Needing some info!

I am currently a third year student at the University of Florida (Go Gators!!), originally from south Florida but my parents recently moved to Alpharetta. I'll be spending the summer up there hoping to volunteer to get a job in a rehab clinic but also to have Lap Band surgery. My mom had gastric bypass over 2 years ago and has lost a bunch of weight and is now so much happier and healthier. Seeing her lose the weight and change her life has really inspired me to do the same. I have decided on my own to go through with the process but I'd like to get some advice from people who possibly know more or someone who has had the surgery. I am a medical student, so I understand the pathophysiology of obesity but I think that getting some personal insight on the matter is a good idea. If you know of anyone (preferably a younger individual) or you have received the surgery yourself, I would very much appreciate the help and experience in following through with the surgery. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Thanks!

Hi Allison, I'm not so young anymore (42 here) but can tell you that I had lap-band in Sept and have been very happy with the results as well as the surgery itself. I've lost just under 50 lbs so far. I have learned that with the band you must have patience because your weight dont come off as fast as with RNY and you most likely will not have good restriction for the first 2-3 fills. Now...that said, even with little restriction during the early months its been easier than without the band alltogether if that makes sense. Even on a hungry day I eat WAY FAR LESS than ever before. Hope that helps just a little. Phyllis

Hello Allisn, I had surgery 3 years ago and then both my sister and my niece have followed in my footsteps. We all used the same dr, Dr Christoper Hart. My sister and I had rny, my niece the lap band. She is 24 years old and had surgery this past summer. She lost about 20 lbs prior to surgery and now is 117 lbs lighter! The band has been awesome for her. There is a good lap band forum here on OH. I had never visited it before but once she chose the band I wanted to find out information about it too. There is also a lap band group that meets the third Saturday of the month at the Buckhead library that she attends. Good luck in your journey! ps: I will pass along your email address to my niece. Marie post op, 12/02/03 lap rny, dr Hart