COPD and the lap band

Gramma227

Hi I am definitely a newbie to both MFP and WLS I have COPD and am 100 lbs. overweight which causes me to have even more breathing difficulties. My pulmonary doctor suggested I see a surgeon and consider some kind of WlS I am a high risk for surgery and don't do well under anesthesia so my doctor will only do lap band. Not my first choice I was considering a sleeve. A few of my concerns are 1. I have difficulty exercising due to breathing issues and can pretty much only do things sitting down and I know exercise is of major importance. 2. I have heard some horror stories about how you can't ever eat normally again 3. The weight loss is much slower {how much slower} 4. I am just plain nervous. Any suggestions or advice? Also I have heard people mention DS I do not know what this is.

gspea

I had the Lapband surgery on June 28th - making me a little over 2 weeks out. I had to wait six months and go thru a medically managed diet per insurance. Lost 35 pounds. Has the last two weeks been easy. I won't say yes. I was in the ER twice after surgery - couldn't breathe (swollen diaphragm) and then a week later with dehydration. i couldn't get enough water in because i was trying to get my protein in... Would I have it again - yes. I chose to do the lapband - less invasive - no serious restructuring of my innards. I accept a slower weight loss - 4 - 8 pounds a month is ok with me. It took quite awhile for the weight to come and happily live with me. I am not looking for instant (tho' I will say instant would have been nice). You need to talk with your doctor and surgeon, discuss your options based on your history. You should research your options - Internet, Support Groups (your surgeon may have a group - mine does). I wish you all the best in your journey. Deciding to have WLS surgery - of any kind - is a huge decision - not one that can be reversed easily.

Arthemise1

I had the LapBand done about two years ago. I lost 50 pounds and then stalled. I've lost an additional 22 pounds with MFP and plan to lose the rest of my weight. You still have to eat right, and it's not easy, just easier. I find that low carb helps me not be so hungry; hunger is my main problem. It's physiological with me, not psychological. To answer your questions:

1. You don't have to exercise to lose weight. It's good for your health if you can.

2. Everyone's different, but I can eat whatever I want. I have to chew a lot and eat slowly. Bananas, rice, and certain breads are hard for me to eat, so I don't have them often.

3. Weight loss is generally slower but no worse than a regular dieter's. I average 8 pounds a month right now.

4. Learn all you can about the LapBand and talk in person to others who have had it. You're going to be nervous until the surgery is done, I'm guessing.

Good luck!