Lap Band

mdsjmom98

Hi. I've recently won a "contest" for free lap band from a very reputable doctor here in central Illinois. I have yo-yo dieted for a few years, losing 40, gaining 20, losing 10, gaining 30. You know the drill. I entered this contest figuring there was no way in heck I'd win, so when they called me to tell me I was a finalist, it blew me away. Then to find out 2 days later I was the winner, I think I'm still in a state of shock.

I go in for pre-op today, and surgery is scheduled for the 3rd. I would appreciate any words of wisdom, advice, good or bad anyone
would please share with me.

My goal is to lose at least 90 lbs, no more than 100lbs.

Thanks for any help.

missiontofitness

Advice:
Bring a million and one questions to your pre-op appointment today! Make sure you have all your bases covered in regards to the surgery, recovery time, post op diet, working out, ect. Use this as a chance for you to make that final decision if this is the right choice for you. If you decide against it, don't be afraid to back out. It's free; you won't lose any money!

sfbaumgarten

Advice:
Bring a million and one questions to your pre-op appointment today! Make sure you have all your bases covered in regards to the surgery, recovery time, post op diet, working out, ect. Use this as a chance for you to make that final decision if this is the right choice for you. If you decide against it, don't be afraid to back out. It's free; you won't lose any money!

This sounds like pretty solid advice!

0somuchbetter0

Wait...what? A contest?? Red flag! Red flag! Your insurance should cover it if you're eligible, and if you're not eligible, maybe you don't need lap band surgery in the first place. Just how overweight are you? They already scheduled surgery for you without ever having met you???

I had lap band surgery two years ago, but not before months and months and months of counseling, medical screening, nutrition classes, a workout routine, etc. I worked (and still work) with a therapist, a dietitian, a physical trainer, and my surgeon. You can't just walk in for a pre-op, ask a few questions, and waltz into the operating room!

If I were you, I'd cancel the appointment and do some research...and then do some thinking...and then more research and more thinking.

ahoy_m8

Questions I would want answered:
Assuming everything is a smashing success, I lose 90 pounds and keep it off 30 years, what diet/exercise limitations will I face 30 years from now?
Are there studies comparing excess skin complications (i.e. chronic infection) from lap band aided loss vs, weight loss not aided by surgery?

0somuchbetter0

Questions I would want answered:
Assuming everything is a smashing success, I lose 90 pounds and keep it off 30 years, what diet/exercise limitations will I face 30 years from now?
Are there studies comparing excess skin complications (i.e. chronic infection) from lap band aided loss vs, weight loss not aided by surgery?

There are no diet or exercise limitations from lap band surgery.

I don't know the answer to your second question, but I'm guessing no.

amandzor

Why didn't I know about this contest.....

mdsjmom98

I have been seen by the doctor a couple of times already. The objective to that was to see my health history, (ie signs of depression etc..) Today is the pre-op, where I get the diet restrictions until surgery on the 3rd.

I have heard nothing but positive comments from patients of this doctor. A friend had the surgery, as well as a co-worker, so as for it being a contest, I feel confident that there will be no concern there. To answer your question, I am currently at 244 when last weighed, so my goal is about 90-100lbs of weight loss.

The only reason I haven't gone through my insurance is because we have one of those policies that does not cover this procedure, otherwise I probably would've done it that way. Come to find out they won't even cover the removal procedure.

This contest was held locally. I guess this doctor does this every couple of years, and the local radio station does the advertising for him.

I am a bit nervous, but have heard mostly positive things. It's going to be a total lifestyle change.

0somuchbetter0

Yes, total change. You need to prepare yourself for that, because if your excess weight is due to emotional issues with food (as it is with me), you're going to be thrown for a loop when you can't get your "fix." You've got to work with a therapist or counselor to learn how to cope with life and stress and depression without turning to food. For me it's a lifelong process -- like an alcoholic, I don't expect to ever be "cured," I'll just be in "recovery."

My insurance would only cover it if my BMI was over 40 and I had co-morbidities (hypertension, diabetes, insulin resistance, cholesterol problems, heart problems, and the like). My BMI was over 40 but in relatively good health, so I had to apply for special consideration, which I eventually got.

What about all the medical screening? I can't remember everything, but I had an endoscopy, lots of blood work, heart ultrasound, sleep study, psychological counseling, and they provided me with a physical trainer and a dietitian for 6 months. I had to lose a certain amount of weight before they would even consider me -- I think it was 10% of my starting weight.

As for "the removal procedure," you only have the band removed if you have serious complications. I would hope that your insurance would cover that, rather than let you get very sick and possibly die.

I don't know...this all seems so fast and superficial. I would be very careful if I were you.

bcattoes

There are groups for those who have had lap band or other weight loss surgeries. I'll bet you could get some good information there.

LiminalAscendance

Hi. I've recently won a "contest" for free lap band from a very reputable doctor here in central Illinois.

Ever heard of the Monkey's Paw?

logg1e

You have won surgery in a competition? What country is this in??

Lobster1987

The lapband has the highest failure and complication rate. Don't do it.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

b5000r

Congrats. Ask about what post op adjustments are included. My friends wife had it and it took about 6 months to get the inflation of the band correct.

meltedsno

I have to agree with billieljaime on this one. What I just don't understand -- and maybe someone who has had WLS can explain to me -- is how many people state they lost like 15-20 lbs on a restrictive diet PRIOR to surgery to prepare for surgery??? uh... if you can lose weight by dieting, why the surgery then?

I have not -- nor will I ever contemplate any WLS-- I've known too many people who have either gained all their weight back plus more, have had lifetime complications set in, or are dead because of this surgery... it's not worth risking my life over. Just because you have this surgery does not mean you have a free ticket to weight loss... you STILL have to learn behavior modification. And if you learn behavior modification, you lose weight... and THAT is something I DO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT.... I weighed 270 lbs (5'3") at my all time high... I would guess I am now about 1/2 that size -- don't know since I don't weigh myself... but I have gone from a size 26 to a size 4... all because I learned portion control, food group choices, and exercise. It's all about lifestyle change and no surgery in the world can teach you lifestyle change...

mr_mitch

You have won surgery in a competition? What country is this in??

It can only be America, surely?!

And no I wouldn't have the operation either.... What's wrong with losing the weight properly?!

Lobster1987

The pre-op diet is a liquid diet to help shrink their liver for the surgery. Anybody can lose weight on a liquid diet.

Just like using equipment at the gym, WLS is a TOOL. It doesn't fix brain issues that cause you to overeat, but it can be used to help lose the weight. I would not recommend anyone to get any surgery until they address the issues that cause them to overeat. There are many people who go into the surgery who have unaddressed binge eating disorder issues and that is why they gain the weight back.

I have successfully maintained a 130 pound weight loss for nearly 4 years now since having the duodenal switch. It is not the easy way out. It leveled the playing field for me so now if I want to drop a few pounds (like to fit in my wedding dress) I have to diet and exercise just like everyone else.

I have to agree with billieljaime on this one. What I just don't understand -- and maybe someone who has had WLS can explain to me -- is how many people state they lost like 15-20 lbs on a restrictive diet PRIOR to surgery to prepare for surgery??? uh... if you can lose weight by dieting, why the surgery then?

I have not -- nor will I ever contemplate any WLS-- I've known too many people who have either gained all their weight back plus more, have had lifetime complications set in, or are dead because of this surgery... it's not worth risking my life over. Just because you have this surgery does not mean you have a free ticket to weight loss... you STILL have to learn behavior modification. And if you learn behavior modification, you lose weight... and THAT is something I DO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT.... I weighed 270 lbs (5'3") at my all time high... I would guess I am now about 1/2 that size -- don't know since I don't weigh myself... but I have gone from a size 26 to a size 4... all because I learned portion control, food group choices, and exercise. It's all about lifestyle change and no surgery in the world can teach you lifestyle change...

RodaRose

Hi. I've recently won a "contest" for free lap band from a very reputable doctor here in central Illinois. I have yo-yo dieted for a few years, losing 40, gaining 20, losing 10, gaining 30. You know the drill. I entered this contest figuring there was no way in heck I'd win, so when they called me to tell me I was a finalist, it blew me away. Then to find out 2 days later I was the winner, I think I'm still in a state of shock.

I go in for pre-op today, and surgery is scheduled for the 3rd. I would appreciate any words of wisdom, advice, good or bad anyone
would please share with me.

My goal is to lose at least 90 lbs, no more than 100lbs.

Thanks for any help.

I hope that appt goes well for you.

I would want to know a lot about
~the Anesthesiologist
~pain medicine after the surgery

In one of your posts your mentioned "removal."
Talk to the MD about that. I am pretty sure that it is considered permanent.

Also ask about side effects of living with the lap band.

Good luck.

0somuchbetter0

So much misinformation here!! I'm on my phone and can't type great quantities right now, but I'll be back later to educate and inform!

0somuchbetter0

ADVICE?!

DONT DO IT

it is a dirty surgery, a cheaters way to weight loss, an american made "quick fix"

Do you now almost all WLS patients GAIN their orignal weight back plus more after about 5 - 10 years?

And why? Because they did not incorporate a life style change!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

DO NOT

tamper with the beautiful body God gave you, fix it on your own through will power and nourishing foods, and learning to live a healthier lifestyle that will take through the rest of your life...

please dont do this..........

that is my advice.

Never mind that I'm personally offended by your offhand, dismissive remarks. Read my post above and tell me if that's the "cheater's" way or a quick fix.

I'm not sure what you mean by "dirty" surgery, other than to belittle the procedure. Surely you can't really mean it's unsanitary.

Weight loss surgery was actually invented by a Swedish doctor in the 1950s. American surgeons picked it up in the 50s and 60s a little, but it was the Italians and French who really developed the procedures in the 1970s. As morbid obesity came to be recognized as an illness, and as it grew to epidemic proportions in the United States, more and more American surgeons became involved in the 1990s to the present. Now there are whole teams of researchers from the United States and several European countries working together to further research and develop effective procedures.

Do you know that almost ALL people who have ever lost weight in their lives will gain it back, plus more? It's not just people who have had surgery, so no need to pick on weight loss surgery patients specifically. It's people who don't understand or who are unable to change the way they eat.

psych101

Wait? What? You WON a lap band?! wow.

so i'm not going to give you my thoughts on WLS - we all choose our own paths and live with the consequences of our own decisions. Whats right for you may not be whats right for me.....

I would want to know what the surgeon gets out of this 'free' lapband? Is he going to use your photos as advertising? Will he be blogging/facebooking/youtubing clips about your surgery? Are you comfortable with that?

0somuchbetter0

I have to agree with billieljaime on this one. What I just don't understand -- and maybe someone who has had WLS can explain to me -- is how many people state they lost like 15-20 lbs on a restrictive diet PRIOR to surgery to prepare for surgery??? uh... if you can lose weight by dieting, why the surgery then?

I have not -- nor will I ever contemplate any WLS-- I've known too many people who have either gained all their weight back plus more, have had lifetime complications set in, or are dead because of this surgery... it's not worth risking my life over. Just because you have this surgery does not mean you have a free ticket to weight loss... you STILL have to learn behavior modification. And if you learn behavior modification, you lose weight... and THAT is something I DO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT.... I weighed 270 lbs (5'3") at my all time high... I would guess I am now about 1/2 that size -- don't know since I don't weigh myself... but I have gone from a size 26 to a size 4... all because I learned portion control, food group choices, and exercise. It's all about lifestyle change and no surgery in the world can teach you lifestyle change...

I can't speak for everyone, only myself. So to answer your question about why, here is a post I wrote about a month ago:

I had lap band surgery two years ago and I'm happy to share my experience. Keep in mind that everyone is different, though, and surgery may not be the best route for your sister.

I tried many diets over the years, including severe calorie restriction, weight watchers, and Meridia. They all worked to a point, but eventually the weight always came back plus more. Eventually I realized my overeating had little to do with my love of good food. I still love good food. I'm a pretty good cook and I love going to good restaurants. I've never been a junk food junkie. My overeating was directly related to depression. I was on antidepressants for years, but was still unable to control the emotional overeating. Finally, I started to understand that I needed to learn new coping mechanisms to deal with stress, depression, life, that didn't involve food. I've been working with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders for over two years now, and I've made great progress.

NONE of this is thanks to my bariatric surgeon. He's a nice guy, but he's a surgeon, not a therapist. The reason I decided to go with the surgery...well, several reasons, and they're complicated. I had tried and failed so many times before, I didn't think I could face failing again. I was terrified of trying and failing, and my weight kept going up. I was fortunate not to have any other health issues, largely because of my active lifestyle and the fact that I never ate much junk (and genetics), but I knew it was just a matter of time before the weight would catch up to me. When I finally sat down and face reality I was about 120 lbs overweight and the thought of losing all that with no help was just so daunting I wanted to give up completely. If not for my kids, I might have ended it all at that point. How in the world do you lose 120 lbs???? It was just too much...I couldn't face it. My husband is a physician and read up on the medical literature, and weight loss surgery has a great success rate. Yes, people can and do re-gain weight after surgery. Everyone knows someone who has. But a meta analysis of the literature shows that *statistically* it's more successful than any other method of weight loss.

I decided on the lap band vs gastric bypass or sleeve or the other methods because it's the least invasive and can be reversed. My band is pretty loose these days, so I can *almost* eat like "normal." The other surgeries can cause malabsorption issues and you can't drink alcohol or sweets, and I wasn't about to give up any one type of food (or wine!). For six months to a year leading up to the surgery, I had to undergo a whole battery of tests (cardiac ultrasound, endoscopy, blood work, sleep study...can't remember what else) to make sure I was healthy enough to take the surgery. I was also required to lose a certain amount of weight (10% of my weight I think...can't remember now) to prove that I could make healthy choices. I also had a fitness test, treadmill stress test...can't remember what else. Anyway, my point is, you can't decide one day to have the surgery and then go and do it the following week. They put you through so much, that you have plenty of time to think it through and educate yourself before you actually go through with it.

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANT, I would not have had the success I've had if not for my therapist and a LOT of hard work on my mental and emotional relationship to food. I'm happy to say I've been off antidepressants since last summer and I "manage" my depression with exercise.

I still want to lose a lot more weight, but I can honestly say that I've reached my "goal" of having a healthy relationship with food and I'm no longer terrified of failing.

That's my story.

0somuchbetter0

The pre-op diet is a liquid diet to help shrink their liver for the surgery. Anybody can lose weight on a liquid diet.

That pre-op diet is only for about 2 weeks and, like you said, it's only required for the surgery. I lost about 5-6 lbs during those two weeks. It was during the 6 months prior that I lost the 10% of my starting weight, with the help of a dietitian, a shrink, and a trainer. They wanted to make sure I knew the proper way to eat before I committed to a life-changing surgery.

0somuchbetter0

I hope that appt goes well for you.

I would want to know a lot about
~the Anesthesiologist
~pain medicine after the surgery

In one of your posts your mentioned "removal."
Talk to the MD about that. I am pretty sure that it is considered permanent.

Also ask about side effects of living with the lap band.

Good luck.

No, the lap band is the only weight loss surgical procedure that is reversible. I met one person who had it removed because the band had slipped out of position. This surprises me, since the band is stitched into place, but it does happen sometimes.

0somuchbetter0

The lapband has the highest failure and complication rate. Don't do it.

You mean "failure" as in weight gain? If that's what you mean, yes, it's the least "effective' of the procedures because it's the least invasive. Since they don't actually remove or reroute any part of your anatomy, you don't get the malabsorption issues that the others cause. So basically, you can eat anything that you used to eat before. That's why you have to work on your head and make serious, lifelong behavioral changes too. But I have to admit it does help me. Even though I *can* eat pizza and donuts and stuff like that, I have to take small bites and eat slowly -- not something you do when you're on a serious emotional binge. Also, when I'm eating a regular meal (and not overeating out of emotional issues, or wanting to anyway), I feel satisfied with less quantities of food. I opted for the band vs the other procedures *because* it was the least invasive and *because* I wanted to work on my emotional issues related to food. It was definitely the right choice for me.

As for complication rates. I'm not aware of the band having more complications that the other procedures. Do you have more information about this?

kimothy38

It sounds to me like you've made a considered choice so all the haters can naff off. Best of luck!

Unknown

This content has been removed.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

0somuchbetter0

Questions I would want answered:
Assuming everything is a smashing success, I lose 90 pounds and keep it off 30 years, what diet/exercise limitations will I face 30 years from now?
Are there studies comparing excess skin complications (i.e. chronic infection) from lap band aided loss vs, weight loss not aided by surgery?

There are no diet or exercise limitations from lap band surgery.

I don't know the answer to your second question, but I'm guessing no.

Um, I'm not sure why you said there are no diet or exercise limitations, as that is simply not true (no bariatric doctor I saw ever said that)

When I had Lap Band, I was told never to do abdominal exercises, as it can bust the band.
There a lot of diet limitations with Lap Band. I ended up getting sick off of everything I ate, I was nauseated all the time and vomited daily. I would be EXTREMELY careful about what you eat. Also, you're not supposed to even vomit with the Lap Band, as it can cause slippage. I ended up having it removed after about 6 years (when I finally got insurance again) and opted for gastric bypass). You won't want to eat bread or pasta, as it will likely make you feel so uncomfortably full. Those were the WORST foods for me. Make sure to chew, chew, chew as well, otherwise you can get basically clogged where it won't want to pass through. I truly hope you don't have the issues I did.


ETA: Also, veggies and fruit really bothered me. Do not eat skin on fruit (especially apples!) and try to avoid very fibrous veggies. I love apples and spinach and could never eat those without getting very sick.
Also, my doctor told me that Lap Band does fail more than other surgeries, and that people can have issues with having a foreign body in them. My first surgeon didn't know why I was getting sick and simply said I was "rejecting the band"

I'm sorry you had those issues. I've had none, and the entire bariatric team at Washington Hospital Center assured me that there are no diet or exercise limitations with the band. There is no food I can't eat and no exercise I can't do. Sure there are some foods that can cause discomfort if I eat too much too fast. Bread is difficult, but that's ok -- I don't need to be wasting precious calories on tons of bread anyway. Sometimes very dense foods like steak and pasta can get stuck, but I just eat more slowly and take smaller bites and it's no problem. I have no problem with fruit, vegetables, or anything else. My surgery was in 2012 - maybe yours was earlier before they had worked out some issues? I don't know what your specific situation is, but I can assure you that I'm not making this up.

You said yourself that your surgeon said you simply "rejected the band." Some people are like that, but it's rare. You're an exception to the rule.

ETA: I do ab exercises like a madwoman... I do this intense core workout that leaves me feeling like a piece of cooked spaghetti. No band problems.

_KitKat_

Wait...what? A contest?? Red flag! Red flag! Your insurance should cover it if you're eligible, and if you're not eligible, maybe you don't need lap band surgery in the first place. Just how overweight are you? They already scheduled surgery for you without ever having met you???

I had lap band surgery two years ago, but not before months and months and months of counseling, medical screening, nutrition classes, a workout routine, etc. I worked (and still work) with a therapist, a dietitian, a physical trainer, and my surgeon. You can't just walk in for a pre-op, ask a few questions, and waltz into the operating room!

If I were you, I'd cancel the appointment and do some research...and then do some thinking...and then more research and more thinking.

^^^^^^This ...... Also remember all contest winners in the US need to pay tax on the value of their winnings. You also have the option of taking the cash value normally. Anyone I have ever met or heard of that had WL surgery had extensive therapy and medical services before the doctor would schedule surgery. Not trying to be a downer, but this has red flags everywhere. You say you want to lose 90lbs. I thought you had to have over 100lbs to lose, if wrong sorry.