Thinking about lap band surgery

I am 44 yrs old and would like to reach 45 I weigh 308 lbs at 5'6 and I am afraid I will not reach 50 if I continue on this path. I have made up my mind to do something looking for advice.

Have you checked out the lap band forum on this site? Lots and lots of good info. I had lap band in June 05, and it has changed my life; i.e., I now have one. It's a wonderful tool if you use it right. I would highly recommend you look into it. You have taken the first step. Congratulations! Now take one more baby step at a time until you get your life back.

The lap band forum might give you more info about that procedure. I chose RNY for me because I wanted something that had more consequences if I ate the wrong thing. I wanted some malabsorption and I wanted the "dumping" syndrome to help me to quit eating sugars, simple carbs. They are both restrictive procedures but the lap band won't give you the "dumping" issues. I also chose RNY because it seems to have better results than the lap band and it seems to be quicker. I wanted more bang for my buck, so to speak. Any method will work if you are willing to put forth the effort needed. That means eat right, take vitamins forever, drink the water and exercise. You have to make that lifestyle change if you want to be successful. Just an FYI, I know someone that had the lap band and has only lost about 50-55 lbs and that includes the pre-op weight loss. She has found a way to cheat on it. I also know a guy that had RNY, lost 70, then started grazing and has put all the weight back on and then some. Now he has some real medical problems because of it. None of these procedures will make the weight go away forever but it will help you lose the weight and give you the time needed to make the permanent changes you should make. Only you can make the weight loss permanent, and that means you have to remain vigilant with your personal weight loss program forever. Be honest with yourself. Only do this procedure if you are really ready for it. Linda

Phillip, Wow, that seems familiar... I was 46 hoping to see 48. At 385+lbs. Now? I'm 50, betting on reaching 100 at 182lbs!!! The success rate for folks using diet and exercise? Is 10% success and 90% failure. The success rate for folks using WLS to support diet and exercise? Approx. 70% success. I had to go with the odds! I want to drop by an Invitation. It's great to see other men out here. We make up such a small percentage (12%) Of the people having Weight Loss Surgery, But tend to reach our goal weights quicker and with less Or at least Different hassles than the Gals Due to Male physiology. Drop by the Men's Message Board And check out what other men like you are going through. It's a diverse make up of Dads, Singles, Older, younger, etc... Pre-Ops, Post-Ops new and some Old (at Goal) Post-Ops. Lap-Banders, RNY'ers DS, etc... Great bunch of guys with the mutual understanding That WLS for Men can be a totally different Journey. Stop by to add your questions, advice, opinions, and info at- http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/ It's Great to know we're not so alone, And that there are others pulling for you. Hope to see you 'Round the Boards! Best Wishes- Dx

Research all types of surgery. Learn everything you can. You won't have regrets later if you do the research now. Congratulations on deciding to change your life. It takes courage!

Be sure to visit the lapband forum. I've had my lapband for 8 months now and have lost 50lbs. I know it doesn't sound like much, but I didn't really have a whole lot to lose. Plus my surgeon is slow on doing the fills. Last month I got my 3rd fill and that one was the winner. I am losing faster now, and I feel absolutely wonderful! I have no side effects at all, and feel like a human being again. It's been a long time since that has happened. Congratulations on deciding to better your health!

Hi, I agree with everyone that said to check out the lapband forum. Read thru the posts on the message boards with caution. I say this because you ned to choose your surgery type based on your onw needs and wants. Your Doctor will have a plan for you to follow and it will be important for you to follow that plan. I used to check out the posts for help in my struggles but quickly found that the stuff I read was not at all what my surgeon or dietician wanted me to do. I stuck with my program and have lost 115 pounds in less than a year with my band. My hubby got banded 4/10/06 and is down almost 100 since then. He was 326 DOS he is 229 today8 months out. If you learn how to eat properly you will attain your goal no matter what procedure you have. The more support and guidance you get is what helps the most, and a great surgical team! Make sure that you have a dietician and fitness expert and ample access to them. It does take a village for this! I actually have very little saline in my band. I have learned what to eat and when to eat for my needs and reached my goal early and have shed a few pounds in the last several months. I was told by another surgeon that I would not loose 50 pounds with the band. Well I didnt, I lost 115. While we are different and want different thing, we all want to be healthy. If you ever need anything or have any questions please feel free to email me. Here is a gander at what my hubby and I used to look like..... http://www.azfamily.com/health/weightloss/stories/KTVKWLW20061108_lapband-surgery.1a47e75a .html Click watch the video Good Luck, Jen