Lap-band-I heard this is the state to post questions on this topic.

OK-have had it, tell me everything and anything that I need to know, I am on the fence about weight loss surgery in general and I can tell you that I definitely don't want bypass, but I was told by another member that many people in OH have undergone the surgery and could tell me what I needed to know! Thanks!

Shelley, As much as I'd love to tell you EVERYTHING, I don't think that one person would be capable of that. What I can say is that I never considered bypass. I just considered it too radical. I didn't want to completely change my anatomy for the sake of health and/or weight loss. The fact that bypass was a malabsorption procedure concerned me, meaning that even though you eat it, it doesn't get absorbed by the body (including necessary nutrients). The lap band is a restrictive procedure. You eat less, are satisfied longer. There are "rules" and lifestyle changes involved, but with research and practice I haven't found them to be too difficult to adjust to. Other than the last few months of suffering that I've had, related to my gall bladder, my band journey has been rather easy. I recovered quickly and haven't had any of the intense hunger that some bandsters complain of. I feel satisfied for at least 3-4 hours on normal sized portions. I've lost 75 lbs since my consult last January. I have no food intolerances. Some bandsters do. High risk foods include bread, pasta, rice and sometimes red meat. I would highly recommend that you research the procedure itself so that you know what it is and are comfortable with that. Once you get past that and are O.K. with having the band itself, research intensely into the lifestyle changes involved in post-banding. I did and even practiced them. I think it helped my transition and made things much easier for me. As I said, the rules aren't difficult but are essential to success. 1-Do not drink with your meals (my doc says stop 15 min before and don't drink again for at least an hour after a meal) 2-eat only 3 small meals a day 3-eat slowly and chew well 4-stop eating as soon as you feel full 5-do not eat between meals (I schedule a healthy snack into my day) 6-avoid fibrous foods (like celery-it can get stuck) 7-eat only good quality food 8-drink 6-8 glasses of water a day 9-drink only low calorie liquids (I was also told, no carbonated beverages) 10-exercise 30 min a day The lap band message board is a great place to gather information from experienced bandsters here on OH. But don't stop there, look everywhere and make sure you go in very well informed. The Inamed website is also a great source of information about the lapband, they are the manufacturer of the band used here in the US. Although, their statistical information makes a person pause. It's from the original FDA trials and I find it doesn't show the greatest potential of the lap band. Here's the lap band handbook from Inamed http://www.inamed.com/pdf/health/94829F_LB_Patient_Book.pdf Good Luck to you, Dawn

Shelley, I don't know if you are aware or not, but there is a lap-band specific message board on obesityhelp, and a lot of people also hang out on lapbandtalk.com If you have any specific questions regarding the band, I'd be happy to answer them. I am a big believer in the band, it is a very powerful tool for weight loss. Good luck, Dr. C

Well, I have a question... Are there restrictions on who can have the band vs. bypass? I really don't want bypass, but will do so if it is my only option. Thanks in advance.

Hi Sarah This has nothing to do with the band, but I noticed you were from Mainville. I stop there every time I go to see Dr. C. My son loves to go to Sonics, and we don't have one here. And, they have good popcorn chicken. Sharyn

Hey Sharyn, How are you doing girl? I am thinking about you all the time wondering how the weight loss is coming. How is William and your mama? I miss you on the board,Love ya, Cindy

Hey Cindy!! I miss you terribly. I wish I could get on the board more often, but I'm working 2 jobs. It's all Dr C's fault for giving me soooo much energy. But, I need to save up for my cruise in August and a trip to San Diego in September. Both, without Wm and my monther ;) I hope you're still doing great. Say hi to your family for me. I'm beginning to consider a total body lift. Of course, I'm still a year away from reconstruction. Love ya lots Sharyn 307/196/148 - I LOVE being in OneDerland!!

It's a nice area, I agree, Sharyn.

Sarah, I can speak for my own practice - I do not restrict who gets band versus bypass, although studies would show that patients with a BMI over 50 lose more weight with the bypass. If you're BMI is over 50 and you're aware of that and willing to accept that for the trade-off of a lower risk operation, that's fine by me! Dr. C

Thanks, Dr. C. It's not only the lower-risk operation, but the possibility of complications after the fact. I'm really on the fence... Decisions, decisions.