how many on "in your 50's" had lapband

I am rather new here on this forum and as I read the posts here I don't see very many that had lapband.  I was wondering is it not recommended for the over 50 person?  Who had lapband and how did the surgery go for you? Was there a lot of pain and discomfort? How much weight have you lost and over what period of time. Amanda C

Hi Amanda, Jean M, posted on the "what's eating you" thread today. She had the lap-band. You might get in touch with her. I had RNY but lead a lap-band support group. Some of the over 50 people have had the LB surgery and with excellent results. I can't recall their exact statistics, but they are losing and happy. As for pain - haha - one woman had her surgery on a Tuesday, went home on Wednesday and went on a shopping spree the following Friday. She said she began to get tired but didn't have enough pain to interfer with shopping. The biggest complaint I hear is the need to BURP often. That's about the best I can offer. Hope it helps Annette

I had the lap band done Sept 2007 and was 54 at the time,  I was in the hospital overnight.  Not really much pain.   I took a couple weeks off work, mostly because I could, not because I had to.  My only restriction was not to lift anything over 25 lbs for a few weeks. I have lost between 75 and 80 pounds, I am kind of at a plateua right now.  I think at the point of losing inches right now.  Kind of frustrating not seeing the scale move down for the last week. I have been real happy with the lap band.  I am just amazed at how the weight has come off. Tonight my hubby told me I am smaller then our daughter, I am still in shock over that.  Just do your research and good luck on whatever you decide. Barb

Hi Amanda, I'm a lap bander.  I had my surgery 5/21/07 and so far, including the pre-op diet I've lost 88 lbs.  I was 53 when I had the surgery.  Not much pain at all!  I took one pain pill before bed the night I got home and that was it!  I took one week off.  My surgery was on Monday morning and I went home from the hospital on Tuesday morning. I went back to work the following Tues. after Memorial Day so I got an extra day in there.  I had laparoscopic surgery.  It has been the best experience of my life.  No more high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes.  The painful arthritis in my knees is what made me decide to have lap band.  I can run around with the grandkids and climb stairs effortlessly. It is a tool and you have to work it.  It doesn't do it all for you.  You have to adopt the healthy eating lifestyle and exercise.  It has worked for me. Good Luck, Bev

Thank You Ladies for posting. I knew there had to be a few people that had lapband surgery.  It sounds like it is a doable surgery for someone over 50 with complications other than weight.  I hope I don't have  too  much trouble with the pain and the gas. I am alone and am still trying to figure out how I am going to drive myself back home (an hour to 1-1/2 hour drive) after the surgery and not stay over night in the hospital. I really can't afford to pay for  night in the hospital. I still haven't spoken with the Dr yet  that will be on the 22nd of this month. Hopefully when surgery is scheduled I will be his first patient and can recover during the morning and afternoon so I can drive home.  The whole  thing is a problem as I need my electric mobility device  or  if I hire someone to drive  then I will need a huge wheelchair and someone to pu**** So many questions to ask I hope the Dr will help figure out how we will do this.  It stinks to  be doing this all alone.

Hi girls, I have not have the lapband yet, but I am having it next Thursday, and I am 55. I just don't want anything more invasive than the band. And I feel as if I need help, and support pretty constantly,  not a changed body structure.... as silly as that sounds. But I was given the option of either or.  Perhaps a lot more people over 50 have the ability to take more time off from work, and know that the weight loss of a RNY is often MORE percentage-wise than for the band and aren't willing to compromise  for less possible weight loss. But there are 50 somethings that have been banded and have lost 100# just like RNY'ers. I work with one! Best wishes,

Hi Amanda, I'm 51 and had lap-band in April.  I was a so-called "lightweight" but had many co-morbidities.   Feel free to write me anytime Mary

Wow it is good to meet you all.   I notice some of you sent invites as friends. Fantastic, glad you did.  Once I get to the Dr and get moving with all the test etc and have the surgery I suppose I will have more to ask and say.  Till than I will be reading your posts and hopefully offering words of encouragement and congratulations if I see the posts. 

Hi Amanda ~ I just turned 56 and I had my lapband on 5/27/08.  As of 6/29, I have lost 21 lbs.  The weight has slowed to about 1.5 lbs. per week the last 2 weeks, but I am still losing and loving it. The surgery went great and uneventful.  The only problem I had was being nauseated ~ but they put anti-nausea medication in the IV and I was fine.  Very little pain and gas afterward.    I feel my age wasn't a factor for me. I love my band!! Keep in touch and good luck to you... Bren