anyone had Lap Band surgery?

Recently I have been considering this procedure as I have a close friend who is preparing to do the same. On one hand it feels like an easy way out, although, on the other hand, it clearly requires a great commitment and would be another tool in the battle of the bulge.

Thoughts? Is it worth it?

Thu. Oct 16, 10:33pm

I have had a few friends that have had it done. they didnt have good experiences. one says she barely can eat. she has to chew everything completely or she gets sick as a dog..to me thats not a way to live.. I like to enjoy my food. just in a different way now.

My personal opinion, I dont like the idea of surgeries. I started off at 370 pounds. I am now down to 186.. I have kept 165 of it off for seven years.. I did it naturally.. I have tried the diet pill route as well, but long term weight control to me is lifestyle change. to me surgies and diet pills are just quick fixes to a lifetime situation. weight is something I will always have to control through portion control, exercise, drinking my water and making healthy choices.

I dont think people have to turn to surgery to reach thier goals. but thats just what works for me. everyone is different but we are all here with a common goal. to be healthy. Idont think you have to have surgery to reach you goal if your willing to work hard for it determined and believe in your self.. its all within you to do it!!

good luck!

*lynneta*

Thursday, October 16, 2008, 11:16 PM

I have to agree with lynneta. I started this journey at 300 and now down to 199 this morning. My mom had the bipass surgery when I was in the 6th grade...now pushing 43. It didn't work for her and now she has many other health problems she would NOT have had if she didn't have the surgery. She is now working on losing the weight on her own and it is working...she is just over 5 foot, weighed 275. Now she is down to 197. I am very proud of her!

Anyway...

I don't think surgery is a way to go. I do understand that there are some people that need this drastic measure in order to maintain living but I think you should really think long and hard before making this decision. Lynneta is right...we all have it in us to release the excess weight. You just need the determination and drive to make that commiment. I didn't get that until I was faced with being on meds for health issues that come with being 300 pounds for 25 years. My suggestion is to have regular visits with your doctor and ask about seeing a dietician BEFORE going for surgery. Good Luck with whatever you decide!

Rena

Friday, October 17, 2008, 5:50 AM

A very dear friend of mine had the surgery and I'll grant you she lost weight. She also lost a lot of her hair, and had numerous other issues due to malnutrition and because she vomitted a lot. 3 years later she started putting weight back on, because eventually if you keep pushing it - your stomach will expand around the bands to allow you to eat more. It didn't look like a whole lotta fun to me. However that's just her experience and that's the only experience I've gotten to witness closely, so it could be that others have better ones.

Friday, October 17, 2008, 9:51 AM

Lynetta, COngratualtions. I didn't know that's where you started. That's where my friend started, well, 375, he's now down 39.5 pounds.

If it's ok, I'm going to cut and paste some of your comments and email to him.

Thanks for setting such a great example for us Lynneta!!!

-buzzard

Friday, October 17, 2008, 3:06 PM

sure buzz. I would be honored.. I try to show people through my journey that it is possible without surgery and pill.

tell him I said congrats on his journey thus far.. kep going... it is so worth it.

rena you have every right tobe proud of her.. just as I am sure she is proud of you!!! I know I am. keep up the great work everyone! hard work, peristance, andbelieving in yursef an reaching for that dream.. it does pay off!

*lynneta*

Friday, October 17, 2008, 5:00 PM

Guys, what a great set of accomplishments. Thank you for sharing this and thanks for your leadership on this issue. As we expand our 'Health" section (click to nav to see new design) we will be covering this issue and relying heavily on the input from you guys.

-PT

Friday, October 17, 2008, 6:30 PM

wow, Lynetta. Congrats. Your attitude is really a "thin & healthy" one, you must have made big changes!
Haniel

Sunday, October 19, 2008, 10:59 PM

My friend said thank you Lynneta for the well wishes and looks forward to me sending him some of your words of wisdom and encouragement. I keep mentioning that perhaps he should join PT himself but I don't think that's going to happen. I can keep nagging though:-)

-buzzard

Monday, October 20, 2008, 10:14 AM

buzz.. you can always pass my email to him if he needs someone to talk to through this journey. just let me know.. I have been there. I KNOW how he feels. let him know hes not alone.. we woud love to have him join us.

haniel its been a long journey.. one I am not finished with yet, but one well worth it. thanks for your words.. I will try to remember them when I have my weak moments..

PT is right we have all accomplished great things and with this site and support from our families here we will cross that finish line together!

*lynneta*... bounces off to the gym before her date ...

Monday, October 20, 2008, 2:19 PM

ANYONE had good experience with lap banding, would you recomend it??

Friday, July 9, 2010, 9:07 AM

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