my health is declining and I cant seem to keep it off. thoughts??

Lap Band is probably the best option. Why? Because you don't spend the rest of your life eating supplements to keep your vitamins and minerals in healthy levels. No matter what you are going to have the make a lifestyle change. There have been many people who have had weight loss surgery and gain the weight back. It is not a fix and you may want to look at yourself and see why are you unable to keep it off. Remember, once you lose weight you can NEVER go back to the way you ate before. You must make a change in your life in order to keep it up. You must still remember input and output.

aimeemanninghunter

I had the RNY Gastric Bypass surgery on December 5th of last year and have done very well with it.

As part of the program I met with counselors, nutritionists and several other medical specialist doctors. The program looked at the big picture and not just the surgery part. The ongoing care and support from my team of medical professionals and support group members keeps me going in the right direction and helps validate the life decisions that I have made.

Every skinny person out there seems to "know someone who has had the surgery and failed" My experience is that the people that I meet and interact with that have had the surgery are happier, healthier and wish they had done the surgery sooner.

Peer reviewed medical studies show that the success rate is better than any other diet plan out there and that fewer than 20% have any complications.

As part of the program, I have changed what I eat, exercise daily and make better food choices all with the added benefit and aid of having a digestive system that is not as efficient at processing every last calorie of food that I consume. I have no more diabetes problems, no high blood pressure issues and my cholesterol is under control. I live a more active lifestyle and feel great.

Weight loss surgery is only successful for people who take advantage of all your particular program has to offer in an effort to change your body and mind. Without change to both, you will fail.

Very well said.

EvgeniZyntx

I had the RNY Gastric Bypass surgery on December 5th of last year and have done very well with it.

As part of the program I met with counselors, nutritionists and several other medical specialist doctors. The program looked at the big picture and not just the surgery part. The ongoing care and support from my team of medical professionals and support group members keeps me going in the right direction and helps validate the life decisions that I have made.

Every skinny person out there seems to "know someone who has had the surgery and failed" My experience is that the people that I meet and interact with that have had the surgery are happier, healthier and wish they had done the surgery sooner.

Peer reviewed medical studies show that the success rate is better than any other diet plan out there and that fewer than 20% have any complications.

As part of the program, I have changed what I eat, exercise daily and make better food choices all with the added benefit and aid of having a digestive system that is not as efficient at processing every last calorie of food that I consume. I have no more diabetes problems, no high blood pressure issues and my cholesterol is under control. I live a more active lifestyle and feel great.

Weight loss surgery is only successful for people who take advantage of all your particular program has to offer in an effort to change your body and mind. Without change to both, you will fail.

20% complication rate is very high. 1 person in 5 has complications? Wow.

Serious complication with hip replacement is 10 times lower and we still thought it was very high.

Babygi6003

I know you will get a lot of people on here that will disagree with your choice..but I had the Gastric sleeve done 2 years ago and I have lost 82 lbs so far and kept it off. I still have some to go and by no means is the surgery an "easy" way out because you will still have to count your calories, exercise and put the hard work in.

I do not regret my surgery one bit, it has allowed me to have the life I always wanted. I am currently training for my first half marathon and without the surgery, there is no way that I would even have attempted to run!

Compudad

I had the RNY Gastric Bypass surgery on December 5th of last year and have done very well with it.

As part of the program I met with counselors, nutritionists and several other medical specialist doctors. The program looked at the big picture and not just the surgery part. The ongoing care and support from my team of medical professionals and support group members keeps me going in the right direction and helps validate the life decisions that I have made.

Every skinny person out there seems to "know someone who has had the surgery and failed" My experience is that the people that I meet and interact with that have had the surgery are happier, healthier and wish they had done the surgery sooner.

Peer reviewed medical studies show that the success rate is better than any other diet plan out there and that fewer than 20% have any complications.

As part of the program, I have changed what I eat, exercise daily and make better food choices all with the added benefit and aid of having a digestive system that is not as efficient at processing every last calorie of food that I consume. I have no more diabetes problems, no high blood pressure issues and my cholesterol is under control. I live a more active lifestyle and feel great.

Weight loss surgery is only successful for people who take advantage of all your particular program has to offer in an effort to change your body and mind. Without change to both, you will fail.

20% complication rate is very high. 1 person in 5 has complications? Wow.

Serious complication with hip replacement is 10 times lower and we still thought it was very high.

I did not say that 20% had serious complications. Many have minor complications that require tweaking of diet or vitamins. The important thing is that the risk is lower than remaining morbidly obese.

HuneeBunee08

I have the lap band. I HATE IT. The first year yes i did lose 75lbs, then my life got super busy, i kept getting sick, so many fills and unfills, i would just stick to regular diet and exercise. Thats what i am doing now, and its working for me so far. So save your money.

NonnyMary

Why don't you openly discuss the issues here - you'll get good insights from others that might help you break a pattern.

Things to think about:

- What is your current lifestype?
- How do you prepare your food?
- What made you gain the last 25?
- What do you want to achieve?
- How are you currently working on it?

Openly discuss these, and others and people will give you good (and bad, alas) input.

I am not very active because it is so painful to move. I cook when I am up to it but not as much as I should. I think I gained back the 25 lb this last time because I got lazy and not really monitoring my food. Went on vacation, over ate etc. I'm not looking to be thin and I'm too old (53 y/o) to care about how I look in a swim suit. I just want to be albe to walk with my 80 y/o parents without getting so worn out. I really want to feel better and fit it... if that makes any sense.

Hi with this surgery, you will not be able to have the luxury of the above what you wrote. Before surgery, if you get lazy and decide to eat a pizza, then no biggie health problem, but if you get lazy after you do the lap band, that same pizza will have very bad consequences - like throwing it up and what they call "dumping" syndrome (for sure the gastric bypass people have this);

if you have emotional problems - like me - making you eat - the surgery wont do a dang thing about it, except that now all youcan eat is an egg-size portion of food at a time. and you have to chew it like 20 times before swallowing (at least this is with gastric bypass);

so what kind of life is that?

kazsjourney

I was previously 380 pounds (have lost 180 pounds without surgery and havent weighed 380 pounds since 2006 when I started to lose weight,,,,,altho I am not at maintenance or goal yet)my doctor wanted me to get lapband surgery,,,,,I decided to give myself 6 months to make a real effort and if I didnt make progress then to investigate the surgery...I never needed to investigate Make the decision thats right for you just remembering WLS is merely a tool.