To band or not to band..... - Obesity Message Board

k@t · 02-13-2006, 05:11 AM

Hey all,

There has been a lot of talk here about the lap band and gb surgery. I have read many of the threads and seen conflicting opinions. I have thought about it a lot but never really thought I could do it. Today however, I saw a doctor for a check up and she asked me if I had ever thought about the lab band surgery. She said she's almost sure I'm a candidate and that I should see a gastric doctor to sort it out. It takes on a whole new meaning when a doctor says that you should do it. So I would like to know your opinions based on my history.

I'm 25 years old, 110 kg (242lbs) and im 1.65m tall (5´5). I have been fat since I can remember. (since about 6 years old I think) I have been on numerous diets, had some success with some of them, but then end up gaining the weight back and usually plus a little more. I exercise, I have a treadmill, I go to the gym when I can. I'm not lazy and I cook fairly healthy. But we (my husband and I) eat out a lot because of our busy schedule. My bmi is 40.3. I want to start a family but I know because of my weight it would be dangerous. I have never had surgery before, the worst thing I ever had done is my wisdom teeth were pulled. I'm afraid of surgery, but I'm afraid even more of my weight and the problems it might cause. Heart problems and diabetes and cancer all run in my family. I don't know if the surgery is right for me, or if I'm just not trying hard enough with the diets. This is a hard decision and my husband said he's leaving it up to me (although he doesn't support the idea of me having surgery if I decide to do it he won’t stop me.)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

lulu721 · 02-14-2006, 07:16 PM

Hi K@t
I had laproscopic lap band surgery 2 months ago today. It took me probably about 2 yrs of research to finally decide to have lap band done. I started out at 272 lbs, and Im 5'5. bmi was about 43. My knees hurt all the time. Headaches every single day. I was making huge contributions to the Ibuprofren companys. But now Im 245 feeling better every day

.
The hardest part for me was making my legs walk into the preop area after I took off my clothes to prepare for surgery. I stood in the restroom removing my clothes. And I just prayed to God . Four steps... four steps. Give me courage to save my life walking four steps to the right. And I did. Im very pleased that I did get the courage to do it. And thus far no complications. Pain of course is minimal , uncomfortable but remember it is surgery. But I would do it again in a second if I had to decide all over again.

Lulu

k@t · 02-15-2006, 02:13 PM

wow, thanks for the inspiration.

I have been doing some research about it and I think I really want to do it, I'm just afraid because I'm here in Portugal. I mean I know they have good doctors etc. But I've never had any kind of surgery before. I don't know the cost etc. I have an appointment with the bariatric (is that right?) doctor on the 24th, so hopefully he can tell me all those things. It's a bit scarey, but but I'm so young and I'm afraid I'll never be able to loose the weight with out it. I'm tired of being stared at here, not only am I blue eyed and blonde, but I'm fat, and it reinforces the stero type that Portuguese have of Americans. We're all fat according to them. Hopefully I will know more after my appt. I'll keep u updated.

ps. Congrats on the weight loss, thats a pretty good loss for just 2 months!

lulu721 · 02-16-2006, 10:06 PM

K@t
well I think its awesome that you made the appointment to see the bariatric dr. That is a major step I can sure tell you it was for me. Take it step by step , what your doing is a big deal. Im super happy for you for doing it!. I just had my first fill last week. As Im sure youve read the band needs to be filled to a comfortable level. A maximum of 4 cc's here in the US. BTW I have knowns several people that get there WLS done in Europe cause the cost is so much less. I did some reserch on smartbandsters. look it up. It will be a world of knowledge for you. Good Luck
Lulu

k@t · 02-17-2006, 04:28 AM

Hey LuLu,

I've been hanging around another lapband forum and found out a lot of info. It seems like I will probably have to pay between 3,000€ and 5,000€ judging from what people are paying in Belguim and France and Spain. I can't wait for my appointment on the 24th!