I'm a newbie!

Hi everyone, I'm Lisa..:wave: Wednesday night I went to a weight loss surgery seminar in Akron! I found the two doctors to be very helpful and really nice. I'm waiting on my appointment date with Dr. Dan. The thing is, I'm really scared of the surgery. I know I haven't even been approved yet, but I'm still scared. As I watched the slide show showing the two different surgeries, I knew right away I wanted the Lap-Band done. The Gastric Bypass scared the crap outta me. Even though I want to lose weight fast, I'm still sure that the Lap-Band is the right choice for me. I keep hearing different stories about the success of weight loss. Can someone please explain to me how you are doing after Lap-Band, and how much weight can I expect to lose? I guess because I have had trouble for years losing weight, I'm afraid I will lose too slow, or not at all. Any help would be apreciated! Thank you.:-D xoxo, Lisa

Welcome! I was scheduled for RNY, and then backed out from fear. The complication rates between the two surgeries were what decided my surgery choice for me. Don't get me wrong, RNY and DS are GREAT options, just not for me. My surgery was Feb. 13,2006, and I tipped the scales at 333. Today my weight is 255.6. I did not reach restriction until Sept. 13. I love the band, even though in the back of my mind I thought it might not work for me. I worried the loss would be too slow and discouraging, but that isn't the case. This band motivates me everyday!! While I still must make a CONSCIENCE decision to eat right and exercise, the band is there to stop me from my uncontrolled binges! Good luck on your journey--Are you self pay or insurance?

When I was doing research, I read somewhere of a study with RNY and LapBand patients. During the first year, the RNY patients had lost 20% more weight than those with the LapBand. In year two, however, they were neck and neck. SOOOO, in theory, the band can work as well as the RNy, but it works a little slower is all-- so patience is key.

Hey Lisa which hospital did you go to ? i had my surgery july 5 at akron city with Dr Z he is an awesome surgeon i had RNY becuase i have ALOT of weight to loose and i know i have always done better doing things more drastically in my life but i did research for over 5 years and it took me 1 year to get approved but i am almost 3 months out and down 72 pounds 30 lost the month b4 surgery on my pre op liquid diet hope this helps any questions feel free to e mail me [email protected] Missy

Lisa, I can think of lots of words to describe the lap band, but "scary" is not one of them! It's a very low-risk, minimally invasive procedure - don't be afraid as severe excess weight is much scarier. Good luck, Dr. C

Lisa I too was choosing Lap band but found out my BMI was too high for it. In the end I went with RNY and I am happy I did! After talking to Dr.Needlman (OSU) it was a good choice for me to rid my body of type 2 diabetes. Apparantly in the studies something during the actually procedure allows for an 85% chance to reverse the diabetes even before any of the weight loss. I was immediately off my meds post surgery. Prior to surgery my A1C was 8! Which is ready for insulin had I not had the surgery scheduled. 2 weeks post-op 6-NORMAL! I'm also happy I don't have the fills for the rest of my life, I'm too lazy and get easily impatient if I would have to back and forth to get it right. As for the weight loss itself, I too was told at about 2 years out the statistics show similar results. Also another thing to know, you can still eat sugar with the band so if this is a week spot, weight loss may be difficult. In the end you have to make the decision, just get all the information you can and talk to YOUR SURGEON! (The family docs don't know enough) Mel

I'm really sorry I haven't been on. I haven't been able to get online lately. I want to thank you all for replying to me. Your advice and stories have helped me a lot, but..I just heard back from my doctors office at Summa in Akron...they don't eccept my insurance. So, I'm back to the beginning again. I'm thinking of trying a different hospital, but I liked my Doctor. I guess I have some thinking to do...Thanks again.