Confussed!!! HELP

I am a 35 year old female who weighs almost 500lbs...I have finally saved enough money to get the lap band....I know that I really need to save more money to get gastric or the sleeve but  thinking I am not getting younger and now getting to the point of immobility I really need something done ASAP.  I have gotten my date for the lap band but don't want to get that for nothing....I am confused because I have heard of some people loosing upwards of 200lbs on lap band. I really need suggestions.

I got the Lap Band on December 15, 2010. I have lost 30 pounds in the first 2 months. You have to remember that any WLS is only a tool. So it's how you use the tool that determines your success. I have a friend in my support group that lost 160 pounds in 1 year with Lap Band surgery. If you do what they tell you to do, you will be successful. Basically, you eat about 1/2 cup 4-5 times a day. If you really do have 75% of your caloric intake be protein, along with the guidelines for exercise, you will lose the amount you want to. I suggest being patient with yourself during the journey of weight loss. Don't get caught up in numbers. Just put 1 foot in front of the other, eat the recommended amounts, make healthy food choices, exercise. The weight WILL come off. Don't get on the scale often. It sets you up for head games. Speaking of head games, be aware of "head hunger". That's when your stomach is full but your head tells you to eat. When this happens, get up and get it off your mind. Go for a walk, a long bath, anything to change your mind set. Good luck! I hope this helps.

So, is your question: is it true that some people lose up to 200 pounds with the Lap-Band?

The answer is yes. I'm not one of them (only had 90 lbs to lose) but plenty of OH members have lost a lot more than I have.

When making your choice about weight loss surgery, you need to consider not just money but dozens of other factors - your health, medical conditions, medications, eating problems (are you a snacker or grazer? a volume eater?), and so on. The band may seem like the least expensive option for you now, but don't forget all the fills you'll need after your surgery - they're not free.

Jean

thanks jean i know that I can t just base my need on cost along but thats what I have i graze on snacks.... however I have been doing sugarbusters for the past 2 weeks and I am noticing a difference already this have gave me some sort of hope,,, again thanks

I forgot to mention earlier...another thing to consider is the expense and logistics of your aftercare. If you are banded in Mexico, will you be able to afford the time and expense to go back there for every fill or if you have a problem? If not, you need to find a bariatric surgeon in your area to do your aftercare, and some surgeons are wary of accepting another surgeon's patient, especially if the surgery was done outside the USA. My current surgeon charged me a $250 patient transfer fee. If my surgery had been done in Mexico, the fee would have been $1000. I suspect that's because nowadays, doctors have to be careful about medical liability - in a way, their liability insurance companies are dictating their medical practice.

If you choose to be banded in Mexico with aftercare in the US, find your local surgeon BEFORE you're banded. It would be very frustrating to go through the surgery and a few months later feel like you need a fill but can't get one because local surgeons keep turning you away.

Anyway, good luck!
Jean

Like I told another poster I wouldn't go self pay for a band.  As jean said upkeep can be expensive.   

You might look into the sleeve in mexico you can get a great dr., great price and not have the cost of the upkeep.

 ETA:  You can lose the weight with the band with a lot of patience, dedication and hardwork if that is what you choose.  Good Luck.

Mexico is not a safe place to travel right now for anyone let alone someone who would be a medical tourist.

 
This is not accurate information.  The US is warning about specific cities in MX, not the entire country.   Avoid Tijuana and Juarez and people are fine.

I live in MX, I should know. ;o)

 
Sleeves are cheaper in MX than bands are in the US.  $8750 for a sleeve and that includes everything.

If you check out the sleeve board you'll find that MOST self pays went to MX.  I did.  There are some really fantastic surgeons there.  But, just like any country there are doctors that are exceedingly good and doctors that are not.

The higher your BMI the less likely the band will work for you.  Revision surgeries are expensive, risky, and painful.

Bands are also very expensive for aftercare and you'll need that for life.  Sleeves have no aftercare whatsoever.

Please don't get a band only because that is what you can afford.  If you want surgery in the US just save a little longer, you have to live with this choice, make sure it is something that will work for you.

My upkeep for the band was included in a 5 years  follow up package.  I was self pay also.  So  for 5 years I could go in anytime to get a fill or unfill.  Check to see whether or not your doc does that.  Also once you get to good restriction you will not need anymore fills.  So for me it has not been expensive past the initial fee.  Bette who posts often has lost over 200 lbs and kept it off.  Remember with the band the stoma (opening where food passes through) does not stretch.  This is what causes failure in other surgeries.  Being that you have a lot of weight to lose, you will really have to be super dedicated more than us  lightweights to follow the program.  You need to discuss with your doctor which surgery would be best for you regarding your medical history and current weight.  This is a great support group and you will need lots of it.  Good luck to you.