Was having doubts but....

Before my initial consulation with Dr. Chu, I researched all the procedures and initially chose the Lap Band then did more reading and found people had trouble with slippage and erosion from it, and how alot of people said that after having the band they later went on to have the gastric bypass procedure. So in my mind I figured I would just get the gastric bypass. So I started more research on this and in my consulation she suggested the Lap Band because I am young (28) and it can be adjusted and readjusted as I get older. Which is the main reason I wanted the band to begin with. She eased my concerns and fears about slippage and erosion. Then we looked at the stats on how much people lose and don't lose with the lap band and gastric bypass and I was concerned that I wouldn't lose with band, so I came on here and read about yall's success with the lap band and that has eased my mind alot! Not real sure where I was going with this but just wanted to say yall have been an inspiration to me to know I can do this and I am not alone.

I'm not sure where you are now in your decision, but I wish you much success. Statistically, the complication rate for band slippage and erosion is about 3 percent. Yes, everyone has heard of people who had slips and it does seem like complications are much higher, but they are not. The band and RNY are very different in the rate of weight loss in the first year. The slower weight loss of the band is often seen as inferior, but after 18-24 months, the rapid weight loss of the RNY is countered with some weight regain. This is often termed the "window of opportunity" of the gastric bypass, but I would be silly not to mention that I also know bypass patients who are still losing after 2 years and not everyone regains weight. In my opinion, I'm not a band success story, but I know several. I just finished writing a patient profile on Stacey W., an OH member, and she's 114 pounds down in a little over a year. This isn't someone I heard about from a cousin, coworker, or friend of a friend. I would love to send you a pdf of her story with pictures (that I took - before and after).  If you are searching for other OH members, check out Bette Blackwell who has lost over 200 pounds and is at a normal (slightly lower) BMI. Tricia K. is a Louisiana member who is beyond amazing in her band results. She's also a ultra cool person to know. I was 37 when I had my band surgery and I've lost over 10 sizes from a size 32/28 to 22/18. My signature pictures show me in a size 32 top and size 28 shorts down to a Size 22 top and Size 18 shorts. People who know me well also know that during this period, I've had seven more surgeries. None of them were band-related and I'm proud to say even when I had an open wound for two months from a staph infection and months of abdominal swelling, I didn't have band complications. I do think I could have lost more, but even after 6-7 months at a time with my band being completely empty, I did not regain weight. I'm considering activitating my loss potential again by starting to get regular fills which I've not gotten because of those unrelated abdominal surgeries. This means after three years, my tool hasn't lost any of its affectiveness because I can chose the level of adjustment at any time. A word about the needed lifestyle changes -- the same. No matter what surgery you choose, what you must do is pretty much the same. Lose the weight quickly and you must diet and exercise to keep it off in years 2 and beyond. Lose the weight slowly and you much diet and exercise from the very beginning and throughout to have the ultimate results from the band. I applaud your efforts and the time you are putting into making a decision. Please let me know an email address I can send Stacey's profile to. Her before and after pictures in her first year are so incredibly inspiring that I'm thinking of jumping back in the race and losing more. Oh, my...this is long....so sorry, but I thought this might help some more. Either way, you are in excellent hands with Dr. Chu. I've heard wonderful things about her and her practice. Onward! Frances

I have chosen to get the Lap Band procedure. I am doing my psyc-evaulation on Monday (in 3 days) And I am self-pay so I may be able to have surgery sometime next month. I am really, really excited. And looking forward to the changes. I know the surgery isn't a quick fix or a magic bullet, I am prepared to do everything it takes to succeed. I for the most part eat pretty healthy now just way to much. I don't like sweets much, except for the occasional apple pie :)   I thank you for your response. You lost 10 sizes! That's great! You look wonderful! And go you! with 6-7 months with no restriction and to not regain anything that's wonderful!

I had surgery with Dr. Chu's partner, Dr. Stevens, 18 months ago.  I am below my goal weight and feeling great!  Dr. Chu is such a nice lady.  Good luck!  Nonnie

Originally posted by Frances S. Tricia K. is a Louisiana member who is beyond amazing in her band results. She's also a ultra cool person to know. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aww shucks, Francis...thank you so much! You are ultra cool too! ((HUGS)) Jamie - I am happy to hear that you have decided to have Lap Band surgery. I am so happy with my decision and my results. I have lost 110 pounds and have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 8/10. I wish you the best of luck!