New and getting a lap band soon!!!

Welcome! And how exciting about the lap band! I've heard good things! (my only concern is how do you get all the nutrients you need each day? Do you get extra supplements?)

They take a bunch of bariatric geared supplements. They work with people on their nutrition and such. Not that you're saying this, but a lot of people bash it as an easy way out, it's actually quite hard.

odd?...your ticker says you lost weight and you don't have the band yet...

Hello and welcome to your journey on MFP. I am curious, but prior to having WLS, isn't there a lot of counseling and appointments involved? Are there classes to instruct and weigh the pros and cons? I know that there is still very few insurances that will cover this procedure, so I imagine that the cost is also a huge impact upon the decision to have this done.

Even with having WLS, you will stil have to monitor and watch intake of foods. Will there be certain items that you will not be able to eat? I know after my gallbladder, fried is a HUGE No-No. It is a good thing since I don't need fried. I can imagine that the nutrient loss because of food intake loss could have an effect on bone density as well. Is that something that they monitor during the post procedure?

I think that it is wonderful that you have found something that will work for you, and if I was having the same things going on with you, I am sure that I could hardly stand the waiting till it was done. I wish you the best of luck in your procedure and look forward to also hearing about how you maintain afterwards.

Thanks for your support and good questions! I researched the lap band for 2 years prior to my decision. Most major insurance companies cover WLS now, if you meet criteria (high BMI, high BP, diabetes, sleep apnea or other problems). You are correct about pre-op appointments and procedures. I have had several over the past six months.

Diets consist of small healthy meals (cut up). You cannot drink and eat at the same time. Protein is essential, and I can only take chewable and liquid vitamins.

As with any surgery there is risk and people should consider it seriously, this was not something I entered into lightly. I just have "yo-yo'd" since I hit menopause (had to have a hysterectomy in 1991), and despite eating a healthy diet I have had a hard time losing weight.

I know if I lower my caloric intake to less then 1500 calories I can loose weight (I just lost weight), but in order for me to keep it off and break the cycle I need this tool.

Thanks again for understanding!!!

I appreciate you coming back to share more about it, it's a bit easier to understand knowing the person has done a lot of research etc. It's when someone decides to have any surgeries but does not put in the time that worries us. The best too you as your date is coming up soon!!:flowerforyou:

Good for you Joleen, get your life back on track, don't worry about the criticism from others. I believe people who are obese have a disease, I can't imagine getting to that size myself without something being terribly wrong in my life or myself. Your better to get lap band then die of a obese related medical problem.

Welcome !! I wish you the best of luck with your band .. I had the lap band surgery Nov 2010. It is a nice tool to have. Just make sure you follow the diet plan they put you on.

Hope everyone has a great day !

Congratulations on making your decision to change your life for the better! I'm a fellow bandster and like the other bandsters have mentioned, the band is a tool. A tool that can only do the work if we use it properly, same as MFP. Good luck! Looking forward to supporting you in your journey. We're all in this together! :bigsmile:

I too have had the lapband surgery...this month on the 31st will make it 2 years for me and it was the best thing I could have ever done for my Life. I have also CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE but this TOOL is helping me by restricting what and how much I can eat it has no way done this for me it has just helped me. it makes me sick :mad: that people who dont even know what you have done to research and what you have done to try to lose weight beforehand will JUDGE you, I know that I tried everything including diet and exersize before I had my surgery and it would never come off and stay off and now I have my band and I am in the best health I could possiably be in I have participated in 5 5k's, 1 10k and 1 half Marathon in this past 2 years and before I took everything I had to walk from the parking lot into work without having a heart attack much less workout for a long period of time. I also researched the surgery for over a year before I decided to get it, my doctor wanted me to have bypass but I decided that I did not want that I wanted the lapband and I provided the reasonings to him and he agreed with me that it would be the better option for me. Dont ever let anyone tell you that you are taking the easy way out it is just as hard with the band, but now you will have that tool to help you keep it off! Good luck with it and if you ever have any questions or concerns please dont heasitate to ask! ill request you as well as a friend. :flowerforyou:

Welcome to MFP! I had my lap band surgery on June 23, 2008. I just sent you a friend request. Any other lap band or WLS folks are welcome to send me a friend request too. :-)

Wow very different opinions. I say what ever works for you do it. If you need that extra boost then go for it. I really don't know anything about the lap band surgery, but I hope it works for you. Take care of yourself after surgery.

Welcome and CONGRATULATIONS on your new journey! I think it's wonderful that you've made the decision to do what you gotta do to get fit, healthy, and happy!

The best to you. We're definitely here to support!

xoxo.