Lap Band Questions

Hi everyone, I have been researching lapband in preparation for my appt. 8/15 (not something I had considered until going to Dr. C's seminar). Anyone out there want to give me some pointers? Why did you choose Banding over RNY? How has your weight loss gone? (Dr. C said band tends to be lower-if I am misquote you, slap me, Dr. C) Can someone who has much--much---MUCH weight to lose do banding if she (ahem-me) is dedicated to her diet and exercise routine? By the way, for any teachers in the group, the Hamilton County Schools Insurance cortsortium is part of the Evil Empire; they have written an exclusion clause into their UHC policy for weight loss surgery---BOO!!!! HISS!!!!! The lady at UHC was quite apologetic. I'm on my own nickel here...but if I add up the Weigh****cher meetings and the gym memberships and the bands, balls, and Richard Simmons (UUGGHHH!!!) tapes, I think I'll come out ahead. Sílo Anor bo men lín. (May the sun shine on your path) I'm learning a new language so I'll be bi-lingual and skinny.

Hi Karen! I chose the lap-band because I wasn't comfortable with the mortality rate of RNY. I had read the stories of several people on this site (Jessica O. in particular) and it was just a little more than I was willing to take on. I wanted an option that was reversible, if need be - as I am young and have not started my family yet. And I was willing for this process to take a bit longer than RNY... a slow loss is ok for me (despite my impatience!) It gives me a chance to work out and firm up those muscles so the skin looks a bit better. Do I think you can do it? ABSOLUTELY!! It takes dedication and work on your part, but the payoff is so worth it. Best of luck with whichever procedure you choose. You are in excellent hands with Dr. C. GOOD LUCK!! Melissa

Hi Karen, Unlike Melissa..I'm not young. I chose the lapband for all the same reasons that she did, but I also am worried about malabsorption. As we get older osteoporosis is a real threat. Also as we get older the chances of catastrophic illness is higher. With the lapband I can have it unfilled if need be. As far as losing large amounts of weight, there are several people on the lapband forum that have lost 150-200 pounds. This may take 1 1/2 to 2 years to acheive, but with the lapband there is no window of opportunity. You can continue losing as long as you stay committed and follow the lapband rules. I'm only one month out. and have lost (including my preop diet) 32 pounds! I happy with this and now hope to continue losing 1-2 pounds a wee****il I reach goal. Be sure to visit the lapband forum. Cathy

I just Melissa's post again and just wanted to make sure that it's clear that I have NO intentions of getting pregnant