staggs_jamie

Hi, my name is Jamie. I am 27 years old and had the lap band August 20, 2010. I have lost approximately 40 lbs. My highest weight was 293 lbs. My lowest was while I was in high school/early college around 160 lbs. When I was around 21, I went off of birth control. I gained around 100 lbs in a few months. Several years and several doctors later, I was diagnosed with Poly-Cycstic Ovarian Syndrome, which affects hormones. My endocrinologist told me that I was basically self medicating with the birth control and when I stopped taking it, the PCOS reared it's ugly head. Too bad getting the weight off won't happen as quickly as it piled on! Anyway, I have been struggling the last few weeks with food and exercise choices. Logically, I know what I need to do, but I have not overcome the emotional aspects of being obese and losing weight. That is why I am seeking support from the online community.

Amber, Hello. I was banded last August. My surgery was out-patient. I don't think it was as quick as one hour, but I went in early a.m. and was home by that afternoon. My recovery took about a week. I took two weeks off of work, but could have gone back sooner. To me, the pro's are: 1) Not as drastic a surgery, 2) hospital time and recovery time were minimal, 3) slower weight loss, no dumping, no malabsorption. A few cons: 1) It can be frustrating cause weight loss is slow, lol, 2) It takes time to find the 'sweet spot' of the right amount of saline fill, 3) If you are too tight, you face stuck episodes and vomiting. Hope this helps. Jamie