average weight loss for lap band

nikimando
on 7/30/08 5:09 pm - pawtucket, RI
Ok so i went to my initial consultation yesterday and Dr V says that i'll only lose about 90 pounds! I was like WHAT??? i'm 155 pounds over weight however i only wanna lose about 120 but 90 pounds and he said that will take about 16 months. So i was wondering if this is what he has to tell pts as like a guideline? Lots of people who have had lap band on here have hit the 100 pound mark.
alexia3
on 7/31/08 12:59 am - N Scituate, RI
Weight loss with the lap band is a lot slower than RNY and I think he is giving you realistic expectations.  There are absolutely people who have done it, but it is not the norm.  I have about 125 lbs than I want to lose, but I was told I should expect maybe about 90 lbs- probably taking about 2 years.

And with the lapband, weight loss is not instant like with the rny- you do initially lose some weight, mostly water, due to the very restricted post surgical diet, but until you reach restriction with your fills- you may not lose.  They say good weight loss with the band is 1-2 pounds a week.  That includes your dedication, moving, and sticking very tightly to your eating plan.

I think your Dr is being very wise letting you know up front that this is an involved process, and takes time.  I was told this going into it as well, but find myself getting frustrated all the time that my scale is creeping slowly.  I kept telling myself before this surgery about how I would be the ideal patient and just drop the pounds like a bad habit- I was going to show them all how I was going to do it in record time.  Apparently I forgot to relay this info to my lapband.

I am 4 months out, and at this time- I am on a DIET.  I don't have the restriction yet- so I can eat still what I used to if I let myself.  I measure my food and only eat what I am allowed- which still looks pathetic on a dessert size plate.  I am hungry- I just keep drinking water to try and forget about it.  I MUST exercise if I want to see the scale move at all.

I am sorry if this came across in a rude way at all- it was not meant like that at all.  I just really want to let you know- it will not be that just having the lapband makes you skinny.  It takes work.  I know I sound like the voice of doom and gloom.  It can be done, but know that what he tells you is true- and anything that you get over his expectations is incredible.

Good luck with your journey and hope I didn't scare you off

nikimando
on 7/31/08 7:18 am - pawtucket, RI
Thank you for being honest with me and answering my post. I do expect alot of work but i think with this "tool" i won't get as easily frustrated because i know that i WILL lose the weight slowly but surely. And i do know that it is a slower process which i'm more comfortable with because it will give me time to tone... i actually don;t mind going to the gym but i was easily frustrated when i didn't see results. My plan now is to start a diet before surgery to lose about 20pounds before hand so i can atleast come close to my goal of 180.
Aracay
on 7/31/08 7:36 am - Cranston, RI
I am still pre-op myself.  My insurance co req'd me to do time with a trainer and also follow a nutrition plan with a dietician.  I have not only lost weight, but I have also learned a lot that will help me once I have the surgery.  I think your plan is a great one.  No time like the present to get started on the right road.

Cara 

 When you get older, you realize it's a lot less about your place in the world but your place in you.  It's not how everyone views you, but how you view yourself.  - Natalie Portman

nikimando
on 7/31/08 7:40 am - pawtucket, RI
if you don't mind me asking what insurance company do you have?
Aracay
on 7/31/08 7:59 am - Cranston, RI
Aetna.

Cara 

 When you get older, you realize it's a lot less about your place in the world but your place in you.  It's not how everyone views you, but how you view yourself.  - Natalie Portman

nininn
on 7/31/08 1:10 am - RI
RNY on 11/02/15

Alexia is right.  He is telling you realistically what you can expect to lose.  But go to the lapband board and you will see people who have lost a lot of weight.  You do lose slower than RNY but it is "do-able".   Follow the lap band rules and you will do fine.  You may not get optimum restriction right away but it WILL happen....I think it is based on your amt of weight to lose they give you a percentage of what the band makers guidelines are that you can lose....

Don't worry...like I said, go over to the lap band board and you will see that some have done fabulous and have lost well over 100 pounds with the band...

Good luck!!

 

 

"slow and steady wins the race..."

jaynes
on 7/31/08 2:14 am - Middletown, RI
My experience has been exactly like Alexia's.  I had surgery within days of hers (4/1).  I have had 3 fills.  The last one was the most helpful, but I'm going to ask for another!  The weight is coming off, but it is not without a lot of effort.  I am watching what I eat all the time.  I still feel (depending on what it is) that I can easily overeat.  I am exercising A LOT!.  I wouldn't discourage the surgery because I feel great and the weight is coming off, just know going into it that you need to be committed.  I was ready, and I'm hoping I can stay with it.  Actually, I'm terrified that I can't.  I forget the average, but I think in the packet it says that most people lose something like 80% of their overweight?  Does anyone else remember?  I just remind myself every day how good I feel, and I'm encouraged every time I can get into another article of clothing that didn't fit! 
Jennyo35
on 7/31/08 8:37 pm
Alexia's response is a PERFECT and realistic description of what it is like post surgery.  It is a diet and it is a bit scarry.  I am in total control of his process and my success depends on my committment, sacrifice and effort.  I could easily indulge in the same foods I use to and make poor choices and decide not to exercise.

I think you can get close to your goal weight with the band as long as you stay committed and are willing to put in the effort.  I am happy I did this for myself, but do admit I have second guessed my decision on occasions.  But after going through all of this, I am determined to stay focused and not give up.

It does work and I know that the first few months after surgery are the hardest.   Some people have good restriction after three or four fills, some need several, some stil are waiting for restriction. 

Check out the Lap Band board and read, read read.  Best of luck to you!!!!

IncredibleFeeling
on 8/1/08 11:25 am - MA
I agree with the others, especially Alexia!

However, I do think anything is possible with effort and time. If you're fully commited to the band and know up front all there is to know about how it works and what you'll need to do. You'll do fine. Don't set high goals. Stick to small goals and you won't get so discouraged.
There have been a couple of times where I've been slightly discouraged but overall....I knew it wasn't going to be a overnight thing and I just needed to remind myself I knew that going in. Never once have I regretted my choice. I have 90lbs total to loose and I'd be fine if it took 2 full years to take it off. Ofcourse there are small hopes I can do it in 1 year but I'm prepared for 2 years. That was something I set from the very beginning.
Good luck!
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