lap band

MizzTweezy

I had lap band surgery 3-1/2 months ago. I regret it every day. I so with I had done the sleeve. I eat right, no sweets, no sodas, low carbs and keep my calories under 1100 per day. I exercise at least 3times a week. I am losing about 1 pound per month. Seriously. 1 pound. What a waste of money and time.

1100 a day is TOO LOW... Scary low. Your body's metabolism has likely slowed to accommodate the lower calories. And before anyone replies that "You don't know her stats, 1100 calories could be ok if she is small or has a small amount to lose" - someone who had weight loss surgery generally is about100 lbs or more overweight - usually. that said, anyone with 100 lbs to lose, should never be eating 1100 a day.

It wouldn't surprise me if your doctor advised this, but it's horrible advice. Doctors are not nutritionists, and Not all of them are educated on the proper nutrition requirements based on individual stats like height, weight, BMR etc..

The sad truth is, you probably need to increase your calories for awhile, risk gaining some weight while your body adjusts to having adequate nutrition again, and then go with a more reasonable deficit - like 500 or so under your TDEE (what you burn on average per day with your activity level) This could mean you eat 1800 or more per day to LOSE weight.. (I average 1800/day, and have about 60-80 left to lose).

Take care. GOOD LUCK!

Tina

Weird you say this, I am on a 800 calorie diet for 2 years and then up to 1200 with the lap band and I am doing fine, blood work checks out and I am healthy. I guess to each Dr his own..Mine is from a Center of Excellence and has great success rates. There is no way I could eat high calories unless I was eating cake, cookies, ice cream,dip and chips.... I take a multivitamin and some vid d and calcium. But so far so good. Oh and whey protein powder too so I get enough in.

I am really happy for you! I fear your experience may be the minority, but it does happen. I remember those days as well. I say this sincerely, I hope your band is good to you long term and you don't end up with complicatiins. When I saw my band dr last week, his comment to me was: "you have all the risks of having a foreign object in your body, but are reaping none of the benefits.. he tried to talk me into another gastric surgery, and i told him no, that i found an alternative that was working. I do not wish you ill will, but cannot help but be concerned for anyone having gone through this long term. I will stop here as i dont want to belittle your success, as you have had awesome success. Good luck!

Thanks, I know it is different for everyone, and I have already made a back up plan if something were to ever go wrong a slippage erosion etc with my Dr. But as of now because I am doing so well having it and it isn't causing anything bad to me we are going to keep it for now. Which I am okay with. When I did the initial weight loss requirement to have the surgery It only took me a month, at that point I was really wondering if I needed the surgery at all. I had a lot of issues with knowing what to eat, the dietitians were a fabulous tool within themselves for me. Just learning how to eat right, what to eat etc. I don't know if I would of gotten as far as I have, but I had the faith in myself that I could of done it. But I went ahead with it because I had fought my insurance for over a year after I was finished with my 6 month supervised diet part... And I got approved... So I took it as a sign and ran with it... lol...
I won't let it fail because I am more aware now of what I have to eat. I was a cookie,ice cream,cake, chips and dip Aholic! A true food addict, will be for the rest of my life... That is why continuous support is soooooooo important, which brings me to this site Motivation! I read success story's every day and am so touched by them, and it helps so much to keep going...
It has gotten easier now, It's part of my life. And I know if I want to continue to be successful I can't eat like I did before. I am more active now.. I want to step it up a little. I was walking 3 miles at one time.. But summer and the heat really slowed me down in that aspect.. But it's Fall time and I love walking..
What it all boils down to is changing your lifestyle, surgery or not. There is no magic about anything.. I think it's all pretty Scientific....
Anyways I'm done babbling.. lol

shenanigansmo

Most of the time doctors will NOT do any sort of bariatric surgery (lap band, bypass, or sleeve) unless the patient has a BMI over 45. However, if you have another health condition that technically classifies you as being morbidly obese such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. then they will do it if you have a lower BMI (usually about 35). So if your BMI is currently at 37 and you have no other health issues your doctor, or maybe even your insurance, might not approve the surgery. I would suggest working hard and changing your lifestyle and eating habits. I also feel that surgery should be an absolutely last ditch effort after ALL other options have been exhausted.

Oh and I used to work for Ethicon Endo-Surgery, the makers of the Realize Lap Band. So no... I'm not biased at all.

thelaurameister

Has anyone had the Lap-band surgery? and pros and cons if you would like to share, my BMI is 37 and I have struggle with weight issues all my life and Im thinking about asking my dr about it.

The only thing I ask of you is to ask yourself if you've REALLY put all you've got into losing weight. The only reason I ask is because I, too, considered getting a lap band. I would try diet after diet to no avail, I would give up and quit then just get back to where I started. I felt like nothing would work for me. I discussed this with my boyfriend and he said "Love, I know you want to be skinny, but I see you eat fast food still. You don't go to the gym except maybe once or twice a week...Can you really say that you've put 100% of your effort into it? I love you just the way you are, but surgery is a big deal, and you don't need it. You just need to TRY". This was really eye opening for me. Sure, I've been counting calories for 5 months now, but I would still eat fast food. I still eat donuts. I see nothing wrong with this every once in awhile and in moderation, but up until recently, I kind of saw weekends as free-for-alls...Then I would wonder why I kept gaining and losing the same 5 pounds. Not to mention, lap band (like any other weight loss strategy) still requires eating healthy. It still requires exercise. It's not a miracle procedure, but it does help. If you decide this is the best way for you to lose weight, then go for it, I just want you to make sure you know it's the only option you have left. But you seem pretty level headed, I just wanted to share that because it was really eye opening for me. I never saw it that way, and ever since I've put a lot more effort into my weight loss, and it's working. Best of luck to you!

refinley2

Don't do it!
Interfering with internal organs carries risk of complications. Even years after having the surgery accompanied with successful weight loss, the digestive process is strained and uncomfortable, depending on what food is eaten. Spicy foods will become a gassy nightmare.
Furthermore, because the weight loss is dramatically accelerated, skin doesn't have to time to regain it's original state. So there will be a lot of stretchmarks and leftovers. Gastric alterations appear to be successful because most patients will see some weight loss, but this loss is based on caloric restriction.
Weight-loss that will leave your skin tight and your organs healthy requires learning to base a majority of your diet on dense nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
It definitely feels impossible to make such a huge change in the beginning, but this is truly the only way to keep off weight without starving.

sweet1ntx

I went to a few consults for lap band and sleeve surgeyr about 6 mos ago. I was encouraged to go by my now ex-husband. After alot of research and soul searching I realized I needed to unload him and that surgery isnt the answer for me. You STILL HAVE TO DIET AND EXERCISE! I started working out and eating right and quickly lost 20 lbs...since joining myfitnesspal in June I have lost another 14 lbs. It can be done! All the money I saved by not spending it on surgery I booked a vacation in Dec to Puerto Rico. I know of several people who have so many complications realted to their surgeries. I have a busy career and dont have time to waste constantly going to see DRs. Its a personal choice and I have read several postings of people who have done well with it. It's just not a risk I was willing to take. Good luck with whatever you decide!

RainHoward

Like anything in life, you get out of it what you're willing to put in. It is a tool, not a cure. It's not a magical device that will end all your eating woes. The band is losing favor with surgical centers recently as the rate of long term success seems to decrease much faster than other surgical options. But then, the band can be loosened or even surgically removed while other options are much more permanent and invasive.

I'm currently in the process of getting bypass surgery. There are numerous requirements that you must fulfill before surgery, so that's what I'm currently doing. I've gone back and forth many times with emotions and doubts. I've had long conversations with myself about if I am able to live with the consequences of surgery. To never again be able to sit down and eat a nice fat, juicy porterhouse. No more cake. All those things that have helped me get so damn fat. For me, the benefits of surgery far outweigh the down sides. For other people that may not be true.

And that is one thing you really must be absolutely sure about. That you are willing and able to put in the work, to control what you eat, how much you eat. To take the vitamins as required. It's not just a slice/dice and forget kind of thing. Thousands of people get surgery every year and the success rate for all of them is pretty high. Just be sure you know what you're buying.

Kimchee001

Everyone I personally know that has had the lap band has gained their weight back. Apparently they thought it was a quick fix. It is a good tool, if you work it properly. I'm a member of Weight Watchers and some of the members there have had the lap band and put on weight so they joined to try to lose again. For me ww works, yes it is expensive, but so is being fat (health issues later on). Not everyone has sucess with WW, each person is different. What ever journey you choose I wish you have good luck!

I am post lap band 3 1/2 years, 90 POUNDS STILL LOST, no longer have hypertension controlled by medication, no longer pre-diabetic, no longer wear a CPAP mask at night, and at 45 yrs old weigh less now than I weighed for the previous 15 years. I did try WW, Jenny Craig, etc. and they didn't work for me, but lap band has...and continues to be my blessing. Am I at goal yet? Nope. But I am certainly a heck of a lot closer now than 3 1/2 years ago! It continues to be one of the best things I ever did for myself!!! It is NOT a quick fix, which is why I am still working towards my goals, as what a lot of us here are working towards. Are some days hard? Of course they are. The lap band just happened to be be the "tool" than worked for ME to help me (and continues to help me) change old habits.

lwmwmom

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lwmwmom

I had gastric by-pass surgery a month ago. I am doing great now but for the first few weeks, I was wishing I hadn't had it done. I had some surgical complications, bleeding from one of the puncture sites internally. I had to have blood and was in a lot of pain. The first thing I said to my husband when I woke up from the surgery was that I wished I hadn't had it done. That was true for the first 2-3 weeks, when you are getting used to the new diet and supplements. Diet is very limited for 2 weeks. After that you start adding in high protein real foods. Then it is easier. Now I am one month and a few days out and I feel great. I have lost 30 lbs. since my pre-operative visit and I feel great. My weightloss on this site started after about 2 weeks post op.

I chose gastric bypass over lap band because a friend of mine told me that lap band does not keep you from eating bad foods like sugar and high fat foods. It just limits the amount you can eat at one time. Lap band also offers relief from high blood pressure after weightloss. Gastric bypass offers relief from high blood pressure from the time of surgery in many cases, as explained by my surgeon. I am off my blood pressure medicine and my CPAP after 30 lbs of weightloss.

Gastric bypass is tricky becasue you have to take several vitamins and minerals for life. You have to follow up with labs frequently at first then yearly to make sure you have what your body needs. Bypass also limits the amount of sugar you can eat. Dumping syndrome can occur if you eat sugar. It causes nausea, cramps, sweating, and can cause terrible diarrhea. If you ever have an episode of this you will never eat too much sugar again. Otherwise, it is like eating very small portioned high protein foods. I can dine out with my family. I just went to Applebees this weeks and ate the Creamy Parm. Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. I had about half of the chicken and 1/4 of the potatoes and I was full. I eat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food each sitting and that is all I need. Plus with the surgery you are never hungry for the first several months. The dietician at the practice I used said it would be 8 months to a year before I was hungry. So far that is true. I have to make myself eat each meal.

I would not dare offer you advice as to what to do with your body. I found it worth it for me so far. Consider all your options and be careful picking your surgical practice if you decide to do either.

TheConsciousFoody

My mother had it done. But she doesn't expect it to be a miracle surgery. Its worked great for her. She is now really healthy and workouts all of the time. She has motivated my dad into living a healthy lifestyle too. Its for some people but not for others. She also had to wait a year...lose a certain amount of weight before they'd do the surgery, talk to a nutritionist regurarly and a head shrink. The people she went through, as well as her insurance, wanted her to be ready for it and how to live better after it. I was glad she had the lap band instead of the other stuff because I didn't like the thought of parts of her insides removed with the other options. I was glad this one was less complicated.

Now my cousins wife wanted the sleeve...and a month later she had it done. I think because she wasn't mentally prepared to take care of herself is the reason she is not losing any weight. She eats like crap still and doesn't work out,

Anganiesta

No matter if you have lap band or on any diet, you should never, NEVER eat less than 1200 calories. Your body with go into starvation mode and you will not lose weight. If you stay just above 1200 you would lose just fine. Also, divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water a day. As you lose weight the amount of water will go down. The thing is when they say drink 8 cups of water a day they are talking about a healthy size person. Also, the water helps flush out the fat in your system that you are losing and want to lose on top of a healthy diet/lifestyle. Hope this helps! This is just what I have learned over the years.

You could also try a protein meal replacement shake a day and two 4-6oz meals a day. Make sure they add up to 1200 calories. I have noticed that I lose about a pound a day if I do that and me being 262 pounds I drink 16 cups of water a day right now.

I use Bariatric Advantage Protein Shakes. I like the Chocolate, Banana, and Strawberry.

https://www1.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/us-en/5/Meal_Replacements

I also mix a little vanilla protein into the mix to help with flavor and it is yummy.

http://www.sunwarrior.com/product-info/classic-protein/

LRunda

I have no experience with the band, but this thread has been very informative.

losttogain

I had the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in June 2008 and I lost about 125lbs in the first year or so. I've only recently started to gain some of the weight back (in the past year). It's frustrating, but it happens. I wouldn't undo my surgery for anything, and if I could force myself to go back to same diet I was on in those first few months I would (but the reason I got the surgery in the first place is because I didn't have the self control, and I hardly do now).

On the other hand, my mother got the lap band surgery a few years before I got mine. I decided against the lap band because I didn't want to have to constantly go back and get it readjusted and learn to "beat the system". Unfortunately about two years ago, she had to have the lap band removed because of complications caused by the surgery about 5 years after she got it. Her intestines had folded back on themselves and ulcerated and she developed giant hernias that they can't remove because she has a scarring issue. She's gained almost all of the weight she had lost over those 5 or so years back and is pretty miserable (and has oddly shaped hernias now to boot).

The lap band works for some people if they really learn how to change their life and don't just rely on the band for guidance, but I would suggest getting it removed when a person thinks they're in control of their eating habits.

I'd be happy to answer more questions about the roux if you're interested though.

0somuchbetter0

I had lap band surgery in May 2012. I've had ups and downs but I've never regretted it and overall it was the right choice for me. One thing I like about the band over he other surgeries is that I have no malabsorption issues and I can choose how much or how little restriction I want or need at any particular time. The most important thing to understand is this: your weight issues are in your head, not your stomach. If you don't fix your head (learn how to eat right, figure out your personal issues with food and/or overeating, etc.), surgery will do nothing for you.

As you can see on this thread, everyone has an opinion and everyone has different experiences. Also, you never REALLY know what it's going to be like until you do it and go through various experiences yourself. Feel free to add and/or message me if you want...

0somuchbetter0

i know a lot of people who got the lap band...and they all look great..i even thought bout it myself. but i feel no point cause they still have to work out. my aunt cant eat bread anymore because they effed up the first time she got a lapband. my dads old-time friend got the lapband tightened 3 times but its like sooo good compared to what he used to be. but ultimately its ur decision. i decided no cause i feel its better to try it naturally watch what i eat (altho im not really) lol and exercise. lol plus if i get the lapband i cant drink soda or any bubbly drink =\ lool

You can drink soda. You shouldn't because it's crap for you, but it is physically possible with the band.

0somuchbetter0

No matter if you have lap band or on any diet, you should never, NEVER eat less than 1200 calories. Your body with go into starvation mode and you will not lose weight. If you stay just above 1200 you would lose just fine. Also, divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water a day. As you lose weight the amount of water will go down. The thing is when they say drink 8 cups of water a day they are talking about a healthy size person. Also, the water helps flush out the fat in your system that you are losing and want to lose on top of a healthy diet/lifestyle. Hope this helps! This is just what I have learned over the years.

You could also try a protein meal replacement shake a day and two 4-6oz meals a day. Make sure they add up to 1200 calories. I have noticed that I lose about a pound a day if I do that and me being 262 pounds I drink 16 cups of water a day right now.

I use Bariatric Advantage Protein Shakes. I like the Chocolate, Banana, and Strawberry.

https://www1.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/us-en/5/Meal_Replacements

I also mix a little vanilla protein into the mix to help with flavor and it is yummy.

http://www.sunwarrior.com/product-info/classic-protein/

Lots of misinformation here. I've met a lot of people in WLS support groups who, shortly after surgery (especially gastric bypass), physically couldn't take in more than 600 or 700 calories a day. These were people who were hugely morbidly obese and being closely monitored by their docs. The weight came off fast, and as they recovered from the surgery and were able to move more and eat more, their daily calories went up to more normal levels. Personally, I couldn't eat more than about 1000 cals a day for a month after my lap band surgery, and I was fine.

Also, there is no such thing as "starvation mode."

Also, there's no scientific evidence that drinking more water will "flush out the fat in your system."

callistasky

I had a higher BMI than you did when I first. Started at the beginning of the year. My BMI is now 29, under morbidly obese. I did it through exercise and getting an understanding of what are healthy foods ( whole grains, lean proteins, fruits veggies) and serving size and calories ( mostly understanding that grains even if they are whole have a lot of calories). Most importantly listen to your body! I found out when I drink alcohol, I absorb all the calories that I eat afterwards. I try not to drink now.
On a side note, my mother is morbidly obese and not healthy like I was. She is over 300 lbs. she got the lapband surgery. She had to lose weight to get it which she did through starving. She did not change her lifestyle. She got the band lost a lot of weight about 70lbs, but once they stopped tightening the band, she gained almost all the weight back. Ask yourself are you really going to change your life this time? Do you think it is something you can commit your life to? Losing weight does take time. I lost 40lbs in 9 months, but I had fun along the way. The great news is that with my body type, sure I would look good at 140, but I looks great at 180 ( I think). If you need a buddy, feel free to add me. And good luck!

t1954

Please read my profile. I never gave it very much serious consideration. It can be done without it. Good luck whatever you decide.

Faye_Anderson

Really old post, op hasn't been active for 9 months

christianladybug

You have gotten a lot of advice. Just want to say it depends on your struggle. I had a gastric sleeve done 3 months ago. And many are right you still have to make better food choices and you MUST stay active. This is not the miracle cure. It is however a wonderful tool for those of use that have struggled all our lives. I spent a year exercising and eating right and I lost 15lbs in year. It is very discouraging when you weigh over three hundred pounds and can't lose any more than that.

No one can make this decision for you. Research it and know what you are getting yourself into. But, remember this is a lifestyle change. I will always have to exercise and make more good food choices than bad if I want the weight to stay off. But, to me the life I am entering into is so worth it. I am eating to live now and not living to eat. And I am seeing results where as before the surgery I felt like I was fighting my body ever step of the way. Now when I feel discourage I can't go out and binge then feel guilty so stay on the trend. My body will not let me.

Good luck in what ever you pursue but just remember whether you do it with surgery or without it is a choice to make a lifestyle change which means you will always eat healthy food and exercise more days than you don't.

0somuchbetter0

Really old post, op hasn't been active for 9 months

I realized this after I had posted. But it's ok...still good info to share.