Question:
Having second thoughts....
I am scheduled to have realize lap band done June 14th. For the first time I have taken a gander at some before and after photos and I am having second thoughts. I know it is all about how I tend to my body after the surgery, and how hard I work is how fast the pounds will come off. But now I am wondering is this really true? In most of the photos that I had clicked through, most woman have only lost less then 50 lbs a year out. I was hopping for being close to my goal WL (130lbs in a year). Is this being unrealistic? Am I reaching for a goal that is just not going to happen?!?!??! — ReneeKelly (posted on May 3, 2010)
May 3, 2010
I had the realize band 12/24/09, I have lost 54 lbs and I have 9cc's in 11
cc band. I am 4 1/2mo. out. My weight loss has slowed, but I'm not able to
excercise as much as I should. You may want to discuss this concern with
your surgeon, there are other options.
— T R.
May 3, 2010
I had my realize band Jan. 5, 2010 and have been doing great.I have lost 59
lbs. in 4 months. There are other options but for me it was too severe.
Drink your water and be sure to maintain the protien levels you need for
faster weight loss. Shakes are the easiest way to do that. I add frozen
blueberries to my vanilla shake for morning. Usually a small Wendy's chili
for lunch, another shake for snack and or dinner. Never miss your vitamins
and also the protien shots from Walmart help you get all your protiens in.
Small meals or snacks about every 2-3 hours has worked very well for me.
Also, add Miralax powder to your hot tea to stay regular. Dulcolax pills
have been great also it is not a stimulant. I also have a neighbor who has
lost 110 lbs. in 10 months. Soup is so easy and satisfying too. Enough
Proteins and enough water is the key. I have found some great websites for
great shake and protein bars and even protein hot chocolate. Dietdirect.com
is a great source. You will be amazed.The whey protein shake Optimum from
bodybuilders.com has unbelievable wonderful flavors.bananna strawberry and
I even add frozen blueberrys to that each morning with skim milk, vanilla
ice cream flavor shake, orange cream, extreme chocolate and on and on.... I
did alot of research and lapband seemed the safest for me. Last year
lapband is done more now than the gastric bypass. The vertical sleeve is
another but it also is permanant. Write down your lists of concerns and
talk to your doctor. I know of many people who have lost over 100 pounds
and they keep losing. It is up to you to follow the things you are supposed
to do with lapband or anything else it is only a tool. You must set
yourself up for success not failure. You can lose the weight. I have 113
more to go. I weigh in on the first and 15th of each month. I just quietly
go in and weigh myself the nurses do not mind and of course there is no
charge.
I have only had one fill 3cc in a 14cc large band and doing fine. The
doctor said some people never need a fill after that. Good luck. Always
stay positive and stay aware with food choices and you will be fine with
whatever you decide.
Always watch your carb intake.
— luc
May 3, 2010
Well said Lou Chestnut! I did not have the band, my Dr. told me to have
the RNY, I wished my insurance would have paid for the vertical sleeve, but
they didn't then, now they do, I think I would have gone for that one.
Do I have regrets, ahhh not too many, but it is rough this recovery.
— FSUMom
May 3, 2010
I really can't add much beyond what Lou said except this tiny little
tidbit. Everyone is unique in their own way. Some lose weight faster and
others get off to a slower start. I had the Lapband on 2/11/10. I've had
no fills as yet and as of yesterday have lost 67 lbs. These are NOT
TYPICAL results as my surgeon discussed with me. Ideally you should lose
about 2 lbs a week...I've gone beyond that and not on purpose. When I
started this journey I weighed 391. By all accounts the larger you are
when you start...the faster you lose initially. As for your goals...you
want to lose 130 a year..that's 2.5 lbs a week for 52 weeks. Please
remember this...its not the destination its the journey. This surgery or
any WLS is not a quick fix..its not another fad diet...its a lifestyle
change and changes takes time. Hope this helps...
— kchooker
May 3, 2010
Second thoughts are normal. But stay focused. That leads me to my
question to you. What is the real reason for you considering WLS? We have
all lost and gained weight - massive amounts of weight. We all know how to
do that! That's not the problem. We can lose it....but not long term.
That's what this is for. A long term TOOL to keep the weight off. I'm not
concerned with how fast I lose my weight, all I know is that when it's
gone, it's not coming back if I am diligent. Remember you get out of it
what you put into it! For me, that is the point. What is your objective?
You probably know if you want to lose 130 lbs you can. But, will you keep
it off? This is not something to take lightly, you definitely should talk
to your doctor/surgeon about your concerns, wants and realities. It is not
an easy decision; it took me 4 years to decide. It is the best thing I
have done for myself. Let us know what you decide. Good luck!
— lryan106
May 3, 2010
Hi there! I chose the RNY because my research showed that most (I repeat -
MOST) lapbanders do not lose as much or as quickly as bypass patients. I
think your success rests largely on your determination to follow the
"plan" and MAKE it work for you. Many banders find a way around
the rules, and end up not losing much at all. But if you're committed to
your health and to eating right, you'll do just fine. I chose the more
severe RNY because there are consequences to "bad behavior" -
like dumping syndrome - and I felt that I needed the threat of that to keep
myself in line. In one year, I lost 140 pounds and am at my goal weight.
Now, it's just a matter of continuing to eat right, and I should stay
within 2 or 3 pounds. I went from a size 28 pants to a size 8, a size 3X
shirt (or size 28) to a size 12-14, or medium. I haven't submitted my
before and after photos yet, but will be doing that soon! P.S. I am 56,
and had this surgery a year ago March, at the age of 58. And the only
complication I've had was one round with a stricture, which was quickly
fixed with a dilation procedure that was fast and painless on an outpatient
basis.
— Erica Alikchihoo
May 4, 2010
My surgery is also on June 14th. I think it is all how you listen to and
do what your doctor tells you. It's very important to go to support
meetings I am told. I think I am going to do that. I still have many
questions but I find the people in OH very willing to answer my questions.
Good luck to you. I hope to meet you on June 14th.
— Carol2010
May 4, 2010
Second thoughts are totally natural. In my own journey, I scheduled an
appointment with a WLS facility about 3 years ago and cancelled. Then, I
actually went in and talked to a different facility two years ago and
discussed lap band. I made a second appointment and then cancelled out of
that too. Finally, I made the decision to go talk to yet a third office
about 6 weeks ago. I went in planning on lap band and ended up selecting
the sleeve. Not saying that's right for everyone, but it fit my lifestyle
and my desire for low followup and maintenance. This time, when I made the
decision, I felt confident it was the right one. I actually felt that I
had already made a permanent life change just having made the decision. I
am 2 weeks and 1 day post op now and have absolutely zero regrets. I will
admit that I underestimated how tough it would be the first few days out of
the hospital, but the recovery curve was a steep incline after the first
two days. I was walking for exercise by day three, and have got in at
least one hour of fast walking daily since that second week began. I'm
still on liquids only, but its a very small sacrifice compared to the
payoff. And I'll get to go to pureed food next week, then real foods two
weeks later.
As for results - I lost 15 pounds in my 2-week pre-op liquid diet (also got
back on the jogging and tennis routine), and I've lost another 14 pounds in
the 15 days since my surgery. I'm sure it's probably not typical - my
doctor told me I would be lucky to get 10 in a month (my surgery weight was
223). But I'm enjoying it while I can, have promised myself not to get
disappointed when it naturally slows down, and I can promise that I'm
working it on the fitness side as hard as my recovery will allow me. I
can't wait to be able to jog again - I'd do it now if the doctor had not
said to wait for 6 weeks just to make sure everything is healed.
Best of luck in finding the solution that works best for you...
— HLB
May 4, 2010
Thank you everyone for your answers. I guess I should have explained a
little better on why I have set my goal in such a short time frame. I am
and have always been called an overachiever. I have tried EVERY fad, pill,
group, and then some to lose weight. And some have worked but in long term
the weight came back and found a few friends along the way. When I was told
I had PCOS, and after seeing doctor after doctor to just hope that I would
be told that the first doctor was wrong...it turns out that he wasn't. My
husband and I just celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary and want to
start a family. Our doctor had told me that if I loose 115 lbs that would
"jump-start" my body and we may not have to do fertility
treatments. That is when the overachiever in me kicked in and had said 115
lbs...nope I wanna lose 130 lbs. I understand this is not a "quick
fix" and believe me when I say I have done my research on the
pros/cons of having the lap band done.
Again thank you to everyone who took the time to write to me. <3 Lots
and lots of love!!!!
— ReneeKelly
May 6, 2010
Renee, I just had the Realize Band put in on Tuesday, May 4th and I feel
terrific! I'm walking, showering, bending down, sleeping well and so far I
haven't been really hungry. I'm eating popsicles, protein drink, jello,
decaf tea, etc. The surgery was a breeze and I'm 57 years old. So far, no
regrets. My son has lost 100 lbs since Oct. 2009 and I know a woman my age
who had her surgery in Nov. 2009 and she's lost 60 so all I can say is go
for it. It will make life better for you and give you a longer life.
Best of luck!
— jackmom1484
May 8, 2010
My surgery is planned for the same day. We will do fantastic! There is so
much support here.
— stayinalive
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