Thinking about having Lap band
I agree that the lap band is one of the worst options out there and had I known how really ineffective it is I would never have gotten it. I believe the manufacturers have lied all along to the surgeons and the surgeons just took their word for everything. Now the surgeons are finding that the band is not the best surgery and there are hundreds of people even right here who have had to have their bands removed and revise to anoither surgery. I can't in good conscience suggest the band to anyone.
I've done well with the band, using it as intended.. to suppress my appetite. I keep my band loose enough that I can eat a wide variety of foods.
I didn't start losing weight until I got back on regular food, about 2 weeks after surgery. 2 1/4 years out, I've lost 200 lbs, which if going by the BMI, is about 85% of my excess weight. I think the BMI isn't accurate for me (age, sex, length of time I was obese) so I've probably lost more than 85% of my extra fat.
I do measure & weigh my food. I workout almost daily (but started just by walking). I drink at least 64oz a day and try to get 80 to 100. I work at this, but when I follow the guidelines, the weight comes off. I will admit that the loss is much much slower as you get closer to goal. Normal and to be expected.
I didn't start losing weight until I got back on regular food, about 2 weeks after surgery. 2 1/4 years out, I've lost 200 lbs, which if going by the BMI, is about 85% of my excess weight. I think the BMI isn't accurate for me (age, sex, length of time I was obese) so I've probably lost more than 85% of my extra fat.
I do measure & weigh my food. I workout almost daily (but started just by walking). I drink at least 64oz a day and try to get 80 to 100. I work at this, but when I follow the guidelines, the weight comes off. I will admit that the loss is much much slower as you get closer to goal. Normal and to be expected.
Revision on 08/13/13
I'm over 5 years out from my lap band placement. The most important thing is to do your research, and decide what risks are and are not acceptable to you. ALL WLS carries risks, whether that be a risk that you won't lose weight or that you will regain it, or risks related to the surgery type, such as chronic vitamin deficiencies, intestinal obstructions, slips, etc. You have to decide what is best for you.
I personally chose a band for several reasons, including the fact that I had not yet had children and didn't want to have a surgery that might impact a pregnancy negatively. I also tend to take a "do the least, first" approach. Some WLS are more permanent than others and cannot really be revised as part opf your anatomy is removed. I felt like the a band would be the least drastic and most easily revised option should I need to choose something different later. You have to decide for yourself what feels right for you.
Always keep in mind that with MOST surgery types, when you are on the message board you will likely see a disproportionatly high rate of problems, because people that are doing well and have no compaints usually get bored of hanging around here and move on or never seek support in the first place.
I personally chose a band for several reasons, including the fact that I had not yet had children and didn't want to have a surgery that might impact a pregnancy negatively. I also tend to take a "do the least, first" approach. Some WLS are more permanent than others and cannot really be revised as part opf your anatomy is removed. I felt like the a band would be the least drastic and most easily revised option should I need to choose something different later. You have to decide for yourself what feels right for you.
Always keep in mind that with MOST surgery types, when you are on the message board you will likely see a disproportionatly high rate of problems, because people that are doing well and have no compaints usually get bored of hanging around here and move on or never seek support in the first place.
Banded 03/22/06 276/261/184 (highest/surgery/lowest)
Sleeved 07/11/2013 228/165 (surgery/current) (111lbs lost)
Mom to two of the cutest boys on earth.
I'm just shy of six months out with my band. I've been losing an average of a pound a week, but it doesn't come off that smoothly - it's more like 2 pounds this week, nothing for 2-3 weeks, then 5 pounds down. However, it's work - you can't just sit back and expect that the weight is going to come pouring off. I have gone from working with a trainer 3x a week, to 4x a week, and this week i'm starting 5x a week for the next 3 months. But it's giving me some definition and keeping my skin from being totally slack and gross, so it's worth it.
You can eat around the band. You have to change your mindset. It's a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet. And there may be some things you have to give up completely. I can't eat bread in any form, or french fries, and asparagus, which is my favorite veggie, seems to be off my diet for good. Everyone is different - i can eat steak and shrimp all day, but chicken and tuna give me problems. Others have problems with beef and shrimp.
Make a list of questions, and also talk to your doctor about alternatives that might work best for you.
You can eat around the band. You have to change your mindset. It's a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet. And there may be some things you have to give up completely. I can't eat bread in any form, or french fries, and asparagus, which is my favorite veggie, seems to be off my diet for good. Everyone is different - i can eat steak and shrimp all day, but chicken and tuna give me problems. Others have problems with beef and shrimp.
Make a list of questions, and also talk to your doctor about alternatives that might work best for you.
Bad option! I deal with pain daily while eating.
I have lost a whopping 30 lbs.
Please do your research! Don't make the same mistake I did. I never thought I would be one of those with problems. But there are more people with problems than those without ..In my opinion.
Research the sleeve and DS. Those are the two best WLS out there!