Question:
Anybody around 220 lb. mid 30s had lap-band and how are you doing. I want details!

I am looking for someone around my age with kiddos who absolutely considered food their best friend- who has had lap band. I am going thru the process and would love to chat or exchange email stories. Want to know if you would do it again and how it is going. My email is [email protected]    — kentuckygirl_36 (posted on March 30, 2009)

March 30, 2009
I am 37 and had lap band 6-17-08 which turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life so far. I can't blame it call on the band but owe that to the surgeon who did the damage. I did my homework. Read three books, went to support groups, logged on to OH, went to seminars, and had my surgery at a center of excellence. But nothing could have prepared me for the diagnosis of gastroparesis ( paralyzation of the stomach). I am now scheduled for a sub-total gastrectomy on April 30 2009, just 10 months later. So do believeit is "safe, "inevasive", and reversible because what I have is not curable. I thought I made an educated choice but was wrong. I am considered going in small I have gained some weight back since the band was unfilled in December. (before that I had 4 fills in 6 months)I am around the 220 mark now. Band is a lot of maintenance and work. It is also very slow but now I am forced into the RNY because my stomach is frozen and doesn't digest food. The side effects are unbearable so how frightened I am of bypass I really have no choice because I can't live like this. Check out my profile it explains some of the ups and downs. I since have had 2 other opinions and may be going for a third. All I can say is be very careful and think every decision through. I don't want to knock the band because some people do well with it I just wasn't one of them. Pam
   — pamela P.

March 30, 2009
Hi Holly:) I am 34 and I started my journey at 256 lbs. I'm married with 3 kids (age 10 & under). I've had my ups and downs, but the downs have been my fault when I think I can eat something I know I shouldn't. It wasn't a decision I made over night. It took me years to finally make the step. I so wish I had made the decision years ago to do it. It's just amazing how much better I feel and how my energy has increased, which my kids love! It's not an easy fix like so many people think. You have to be in the right mindset for any life change including the lapband. Luckily, I had a great program with Fresh Start Bariatrics in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Myers and his staff were wonderful in the months prior to surgery and after. I go in monthly to check in. It is a slow process, but it is so worth it. I would recommend it to everyone.
   — Teri K.

March 31, 2009
I was 39 when I had my Lap Band 2 years ago.My son was 4 at the time.I was scared to death, but don't regret it for a minute. It has changed my life.I used to have trouble standing up after kneeling next to the tub to give my son a bath.Now, I am constantly moving.I get so much done at home now, even after a full day at work. When I was 225, I was sooo tired all the time.I just wanted to eat and sleep. Since the surgery my increased confidence has really changed my attitude.I went back to college to finish my degree, I walked 60 miles in 3 days for breast cancer, the list goes on.I have not had any side effects thank goodness. I will be paying the surgery off forever but it was worth every penny. The weight loss is slow but I am still losing 2 years later. The best thing of all is that I am rarely hungry. When I was bigger, I ALWAYS felt hungry. I hope you are able to come to a decision that feels comfortable for you.
   — pattyann

March 31, 2009
Well I had mine 05/05.2008 I am 39 i started at 239 and am currently 208 I am happy with the choice for the most part disapointed at the slow loss. New it would me just thought it would be more like a turtle not a snail hehe. Lost of ups and downs. I go back and forth as to if I regreat it. If you have a lot of trouble keeping away from carbs and be really honest with yourself because most of your problems are from comfort foods like mashpotatoes mac and cheese pastas they slide right down with the band and even though i said I can do this i can stay away it has been hard. I am not a chocolate or sugar person I am a carb aholic. so if that is your problem I would choose RNY thats what I should have done. to keep me away from that junk
   — Nurse343