Another Newbie Here

I am 45 yrs old and 199 lbs. Every since my hysterectomy in 2001 I have gained weight steadily. I do ok with weight loss down to about 185 lbs and then gain it all back. I was looking into the lap band surgery, but am afraid they will not feel that I am a candidate. I am only about 55 lbs above my ideal weight, but it might as well be 200. I have tried phentermine, calorie counting, weigh down workshop, etc. I just gain it back every time.. I do not have any diagnosed health problems though I am taking a lot of ibuprofen for hip pain and pepcid for heartburn more and more often. Do you any of you know someone who was able to have the surgery that was not 100 or more lbs overweight? I am already depressed about how I look, avoid picture taking as much as possible, and hate mirrors with a passion. I do not want to wait until I gain another 50 to be able to get this under control. I just want to have a definite jawline again and be able to go in a store and not have to search for the PLUS sizes. The selections are slim and I never truly like the way they look on me even when others say they look good. I am embarrassed to go to my children's school because I hate the way I look in clothes. I don't like to eat in public because I don't won't people looking at my plate and judging how I got to this size. I am not the outgoing person that I used to be unless I am on the phone with people where they can not see me. My family is supportive of me and tell me I should just like myself the way that I am and find clothes that flatter my current weight. Much easier said than done. My 5 children and husband went shopping with me today and between us all we did manage to find two outfits that they all thought looked great and I thought looked at least good enough to go out in public again for the time being. Well, I did not mean to ramble on so, but I know there are some of you there that can understand much better than my thin friends and family members. Thanks for listening. Teresa

Hi & welcome Teresa, Girl you don't know how lucky you are. If, you are only 55 over weight you don't want to go through these drastric changes. I would give anything to only have to loose 55 lbs. You can do it. I don't know about your insurance but mine (BCBS TN) you must be 100 lbs over & a bmi of 40+. We all understand the depression feelings. I wish you luck with whatever you choose. Ellen

Welcom to the board Teresa!!

All weight loss surgery should be considered only as as a very last resort .. and the lap band is considered the least invasive and safest of all of them but , If you are only 55lb overweight there are many other alternatives other than surgery . most gastric surgeons will not even consider you unless you are at least 100lb overweight anyway .. the lap- band IS adjustable and can be tightend and loosened depending on your weight loss and some lap band surgeons might consider you if you have other health issues and they think taking off the extra 50 lb would be beneficial for you and you have sincerely tried at least a six month, doctor supervised diet to lose on your own..lap bands can even be compeletly emptied if you become pregnant or ill to assure your body gets all its food and nutrients and then slowly re-filled over time again to continue losing weight also lap- band is reversible .if problems do arise.. But I certainly would not go this route if I were you.. surgery is not a magic wand making the extra weight disappear it is very hard work and there are many, many risks and side effects involved ..there are many programs and even a weight loss forum here on OH for support good luck to you! choose carefully PS. wish I was only 55lb overweight too I would think I was skinny lol Arianna

Welcome, I am so glad you made it here! Hugs, Jacqueline

Hi Teresa, It's nice to meet you! Girl, I understand the feelings of depression and not wanting to go out anywhere because you don't feel you look good. Depending on your insurance and the surgeon you choose, most will not touch you unless you have an over 40 BMI or are 100 lbs overweight. I don't know what the requirements are for the lapband surgery. Gastric Bypass is very drastic if you don't have over 100lbs to lose. There is a forum here for people who are not pre/post op. They are trying to lose it on their own. I wish you luck in your endeavor to lose the weight. I wish I had caught my weight when I was only 50lbs overweight. I wouldn't be going through such a drastic process. Good luck to you! Janie

Hi Teresa, welcome to our board. I agree with the others when it comes to having surgery. A friend of mine couldn't get approved so he did just what we have to do, he's eating the same foods we are allowed, plenty of protein, plenty of water, and working out. You will be surprised that you will actually lose the weight. Do watch your carbs as they make starch into sugar and then you gain. No red meat for a long while too much fat in them. Basically have your PCP put you on a six month dr supervised diet, weigh in every month, and don't forget to workout daily. You will lose those excess pounds in no time. Do not skip any meals, that makes you want to eat more at the next meal. No snacking in between meals, that's water and protein shakes, or yogart with one scoop of protein powder in it unflavored. You can do it, just think positive and work at it harder. Once you lose those pounds, stay with the program to maintain the weight loss. Avoid fast foods, as much as possible. We aren't even allowed carbonated drinks. We have faith in you, we know you can do this on your own. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. Don't worry about venting on the board, we fully understand what you are doing thru. We are here to help, support, and pray for you. May God help you on this journey to lose the weight. Love kathy