Naomi I have got to thank you. I have been reading and reading some of the things said on here about lap band because I am in the last stages pre op. I have been scared from time to time I am making a mistake. I have a bmi of 48 and pretty healthy except for sleep apnea, joint problems, and asthma. I weight 276 lbs and 51 years old but I still work like I am a 30 year old. You gave me hope that lap band is the way to go. I really didnt want to be cut on in my stomach and that is why I have put this off so long. By reading what you said I think now I can move forward and look at this like a life time commitment that will bring me hope. I belive I can do it and you helped.... Thanks every so much Charolette

Hmm now that is something I never thought about.  I have been told the same, but that I will not live past 30.  Now my only problem is that my health keeps pushing the WLS back.  The health system is not the best for waiting here in CAN, but we don't pay, so you can't really complain. But I am never going to be able to get this surgery done if I keep gettin lung infections, bowel infections, severe gastritis, urine infections, etc.  I am full of sickness and no matter what I do I can't get rid of it.

I can never take aspertame I get really bad migraines with it.  But I have been using splenda for 5 years now and I do great on it.   Good luck!

First I'm sorry you had to first thank us for not flaming you.  That implies you've experienced somethings on the boards you probably shouldn't have.  I am pre-op, but I am happy to answer your questions.

I would take the tests.  The questions I believe would include, but not be limited to:

1.  Map out your eating plan for the first 8 weeks post-op?

2.  What do you believe will happen if you do not follow your eating plan the first 8 weeks post-op?

3.  After the first 8 weeks what changes do you plan to make in your life to support your success?

4.  Is WLS a guarateed tool to lose the weight a keep it off?

5.  Is it likely that you may gain SOME weight back after reaching your goal and under what cir****tances might that occur?

6.  Why have you decided to have WLS? No, I would not ask my circle of support to attend.  It is a personal journey for me because I have depended on others before to help me lose weight.  When they disappeared or slacked off so did I.  This time I will do it with the support of those making the same journey. 1.  Yes I would take it.  The questions should assess your current eating habits and assess what has worked with weightloss in the past and what has caused the weight to be put back on.  Based on these assessments recommend the WLS for what works and what doesn't work for me. Not the WLS medical team, but the WLS support team, yes.

Just curious if you've had any bloodwork? Could your thyroid be slow, or electrolyte imbalance?