second thoughts: advice/info requested
I am scheduled to have lap-band surgery in four weeks. However, yesterday, I learned some things that have caused me to have second thoughts about doing this:
1. A friend pointed out this recent NY Times article (and then I found a relevant reaction to it) which casts doubt on the efficacy and safety of lap-band:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/opinion/12zuckerman.html?_ r=1&scp=1&sq=lap-band&st=cse
follow-up:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/20/opinion/lweb20obese.html?s cp=3&sq=lap-band&st=cse
2. I had my initial visit with the dietitian and got some surprising info. When I firwst started looking into bariatric surgery, 2 1/2 years ago, I attended some seminars, and all I heard about the lap-band and food restrictions was that eating "thick breads" might cause a problem. However, the dietitian told me that I would never be able to drink carbonated beverages again, even low/no-calorie ones (and diet sodas are a mainstay with me), and that I would probably not be able to eat things like ice cream again, even as an occasional treat (which, over the years, I have managed to make it--just an occasional treat).
#1 and its implications bother me more than #2, but still I would be unhappy if I could *never* have an occasional treat or *never* drink diet soda again. I would especially like to hear from anyone who has had a lap-band for more than 4 years. Advice and comments from anyone are very welcome, of course.
Thanking you in advance,
Brian L.
second you can have ice cream some people find it difficult because it's cold make the band tighten up.. others it does not... ice cream is a slippery slope... anyhow I'm close to two years out and I have eaten ice cream, we don't dump on sugar like RNY.
I won't comment on question 1... there are ups and down to any WLS surgery you need to choose the best that fits you personally. When people ask me ..(because of progress) I don't sugar coat it.. its hard work... my band is truely a tool... I have to make the decision each day to make good choices not my band.. I have to exercise frequently and make sure I'm following the band rules.. not my band.. so it's really relying on yourself with the help of the band.
Good Luck
I'd love to get more responses...please join in!
You will get a million responses and they will all vary you need to make your decision based on what research you have done and what fits into your lifestyle.
Granted Lynn and Wasabubble have points they both lost weight with the band and suffered some issues and had revision surgery. There experiences are their own and they will inform about them.
My experience.. 100+ lost - had surgery almost 2 years ago :)
Brian - lapband provides the lowest overall weight loss, the highest regain and most long term complications. I didn't have time to check out your profile but if you have more than 75lbs to lose its really not a good option.
Soda/carbonation is a no no for most surgeries depending on who you talk to - some docs have no problem with diet soda. Ice cream and junk food should be avoided but to say you can never have it is BS.
I had my band removed due to late complications 5 days before my 5 year anniversary. I have a page full of studies on my blog that show the lapband is NOT effective for the vast majority of people - long term. Complications sky rocket at year 5. There are better choices. Visit the studies tab of my blog to read the studies.
Good luck!
Lynn C ~
Banded 9/12/2005 ~ Revision to VSG on 9/7/2010 ~ Losing again with a Keto lifestyle
Good luck
Lynn C ~
Banded 9/12/2005 ~ Revision to VSG on 9/7/2010 ~ Losing again with a Keto lifestyle