28 Lap band now bypass-nervous any suggestions.....

Hi everyone to put it simply I had the lapband 11/06 and have only lost 62 lbs I was 313 pre op-293 day of surgery and my lowest weight was 227 11/08 and now I am 254...my weight is creeping back up and i am having issues with the band. I had a long talk with my surgeon who is GREAT! and he suggested I consider by pass and to be honest that was his intal suggestion 3 years ago and I let people talk me out of it! boy do  I regret that! However I am 99% about the surgery , I just have a few questions hanging around........ He only wants me to lose 75-90 lbs because I am tall 5'11 so my weight spreads pretty evenly EXCEPT this annoying top belly I have, LOL I cant get rid of it!

so I am concerned about:
1) Excess skin
2) Pregnancy
3) Losing too much weight

sorry if it sounds silly but I'm just being honest...................thanks for your suggestions!
shirelle da makeup artist

First of all, good luck. My surgeon also advised against the band for the same reason you've demonstrated. My RNY is treating me right, and things are going so well.

As for excess skin, you'll probably have a little bit. I think we all do. Because of your age and skin elasticity, it might not be too bad. It's just something that you'll have to deal with, and decide for yourself whether it is drastic enough to need some plastic surgery. It bothers some people, and it's no big deal for others.

As far as pregnancy goes, my surgeon said there would be no impediments to conceiving. Actually, the better shape you're in, the healthier/less complicated the pregnancy will be, and the healthier the baby will turn out. That being said, my surgeon (and most others) reccomend not getting pregnant until you are at least a year to 18 months out from surgery. The weight loss and vitamin deficiencies during this time could prevent the fetus from developing properly.

Losing too much weight...seems crazy, right? It does happen. A friend of mine did lose too much weight, but with some hard work with nutritionists and doctors, was able to gain some back and be healthy.

Remember, your main goal is to be healthy. My surgeon constantly tells me not to put too much value on pounds or clothes sizes. The weight will come off, but being in better shape and being healthier is more important than any number on the scale.

thanks so much for the encouraging words and you are so right! the goal is to be healthy and commit to a healthy life style again!!!!! lol- I will def keep committed to the site and blogging on my progress.

thanks so much

1. excess skin - its hard to accept the post-WLS body... you work hard to lose the weight but are left with all the excess hanging skin. I think about having plastic surgery every day... I went for quotes and am looking at 30-40K to have my body 'fixed'. I wouldnt trade this body for my old one thou.. while the excess skin sucks being overweight was WAY worse

2. it wont be an issue, there is a pregnancy forum you can view on OH for more info

3. it happens to some but its rare per my surgeon. many people drop down and then come back up a few pounds... you will just have to figure out what your body needs. I have to eat approx 1400 calories a day to maintain my current weight - its a lot of food but I just eat 6 times a day and do my meals/snacks to get the minimum calories I need.

thanks so Much Jennifer very detailed answers that definitely help and keep me encouraged! I am definitely going to do and just continue to trust God and maintain a healthy lifestyle!  I love the OH  family you guys really help carry eachother!

If you're committed to losing the weight no matter what I wouldn't factor excess skin into your decision, since if you are going to have excess skin, you'll probably have it no matter how you lose the weight. That's why I'm not worried about it terribly. I've heard exercise helps tighten it up a lot, but it also depends on a lot of factors like your highest weight, your skin elasticity, age, etc... Good luck!

i thought about the band but for the reasons you mentioned went against it. 

1. excess skin be minimal to alot depending on how much u exercise and how much u have to lose
2. they do recomind you weight at least a year to get pregnant, but my gynocoligist says everything will be fine with baby they have had plenty of women who have had the surgery in their office.
3 i here if you up the caliories it could help maintain your weight.
 
i wish you luck on your journey and hope all gose well.

hey girl i`m sorry u are having problems with your band.
i`m 15 months out of RNY very happy with my results. i`m at my surgeron goal now. but i would lke to lose other 20.

about your cuestions
1).. excess skin. DON´T YOU WORRY ABOUT THAT IT CAN BE FIXED!!!! and that`s not gonna stop you is it? lol.

2)... Pregnacy i know a lot of people who had surgery and have helthy and beautiful children. just don´t try the 1th year lol.

3) losing 2 much weight. well there is  jus a few lucky *******s that lose 2 much weight haha. the most of us bye the year out have the curse of the "20 lbs". But If happens that you lose to much. there is ways to keep you in a helthy weight. so i won´t be worry about that.

good luck! and keep us posted.

ps. LOVE MAKEUP!!!!!!!!!!

thank you all so much for your encouraging words I appreciate it! I will be contacting my surgeon Friday and I have an appt for 5/19 to start the process! I don't know how long approval and pre op will take especially since I already have a band....................I have Cigna Open Access and to date they have been wonderful so I pray it will be a smooth transition! I'll be sure to keep you posted and for those of you who are make up lovers- I have a you tube channel- www.youtube/msrelle81  it's all my tips and tricks as an make up artist!

thanks and have a good night!

Ok last question- Hair loss, since we are the young hip 20s lol I was wondering how has your experience with hair loss been..........