Concidering Lap-Band Surgery

Do you want me to "tell ya what I want what I really really want......"

You're first in line at my meltdown I promise.

 Wow you look absolutely amazing, fantastic job!

No reason for you not to feel the same way about yourself.  Feel free to PM me if you want.  I live in the UK and had to self pay as the NHS is VERY reluctant to offer the DS.  The US is far ahead in this that is for sure, the UK is starting to do more DS's but there is a real leaning towards the RNY as it is quick and much cheaper to do.    I know some of the DS crowd had the DS in Canada and the local health board paid for it.  As a super morbidly obese woman I can see you'd meet the criteria.  Why not go and post on the DS forum and ask some advice?

Great pics! Congrats on all the weight lost. DS rocks, doesn't it?!

First off let me commend you on wanting to make a change in your life.  Sometimes people say get this one or don't do this one, bottom line is you will have some type of WLS   Whatever surgery you choose it will be life changing.

I had my WLS. 11/09 and I have no regrets.  I have not have any  difficulties.  I have lost over 150 pounds in about 15 months.  I am still loosing weight and I am very close to my goal.  The hardest thing for me is realizing that I am not the big girl I use to be.  I still want to go and look in the plus sizes only to realize nothing there fits me.  No I can't eat like I use to, but I have learned to make good choices and take better care of myself.  I chose to have WLS because I had diabetes and High BP.  Now I have neither.

You will have to do your research and figure out what is best for you.  Go with your gut and stick with it.  I wish you much success.  

 

My BMI was about where yours is currently and I went for a lap band the first time around.  My mistake: I didn't look at my situation realistically.  I didn't recognize the severity of my obesity. 

Please understand that in no way am I insulting you; I used to be just as heavy.  But when you're that heavy you gotta pull out the big guns. 

If you get a band and you go down my road (I lost 125 pounds with my band, my metabolism got too used to the few calories I was eating, crapped out, and I started to regain), you will end up with a revision.  Revisions are bad for so many reasons.  My most recent surgery that I'm working on will be my second revision. Three WLS's in 4 years.  Not good.

Please don't be like me.  I am the poster child for being hard headed.  I've learned my lesson.  Please look at the severity of your obesity. 

Best of luck to you!!

First of all congratulation on taking the first step.  I was 409lbs, pre surgery 390lbs when I had the lap band in 2007. I'm an active person working out 5 days a week at the gym.. My total weight lost in 3 years 80 lbs. That right 80 lbs, the constant food getting stuck, throwing up,  but most of all "acid reflux" that cause scares in my esophagus. I only wish I had done my homework before choosing the band, this  is NOT the right surgery for people that need to loose over 100lbs I don't care what people tell you.
This time I got smart, did a year of research for a revision surgery, attended support group meetings for RNY and Duodenal Switch for 1 year before I decided the best surgery to revise to.  I wanted to see how these people lived with their surgery.  The RNY people seemed to struggle with the pouch, somewhat like I did with the band. I have a cousin who also had the RNY she was 350lbs lost 180lbs in 2 years but has gain 120lbs back Ugg!.  (not for me). I decided on the DS  I needed the restriction and malabsorption and LONG term weight lost. I knew I made the right choice. Do your homework, research DSFACTS.com, come over to our forum. 

Last but not least, I had my revision surgery to duodenal switch on Feb 16th with no complication, I'm healed up and heading back to work next week.  Oh yea... did I mention I've lost 26lbs...love my DS!!


Gail

I had my band placed on 09 and until February I was completely satisfied with my weight loss and the way things were going. I had one severe stuck episode and everything went to **** from there. I went on clear liquids for the rest of that day and then soft food the following two days. by the fourth day I could not even drink water everything I put in my mouth came right back up. I ended up getting an unfill. After that they never could find my sweet spot and eventually I got to tight and had another unfill. At this point I started getting heart burn and my food options started to dwindle. I could no longer eat dense protein or fibrous veggies. I have been living on slider food and prilosec for a year. I would NEVER recommend the band to anyone no matter what size you are. But that's just me.

Your situation sounds almost identical to what I experienced with my band.  If you haven't already, PLEASE have your band looked at under fluroscopy, and consider having an EGD.  The stitch that held my band in place broke, causing my band to tilt.  The top part slipped up and the bottom part started eroding into my stomach tissue.  I revised to the DS and couldn't be happier with my results.  I totally agree with you, though, that I will never, EVER recommend the band to anyone again.

First... getting started looking into weight loss surgery is scary and very overwhelming so yay for you for taking the first steps!

I had a lap band in 2006 I am 5'4" and was 315 pounds at the time. I got the band because it was the safest surgery and I was 16 at the time so my mom did not want me having RNY.   I lost about 75 pounds and after about a year started throwing up EVERYTHING I ate.  In 2009 I had a revision and had a new band put in and lost no weight.  I have always eaten high protein, low carb and I am an athlete so I work out every day and I gained all my weight back plus some. 

I recently had the DS because after a TON of research and info sessions and hours of reading I decided it was the best surgery for me.  I know a ton of people who have been successful with the band, and I unfortunately know a ton of people who have been let down by the band.  My doctor informed me after I started to gain my weight back that "it doesn't work for everyone" faaaaantastic! 

I FINALLY feel like myself again and I am feeling wonderful in my own skin and I am finally LOSING the weight.

I suggest doing as much research as possible... don't just take the safe way because it may not always be the right way.

GOOD LUCK to you!!!  keep going through all the boards and ask a ton of questions!

I hope it all works out for you!