I'm going for the Lap Band Sugery

Hello All, I'm 49 years old. I guess I'm going through the mid-life crisis for a woman. I'm 1/2 inch under 6' and 280 lbs. I'm relatively healthy, but know where the health will head if I don't get this weight off. My blood pressure is somewhat controlled and my knees are aching after a normal day when I lay down in bed at night. These are definitely indicators of 'not good' things to come later in life. Shucks! ...and it ain't so great now not feeling at my best. I have always been active and the knees are not allowing a lot of activity these days. The weight is growing 'cause I eat too much and the big 50 is right around the corner too. Anyhoo, my daughter had the By-pass and is down almost 90 pounds. She is doing great! Her sleep apnea is gone, the blood pressure is down, the knees are pain-free and her migraine's have almost completely dissipated. She eats what she wants, exercises regularly, has passed one plateau and is still losing 3 pounds a week. Gosh!! I chose the lap band procedure because I am out of control, tried everything and need some !!! I live in Columbus, Ohio and have been reading the boards and have not found allot of sharing on the lap Band procedure on the Ohio Board. Can someone share their experience, hope and strength concerning this procedure? ...and btw, I really appreciate all the shares I've read and plan on sharing more as I approach the beginning of the year when my new insurance will kick in. Thanks to everyone for sharing Mona

hi and welcome I had LAP RNY, so I'm no help there. but wanted to say

Hi Mona, Bandsters tend to hang out on the separate lap band board here on the site. There is a lot of action over there! Dr. C

Thanks Dr. C. I definitely want to be in the mix of things.

Hi Mona, I had lap band surgery with Dr. C on 10/14/05. I'm down a total of 35 lbs. so far and just had my first band fill yesterday. I've been so very happy with the decision to have the band! It was definitely the right option for me personally. I had no problems with the pre-op diet, with the recovery, and have absolutely no regrets. I know its a tool that will help, but its up to me to make it work. I needed something that would force the lifestyle changes. That's the only way that the band will work properly and get this weight off. I'm eating healthy foods now and I'm actually looking forward to exercise for the first time in an extremely long time. I had the knee pain prior to surgery too, so I know what you're going through. I'm happy to say that my knee pain is virtually gone now. I was self-pay too... and this surgery was worth every penny. I'd do it again in a heart beat! Feel free to email me privately if you'd like to talk further. And Dr. C's right... there's a lot of info on the lap band message board. Congrats in your decision and good luck in your journey. Monica Banded 10/14/05 315/280/on my way to goal!