Would you do it again? Everyone please answer
Good morning. When I started preparing for my surgery, my brother was going to do it along with me. We went to the seminar and after he realized that his insurance would give him a harder time than mine would give me he just gave up. I was looking forward to having someone to go through the process with. I kept my process moving. In less than 6 months I had my band placed.
I will admit that it is a struggle and a lot to get use to, but anything worth having makes you work for it. I am 48 pounds down as of this morning. The way I see it is that would not have happened without my band. I recommend that you do your research on all of the surgeries before you make your decision but, I would not have gone a different route than what I did. I absolutely love my band. It is a welcomed intrusion into my body. I would do it all over again if I have to.
Good luck on your decision.
Mercedes
I will admit that it is a struggle and a lot to get use to, but anything worth having makes you work for it. I am 48 pounds down as of this morning. The way I see it is that would not have happened without my band. I recommend that you do your research on all of the surgeries before you make your decision but, I would not have gone a different route than what I did. I absolutely love my band. It is a welcomed intrusion into my body. I would do it all over again if I have to.
Good luck on your decision.
Mercedes
Whom ever said that people who have WLS are taking the easy way out, have never had this experience. This is a journey and a major challenge. Step by step I am striving to make it as a loser!!
Starting Weight/ Current Weight / Goal Weight (for now)
337/235.2/199
(deactivated member)
on 8/5/09 11:21 pm
on 8/5/09 11:21 pm
Welcome to the Board!
YES I would definitely go through the whole process all over again! Aside from losing 103lbs here are some of the other great things that have happened for me since my surgery back in February.
Before Blood Pressure was in the 170/80 or 90 range on two medications
Now - 120/60 on 1/2 a pill. soon to be off doc dangling the proverbial carrot.
Before Diabetes Type II at one point A1C level on ACtoplus Met and Glimipride (sp?)
Now - Diabetes going into remission fasting sugar 75
A1C 5.
Asthma using rescue inhaler 5 plus times a week if not multiple times a day.
Now only have used it 4 times in last 5 months and that was due to having a Upper Respiratory infection.
Sleep Apnea Gone!
Able to walk and do anything I wish physically!
Oh Yeah Acid reflux.... Before taking Zantac like candy..
Now-Gone!
Had one episode do to poor choices for a few days.
I do no think there are that many problem with the band you have to remember this is a support forum many of us post our issues for support. Most of the problems are avoided by following the rules. The only issue I had was because I did not follow the rules for a couple of weeks and Karma caught up with me. Stuck episodes and Push back are rarely the fault of the band. You also need to be proactive with your fills and know when it is time to get one and time to back off.
Best thing I can tell you do your own research! Go beyond the OH boards as well and make the best decision that is right for you. I love my band and would personally go through the process and surgery again but there are some folks that do have complications and I feel it is important that you here those too. There is a gentlemen who posts on this board named Michael S. he has been posting blogs about his experience (not all good) on a website called LapBandKing.com. He took over for the founder of the site. Michael had a rough time immediately after surgery but now loves his band to. He has a great story.
Anyway best of luck to you and remember do what is right for you!
Mike
YES I would definitely go through the whole process all over again! Aside from losing 103lbs here are some of the other great things that have happened for me since my surgery back in February.
Before Blood Pressure was in the 170/80 or 90 range on two medications
Now - 120/60 on 1/2 a pill. soon to be off doc dangling the proverbial carrot.
Before Diabetes Type II at one point A1C level on ACtoplus Met and Glimipride (sp?)
Now - Diabetes going into remission fasting sugar 75
A1C 5.
Asthma using rescue inhaler 5 plus times a week if not multiple times a day.
Now only have used it 4 times in last 5 months and that was due to having a Upper Respiratory infection.
Sleep Apnea Gone!
Able to walk and do anything I wish physically!
Oh Yeah Acid reflux.... Before taking Zantac like candy..
Now-Gone!
Had one episode do to poor choices for a few days.
I do no think there are that many problem with the band you have to remember this is a support forum many of us post our issues for support. Most of the problems are avoided by following the rules. The only issue I had was because I did not follow the rules for a couple of weeks and Karma caught up with me. Stuck episodes and Push back are rarely the fault of the band. You also need to be proactive with your fills and know when it is time to get one and time to back off.
Best thing I can tell you do your own research! Go beyond the OH boards as well and make the best decision that is right for you. I love my band and would personally go through the process and surgery again but there are some folks that do have complications and I feel it is important that you here those too. There is a gentlemen who posts on this board named Michael S. he has been posting blogs about his experience (not all good) on a website called LapBandKing.com. He took over for the founder of the site. Michael had a rough time immediately after surgery but now loves his band to. He has a great story.
Anyway best of luck to you and remember do what is right for you!
Mike
Yes I would do over and over and over again if I had too! It is the best thing that i have done for myself. it is the best gift that I have given myself. I am just so glad that I loved myself enough to do this.
Yes there are foods that you learn to stay clear of depending on your restriction, but I would much rather have to deal with that, then the ongoing health issues!
i understand your sister's feelings, but she really needs to look at why she was thinking of doing this and now why she changed her mind. Is it just because she is scared or is it because it is something she feels is not right for her. Everyone has different reason for doing things and she may have her own. But is should not stop you from starting your new journey:)
Yes there are foods that you learn to stay clear of depending on your restriction, but I would much rather have to deal with that, then the ongoing health issues!
i understand your sister's feelings, but she really needs to look at why she was thinking of doing this and now why she changed her mind. Is it just because she is scared or is it because it is something she feels is not right for her. Everyone has different reason for doing things and she may have her own. But is should not stop you from starting your new journey:)
Hey,
I would definately get the surgery again. I self paid also (paying monthly payments.) I can eat anything I want to, I just choose to follow the rules and get my protein in first then veggies and so on. I have only had 2 or 3 episodes of getting stuck, and they were entirely my fault. I ate too fast and didnt chew well enough. I cant do do hambrgers if it is a patty form. Too dry and it gets stuck no matter how I chew if. Might be better if it has a sauce on it, not sure.. dont have any desire to try it. I am more of a fish and chicken person anyway, always have been. I am down 43 total and am not an exercise fanatic. I would love to at least get another 100# off, may goal I think is another 129. I already feel so much better. Sleeping better, so I dont have to sleep asmuch. I have more endurance.
The thing about the band that swayed me was that none of my anatomy was going to be sut away. I dont have malabsoprtion issues that who knows how it is going to affect you 20-30 years down the road.
Just my opinion. I agree wholehartedly about one of the post... My only regret is that I didnt do it sooner!
Good Luck!
I would definately get the surgery again. I self paid also (paying monthly payments.) I can eat anything I want to, I just choose to follow the rules and get my protein in first then veggies and so on. I have only had 2 or 3 episodes of getting stuck, and they were entirely my fault. I ate too fast and didnt chew well enough. I cant do do hambrgers if it is a patty form. Too dry and it gets stuck no matter how I chew if. Might be better if it has a sauce on it, not sure.. dont have any desire to try it. I am more of a fish and chicken person anyway, always have been. I am down 43 total and am not an exercise fanatic. I would love to at least get another 100# off, may goal I think is another 129. I already feel so much better. Sleeping better, so I dont have to sleep asmuch. I have more endurance.
The thing about the band that swayed me was that none of my anatomy was going to be sut away. I dont have malabsoprtion issues that who knows how it is going to affect you 20-30 years down the road.
Just my opinion. I agree wholehartedly about one of the post... My only regret is that I didnt do it sooner!
Good Luck!
~~♥Teresa♥~~
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phil 4:13
Welcome to the board!!!
Yes Yes Yes
I think it comes down to if you are ready!! I just got my first fill, and I am having problems adjusting to eating. It is my fault when I get stuck. I found out that ground meat is going to be a no for me. Its a learning process. When I decided to do this surgery, I changed my eating habits to reflect the rest of my life. I have not had soda since April 1. I do not miss it at all and I thought I would. I don't miss the pastas, or the breads either. I feel like I ate enough of those foods before my band to last me the rest of my life. That is why I was fat to begin with.
Just do your research. Good Luck on your journey.
Hugs, Leslie
Yes Yes Yes
I think it comes down to if you are ready!! I just got my first fill, and I am having problems adjusting to eating. It is my fault when I get stuck. I found out that ground meat is going to be a no for me. Its a learning process. When I decided to do this surgery, I changed my eating habits to reflect the rest of my life. I have not had soda since April 1. I do not miss it at all and I thought I would. I don't miss the pastas, or the breads either. I feel like I ate enough of those foods before my band to last me the rest of my life. That is why I was fat to begin with.
Just do your research. Good Luck on your journey.
Hugs, Leslie
a person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it
HW 274/pre-op 266/NW210/GW160 5' 8"
pnkpassion
on 8/6/09 12:32 am
on 8/6/09 12:32 am
Hi!
I am 21 and had the surgery on June 17, 2009...and am 21lbs down so far. Thats strictly from the band no post op diet!!
I am excited to see whats next. I dont have any fills but yet can already fill restiction. I was worried that I woud be hungry forever. I didnt research this procedure at all. I saw a pamphlet and a couple of commercials about the Realize Band(I still have the LapBand by allergen though, it works better) and then I decided that it was time for me to take control of my life, while im still young enough and able to enjoy everything and not have to worry about gaining and losing, and gaining and losing again!! I went to the doctor that performed my mothers Gastric Bypass and was approved and ready for surgery 3 weeks later...I do wish I was more informed about what was going to happen to my body and how these changes will be trying for the first couple of weeks but yet if I had to I will walk into this procedure blind and still do it!! Yesterday for my meals I had (breakfast) 2 egg white omellete with cheese and dice turkey all of 76 calories, 1 carb and 19g of protien. (Lunch) 4oz of tuna fish, thats one whole can!! With low fat mayo and sweet relish..sooo good 160calories, 3 carbs, and 27g of protien!! (Dinner) 2 whole turkey franks! Soo good with mustard...I forgot the nutrition facts but my point is, you will eat good...you wont crave junk and you will be full!! My usual hot dog meals will be 2 hot dogs on bread, with chili, and chips on the side...topped with like 20oz of soda!! Why?? Food should not be our lives....we should eat to live and not live to eat!! I have trouble with my addiction sometimes and have to really tell myself that this was the best decision for me..and after I weigh it the cravings just go away and i have me a protien shake...
Email me..im a newbie...follow my progress..i am happy to help!!
Oh also..yes i know im rambling..
I wanted to say my mom had a Gastric Bypass 6 years ago...that procedure did not cure her addiction to food and she has gained 70lbs back from her initial loss of 175lbs. She is not happy and is considering a band over bypass. A lap band is long term. It will help you get the weight off and KEEP it OFF...like we all want!! This is helping me cure my addiction to food and not pacifying is like RNY's and Bypass do. I understand that the Lap Band isnt a magic pill and isnt going to make the weight just fall off, like the other procedures but this is the answer for me! This is going to keep me healthy! We dont have to take a million vitamins.. We stil have our stomach and With the food im eating and my protien intake only at 3 weeks I think malnutriton and protien deficiencies will be very unlikely.
Okay..whatever..im leaving now..
I am 21 and had the surgery on June 17, 2009...and am 21lbs down so far. Thats strictly from the band no post op diet!!
I am excited to see whats next. I dont have any fills but yet can already fill restiction. I was worried that I woud be hungry forever. I didnt research this procedure at all. I saw a pamphlet and a couple of commercials about the Realize Band(I still have the LapBand by allergen though, it works better) and then I decided that it was time for me to take control of my life, while im still young enough and able to enjoy everything and not have to worry about gaining and losing, and gaining and losing again!! I went to the doctor that performed my mothers Gastric Bypass and was approved and ready for surgery 3 weeks later...I do wish I was more informed about what was going to happen to my body and how these changes will be trying for the first couple of weeks but yet if I had to I will walk into this procedure blind and still do it!! Yesterday for my meals I had (breakfast) 2 egg white omellete with cheese and dice turkey all of 76 calories, 1 carb and 19g of protien. (Lunch) 4oz of tuna fish, thats one whole can!! With low fat mayo and sweet relish..sooo good 160calories, 3 carbs, and 27g of protien!! (Dinner) 2 whole turkey franks! Soo good with mustard...I forgot the nutrition facts but my point is, you will eat good...you wont crave junk and you will be full!! My usual hot dog meals will be 2 hot dogs on bread, with chili, and chips on the side...topped with like 20oz of soda!! Why?? Food should not be our lives....we should eat to live and not live to eat!! I have trouble with my addiction sometimes and have to really tell myself that this was the best decision for me..and after I weigh it the cravings just go away and i have me a protien shake...
Email me..im a newbie...follow my progress..i am happy to help!!
Oh also..yes i know im rambling..
I wanted to say my mom had a Gastric Bypass 6 years ago...that procedure did not cure her addiction to food and she has gained 70lbs back from her initial loss of 175lbs. She is not happy and is considering a band over bypass. A lap band is long term. It will help you get the weight off and KEEP it OFF...like we all want!! This is helping me cure my addiction to food and not pacifying is like RNY's and Bypass do. I understand that the Lap Band isnt a magic pill and isnt going to make the weight just fall off, like the other procedures but this is the answer for me! This is going to keep me healthy! We dont have to take a million vitamins.. We stil have our stomach and With the food im eating and my protien intake only at 3 weeks I think malnutriton and protien deficiencies will be very unlikely.
Okay..whatever..im leaving now..
"To get something you never had, you must do something you have never done"
I would do it again and so would my mom. I'm glad I didn't wait to have mine done like she did. I'm 27 and she's 47. She was diagnosed with diabetes in her early 40's, as was my grandfather. So hopefully I've dodged that bullet. I have severe sleep apnea and I haven't had to wear my mask every night now that I've lost 19 pounds. It's not much but it has made such a difference that I only use the mask when I am Really tired. My mom has high blood pressure and sleep apnea. She is completely off of her diabetic medication, she is on only 1 pill now for blood pressure versus the 3 she was on, and her sleep apnea is gone also. Seeing her success made me want to do it. I am in my 4th week and I feel great (with the exception of one little thing), but I'm taking care of that. I follow my doctor's orders and eat following the diet the WLS center gave me and I've lost pounds and inches. I don't miss soda--there are so many options to have something tasty and healthy to drink. I'm addicted to my little drink packets (Crystal Light, Ocean Spray, etc.) and I really like the protein drink mix from GNC. I finally got to eat some soda crackers this week--I've always loved soda crackers--they didn't taste the same. I love the fact that it's something to actually chew on versus just swallow, but that wonderful salty crunchy taste I remember from before isn't the same at all. Your tastes and likes and dislikes change greatly. I hated beans--now I LOVE them. If I were you, I wouldn't wait for your sister--take care of you--that's one thing you will learn with having WLS is that you have to take care of yourself as a whole. Good Luck!
~*~Katie~*~
Wow!
Thank you to everyone that has responded! I love reading your stories (and the longer the better I say). I am so ready for this.
I lost 60lbs back in 2000 on slim****. I kept it off til 2007 I had to have a full hysterectomy so I got a tummy tuck at the same time. (I would do that again and again! Loved the results!) but here it is 2yrs later and lots of hormone problems and now I have gained 40 back. I'm ruining my beautiful tummy! I don't want to yo yo anymore, so I think this is my best bet. I need the tool to help me, cause I can follow a diet for a while but then there is nothing to stop me from going back to my old ways. I feel this and the support groups will help me to not go back to my old eating habits. Thank you so much for responding and I hope more of you will tell me (us) your stories (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly)
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone that has responded! I love reading your stories (and the longer the better I say). I am so ready for this.
I lost 60lbs back in 2000 on slim****. I kept it off til 2007 I had to have a full hysterectomy so I got a tummy tuck at the same time. (I would do that again and again! Loved the results!) but here it is 2yrs later and lots of hormone problems and now I have gained 40 back. I'm ruining my beautiful tummy! I don't want to yo yo anymore, so I think this is my best bet. I need the tool to help me, cause I can follow a diet for a while but then there is nothing to stop me from going back to my old ways. I feel this and the support groups will help me to not go back to my old eating habits. Thank you so much for responding and I hope more of you will tell me (us) your stories (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly)
Thank you!
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