Is Lap-Band a good option
Also, about how many average pounds does a person lose with the Lap-Band per week?
Honestly, this is the time to try to get to know yourself. What kind of eater are you--- volume, sweet tooth, emotional, etc.
Losing over 100 pounds with the lap band is not unheard of- I'm an example of that! I was a volume eater, needing portion control. The band takes A LOT of hard work and dedication. The band is just a TOOL to help you along your journey, as with each of the WLS. But the band needs the most maintenance.
Maybe your surgeon suggested something else because he does not do the lap band that often? See what his record is for the band (how many he has done, complication rate, weight loss rate, etc.). Surgeons offices will be happy to give you their stats if they are good. Also they key with the lap band--- your surgeon's after care program. If they don't have one, I would not do the lap band with them.
Do your research on each of the procedures. That is the best gift you can give yourself. And take time to reflect and see what your needs are.
Take care and good luck on your journey!
Janice
all the weight has been lost post-op..I LOVE MY BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
highest weight: 333 pounds (I know I gained after my last "weigh in" in the doctors office so probably it's more like 340 pounds)
current weight: 151 pounds (7/12/11)
I've been at goal (165 pounds) for 6 months now and now on maintence. I tend to go up and down depending on time of the month and such!
It is alot of hard work , but to be honest I enjoy that. The reason why is because I'm actually learning how to eat right, I'm learning to eat smaller portions, I'm learning I can still enjoy all the same foods before I got the band but I'm learning how to eat them moderation and how often to eat them foods . That is what I wanted from the band and that is exactly what I am getting from the band and that is probably one of the reasons why I dont have no fills in my band either . I have it so set in my mind that just eating normal healthy portions is all I need. I just needed that reminder to say hey you dont need to eat that much, or you need to slow down . That is how I work my band and it works for me, it could be different for you . Everybody is different on how they want to do their band. My choice is to keep it lose.
I'm so not perfect. I have my days I eat all the wrong foods especially before the TOM . I can have overate on popcorn, or chips but hey its life and its going to happen . I just move on and try again .
I have lost almost 60 pounds and 30 inches off my body since Nov 22ND 2010.
It's slow and there are times I can go weeks without losing weight and then drop 6 pounds in two weeks I just did that. As long as I eat my three healthy meals, exercise , and drink my water the weight will come off it just dont have a choice :o)
. There are several people in my support group that has lost over 200 pounds with the band . One guy lost over 200 pounds and did it without a single fill had his first fill after 2 yrs just a couple of months ago. There are alot of ladies on here that has lost well over 100 pounds with the band.
But the band is a tool only !!! You can overeat with it , in fact you can do that with any WLS you have done. You still need willpower and self control to make this work .
I lose anywhere from 1 pound up to 3 pounds per week with my band. It depends on how hard I work and how many goof up days I have lol. And also I stall with my band also that is very common.
I became anemic and malnourished, had chronic severe pain, multiple corrective surgeries and finally removal. So, in my opinion, it's NOT a good option at all. It was the worst choice I ever made, actually.
I had this done in 2002 and have watched all but 3 of my banded buddies (Out of dozens and dozens) have band removal, revisions, complications, etc. And of those 3, one hasn't lost a pound in 2 years. He had to have several corrective surgeries, as well, though.
Read the Revisions forum as well as the Complications and Failed forums to get more information.
The lapband is just as invasive as any other surgery. It's just advertised as being less invasive to sell more. The sleeve might be an option for you to look into.
Avoid kemmerling, Green Bay, WI
I eat 3 meals and usually 1-2 snacks depending if I need them and how much I worked out...
I was heavier than you so just know the first chunk of weight comes off rather quickly but then you have to put forward the effort making sure you make good choices and exercsie.
Good Luck whatever surgery you choose.
Do your research and consider what you will need to really get that 100 lbs off.
I have had both the lap band and the sleeve. My lap band was great for the first year and I lost 65 lbs. Then I began to have complications and struggled with my band for the next 1.5+ years before I finally broke down and revised to the sleeve. Living with the band in that time was pretty rough. During the time I was struggling with my band, I put on nearly all the weight I had lost in that first year.
The lap band is touted as being "less invasive" but it often requires follow-up surgeries for repair, removal, or replacement within the first 5 years. The numbers grow even higher for patients 10 years out. Even the most successful bandsters have required secondary procedures.
In my first 6 months with the sleeve, I have lost far more than I lost the whole time I had the band and I feel great.
I would encourage you to read the Failed WLS board, the revision board, and to check out the other surgery boards and ask how many revisions from Lap Band are hanging around there. Then go read the stats on Lap Band success and failure and make the right decision for you.
Best of luck, chicky, you can do this!
Lindsey
on 6/7/11 2:39 am, edited 6/7/11 2:40 am - ~Somewhere in~, PA
I just needed a simple tool to HELP WITH PORTION CONTROL and minimize hunger to help me lose weight and maintain my weight loss and my lap band has been doing a good job for 6 years WITH NO COMPLICATIONS (knock on wood) so far. Also I wanted the most NORMAL life and a easy recovery and the lap band gave me that.
The Lap Band is a tool and you ONLY GET WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT....if you eat junk, too many carbs and don't exercise you probably will not lose much weight at all, but if you follow your plan of lean proteins, veggies, water, follow your post op diet plan, and be responsible with your band you will do great, and you will lose weight, it's just that simple....My surgeon told me the same thing over 5 years ago and told me I would not lose weight with the band...but I DID NOT WANT THE BYPASS...so I did every thing to make MY life with the band a success for ME and I am very happy I made my decision. Good luck
I am going for band surgery! Your doctor may be suggesting something more evasive because of your eating habits. You may be a "fatty" eater as oppose to volume. Meaning you might eat a lot of the wrong things but in smaller portions. Whereas someone like me is a volume eater. I ate a about 2lbs of cherries last night. My 2 main reasons for not wanting to go more evasive are: 1. I did not want to cut, snip, or tuck anything. Especially if it was irreversible! 2. I don't think i would learn better eating habit with the sleeve or bypass.
The more evasive surgeries are geared towards you losing weight regardless of what you consume. Which defeats my purpose!
The band helps you take off 50-60% by itself. I don't think that includes the pre-op diet nor does it include excercise, which also contributes to the end result.
Regardless of what any of us say, make the best decision for yourself! GOOD LUCK!