Choosing to do that Lap-Ban...any concerns?

^^^This^^^ I had rny gastric bypass surgery and it saved my life. I was only 246 pounds, but as a Type I Diabetic with multiple other health issues, a small intestine with nerve damage, and kidney damage, it was my save. I had tried every diet known to man, including no food and i.v. nutrition. Because of other issues, there was zero weight loss and continued to gain. My endocrinologist referred me for the surgery and I have lost 86 pounds since they rerouted away from that dead small intestine and did a hernia repair also. I am not a lazy person and resent being called so. Just because one person can lose weight normally, does not mean that everyone else can. We are each individual. As far as lap band or any other weight loss procedure, do your homework, prepare your mind and body prior to surgery. Stick with the plan and work out any issues you have before going into it. Make sure you have a good surgical team and dietitian and follow up with them as instructed and you will do fine. I would not change what I did for anything.

I understand your resentment and MFP should be a judgement-free zone. In my personal opinion, weight loss surgery should be specifically for life saving cases like yours and I'm very glad you are on your way! Congratulations and may you continue to have success. A note to others that pass judgements: please resist the urge. Instead of passing judgement, offer encouragement or another way of approaching a problem.

My aunt had something similar but put much of the weight back on over time. 2 issues she had were the habits weren't changed and the loss of muscle mass which is your calorie burner. People tried to convince me to do it. I chose instead to try to do it through calorie counting instead. I still have my ups and downs but feel I am learning more as I go. You will need to make your own decision but I would only use it as a last resort if you tried everything else.

Well, I weighed 245 at my heaviest (and I am 5'1) and I've managed to lose without surgery, so honestly I know you can as well. But best of luck if you get approved. And just know you still have to tea h yourself new eating habits and get into a routine to exercise...especially if you plan on maintaining whatever you lose

I do not want to discourage you, but everytime you have surgery, you take a risk... and if you do not take care of the issues that caused you to get heavy in the first place, this can add complications and still add weight - Seriously consider other means, I am sure you ahve tried all sorts of things, but have you tried getting a personal trainer to help you exercise and eat right? I know that it seems like a quick fix, and it can work, but in the end there are no such things as an easy solution.

I totally agree. I have a friend that has bypass surgery(multiple reasons why this over non surgery ways) and she said while in the hospital "DO WHAT EVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO AVOID THIS TYPE OF SURGERY". This type of surgery should be an ABSOLUTE last straw/I will die if I don't have it type of situation. Your weight is by no means a reason to have surgery if you are otherwise healthy. I have another friend who is WAY larger then you and she is down almost 100lbs by counting her calories and exercising. These type of surgeries are an absolute life changing situation. It doesn't matter if you do a surgery or not, if you don't learn how to control what you put into your body you aren't going to have success. In my opinion if there are not any type of horrible debilitating health issues these surgeries are for lazy people that aren't willing to make healthy, long term sustainable changes to their diets and lifestyle. I wish you luck on your future.

I had Roux-N-Y gastric bypass 10 years ago, and it saved my life. I honestly, in my heart of hearts know I could not have lost the weight without the surgery. Only you and your doctor know what is best for you. My experience was very positive, and 10 years later I am doing great! I did gain back a little weight over time, but that was because I let emotional eating back into my life.eating back into my life. I was able to get my emotional issues back under control because I do now have the tools now to do the job. I am 18 pounds above my goal of 135....and that's not bad considering I was almost 300 pounds 10 years ago. When you have surgery you must always keep in mind that if you start eating like you used to that you can wind up back where you started. Take care of you, and best of luck in your journey.

what a great example of committment - thanks for the encouragement -

My best friend had lap. She's lost 70 pounds in a year. I sort of think of it as the "get rich quick" of weight loss. It's the easy way out... if it a healthy one? What really got me is she lost 16 pounds in the pre-surgery diet. I wish she would've realized if she could do that, she could do the rest! Without the surgical risk, the sacrifice in health, the incredible expense, the pain.

You've asked for concerns. Here are some I've seen:

- she can't eat enough to get adequate nutiriont
- she's always hungry
- she eats those teeny bird meals and gets grumpy from hunger/deprivation
- she isn't fun to eat with. I may get crap for saying so, but I think you're asking for the whole truth. It kinds bites to be with someone who cannot enjoy a healthy "normal" meal or has a timer at the table. It's socially isolating and off-putting.
- she isn't building muscle so she isn't looking shapely at all

The pro? Well hells belles, weight loss doesn't get any more passive, does it? If no-work weight loss is your only goal, go for it. If you have healthy goals, maybe choose to do something different on your own and YOU WILL GET THERE! Only you'll be healthy when you reach that finish line.

I wish you great luck and health, whatever you do!

I know of people who had both gastric bypass and lap band. Those who made the dietary modifications and starting eating real food in smaller portions and started exercising had success. Those who failed to make the lifestyle changes they needed to make didn't have success.

Kinda like the people who didn't have the surgery...

You're not that much overweight that you can't do it on your own with the right lifestyle changes. And then you won't have the GI side effects and risk of infection that comes along with that surgery...

I had RNY surgery over 6 months ago and it was the BEST decision I ever made. Due to health problems and the medication I had to go on I gained over 100lbs. I was actually told by the doctor at the weight loss clinic that no amount of exercise or diet would rid the weight. I di much research on my own and went to all the preparation appointments and groups beforehand so that I knew exactly what was expected of me post surgery. Has it been an easy journey? Absolutely not but no type of weight loss is and I knew I could never loose the weight on my own given my circumstances.

Don't let anyone else decide for you. It's very easy for some people to be against surgery but they have no idea what we have been through to try and loose the weight. Before I got sick I was 170lbs. I worked out regularly and for the most part watched what I ate but it was a struggle just to maintain that weight.

That said, I have relatives who have had both gastric bypass and the lap band surgery. Those that had the lap band have not been successful and have gained most of their weight back. Where I live the provincial government pays for the entire surgery process but only for RNY as the lap band has been deemed unsuccessful due to complications with the band and weight gained back. My advice is to research each surgery type very carefully so that you are making an informed decision.

I wish you luck with whatever decision you make.

Had a friend that had it done. Continued to eat her normal foods. (hotdogs, ice cream etc ) just in smaller portions. Did not change her lifestyle. Did lose the weight initially but after 2 years of not changing her habits, gained it back. Good luck in your final decision.

I do not want to discourage you, but everytime you have surgery, you take a risk... and if you do not take care of the issues that caused you to get heavy in the first place, this can add complications and still add weight - Seriously consider other means, I am sure you ahve tried all sorts of things, but have you tried getting a personal trainer to help you exercise and eat right? I know that it seems like a quick fix, and it can work, but in the end there are no such things as an easy solution.

I totally agree. I have a friend that has bypass surgery(multiple reasons why this over non surgery ways) and she said while in the hospital "DO WHAT EVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO AVOID THIS TYPE OF SURGERY". This type of surgery should be an ABSOLUTE last straw/I will die if I don't have it type of situation. Your weight is by no means a reason to have surgery if you are otherwise healthy. I have another friend who is WAY larger then you and she is down almost 100lbs by counting her calories and exercising. These type of surgeries are an absolute life changing situation. It doesn't matter if you do a surgery or not, if you don't learn how to control what you put into your body you aren't going to have success. In my opinion if there are not any type of horrible debilitating health issues these surgeries are for lazy people that aren't willing to make healthy, long term sustainable changes to their diets and lifestyle. I wish you luck on your future.

I could not agree more with you two. for the amount of money you are going to spend on the surgery, you can get a trainer for atleast 6moths. We shouldnt run to the quiest fix, Just because we have that solution it doesen't mean it is the right one. Please consider and try a persnal trainer before puting your health in a risk such as a non-medical surgery.