introduction and question

Hey everyone! My name is StarrNichole and I am 25 years old. I am hopeing to get the Lap band or the Realize surgery soon. I go to my first Seminar in a couple of days then I will go from there... I am 460 pounds and my BMI is 72. My question is - have any of you with that high of a BMI had the Lap band surgery and how did it go??? thanks alot, in advance!

Welcome Starr - i'm an RNY'er so i can't help you.  Have you looked at the RNY?  NO PRESSURE, ok?  just wondering.  I hope your seminar goes well.  lys

We've had folks ask that question here before and since many of the regulars here have had other surgeries, we usually refer them to the LB board. I do know one OH-er and one friend in RL (real life) who were SMO and also bandsters. The OH friend has disappeared (Toni, you out there?) from the boards. The RL friend has lost 100 or more so far.

I have not ruled out the band myself. My PCP said her observations of her patients (not a scientific sample) showed that in order for a heavyweight to be successful with the band, the patient has to be highly motivated. I think this may be why the SMO more often choose the RNY, sleeve or DS. I think I may fit that "highly motivated" criteria, as I had lost 85# with Medifast (however I'm rebounding a bit, gained back 10).

Good luck in whatever you choose.

I'm pretty sure I posted to you on the LB board and let you know my hubby started at 72 and is now 50 and still shrinking.  It's taken him 2 years so far but would have gone much faster if we'd LISTENED and HEARD what we were told or questioned ourselves...we thought he didn't need a fill as long as he was losing...actually it's as long as you are losing 5-10 pounds a month!!  OHHHH(slaps forehead!)!!!
Now he's on track and shrinking like the big dog he is!  He's lost 167 so far and every time he steps on the scale more is missing but not missed.

There are lots of big bandsters...it's not the right surgery for everyone...that's why there are so many to pick from...one for each person.  Do your research and listen to your head and heart.  If you talk to a doc that primarily does one surgery or another they will tell you why theirs is best and why the others won't work for you.  That's not a big help.  Research....decide which one you want and go that direction.

My husband hasn't regretted his decision for one second.

Thanks girlfriend!

Welcome
I have to agree with the person who said to check out all your options.  Your choice really depends on your eating patterns of why you put on weight to begin with.  Each surgery has a list of things that make it better than the others depending on YOU.
I have a BMI of 59 and am going for the RNY but that is because I don't want to be able to go back to some of MY old ways when this surgery is over.
So once again welcome and keep an open mind about ALL WLS options.

RNY on Nov 5
Sheri

Welcome!
I was 470 and my doctor would not do a lapband.

I've wondered about that myself . (Docs saying a particular procedure was not in the patient's best interest). I'd like to have an impartial observer to tell me which is best. Myabe I'm too sceptical, but if the doctor/surgeon steers me toward a particular procedure, I wonder if the advice is really what is the best procedure for me or if that the the procedure that is their specialty? I want a referee besides the insurance company, who will qualify me in a snap, but will not pay for other then the band or RNY?

OK, speaking here as a Info Systems professional, what I want is a WLS Wizard, where I enter in my food honestly (I sometimes have extra bars at night that I don't put on the food thread - I am too embarassed.) So I put in my eating patterns, my co-morbids, my schedule, my SAD, my pain issues, etc etc ... then does a match based in what is really gonna work best for me. Actually, in the course of MY research, I have learned alot already. Kix, how do I get a grant for this? LOL

Complications of one sort or another can happen with ANY surgery. Read success stories, but also visit the In Memorium page. Be as informed as you can. Until I build my WLS wizard, you gotta figure it out yourself - what is best for you.

You totally have to build the WLS Wizard -- that would be just too awesome!

Hi Nicole!

I replied to you on the LP board... but just wanted you to know that it is possible to well with the band even if we are in the high BMI numbers.  I just past the 3 month mark this week & I'm down 95 pounds so far.. and I have not had a fill yet.

But, I agree whole heartedly with the others, be really honest with yourself about what your food issues are.. and ask tons of questions of real people who are living with the different types of surgeries.

I wish you the very best!

*hugs*
Smilin'  (Joni)