Cazzy

Any time someone is put under general anesthesia there is a risk regardless of the reason. When the person in question is obese or has other health issues, that risk increases. That being said, the only deaths I am aware of are by those quacks at 1800getthin in California, who by the way are under federal investigation and are being shut down because of it.
I too was afraid, but I also knew if I didn't my fat would kill me way before my time anyway.
I had my surgery on Jan.6, 2012 and have lost 58 pounds so far. Honestly, this is the best thing I've EVER done for myself. I still have a lot of weight to lose but I feel so much better!! It's work and you must change your eating habits for a lifetime, but SO worth it.
Best wishes to you, whatever you decide

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

Thank you to all of u
June is the month.. Plastic Surgery here i come ... scarey !!

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

Today i am offically no longer obese I am just overweight.. .
14lbs to go !!!

I can't eat breads or red meats. I've also given up soft drinks. But....I can eat any fruit and vegetables, love my chicken, fish and turkey.

For most people the success of the lapband depends on them and how hard they work at making it a success. There are positives and negatives for all WLS but i chose the band above all else because i didnt want something that wasnt reversible. I have never regretted getting the band and even if something went wrong i know this was the best decision i made ..

Most states have a professional regulatory board to monitor the unethical practices of licensed medical professionals. I would most certainly report these suspect charges for services to your insurance company. Legally, you can dispute these charges, which will create a "red flag" for the insurance company to investigate further.
Even if this situation would end up going to collections, it is your legal right to have included a statement from you as to why the disputed bill was not paid.
I'm really sorry you have to deal with a situation like this...I was seriously injured last year in a car accident, and all funds from insurance to cover my medical bills were in an escrow account with payments handled through my attorney's office. Though I contacted them, they demanded that I pay them from my own funds, which is not legal to do in the state where I live. The best defense is a good offense...good luck!

I am on the same page as you not many people did I find that have this done at a lower BMI I started at 207.5 the first time I saw the surgeon then after my diet for the surgery I was 196.6 I am also 5ft 4in but I think if we just stick to our diet and excercise we will do good. I'm just gonna be postive about this and use this tool that I am grateful for. I have heard of success stories and I have heard of it not working so well too but I think it is up to us we just have to make that lifestyle change eat right and excercise.

Hi,
I'm 5'2 bmi 36.... Was 198... Now 192. Will be banded on 3/19/2012... I think we will be fine
We all are Superstars!*

I'd say find another dr.

I am sure you will find the Soup helpful, i got the idea from when i used to eat out i would never have soup as a starter because it fills me up and i wouldnt eat my meal .. I have eaten soup before my main meal every day since being banded and i love it .. My partner lost 80lbs by eating soup before his meals too as he would not be satisfied with smaller meals either and he wasnt even banded ... sometimes we just have to go with what works and not what is standard

Same as yours but I'm in Australia. My surgeon said balanced diet including all food groups, the nutritionist said the same and I've managed to get the doc who does my fills (who's a great guy) to actually admit he thinks high Protein diets and the theory behind them is a load of bollocks.
I was saying in another thread today that I personally have a self devised theory that a lot of the people who are really struggling with head hunger and inability to lose weight are really struggling with the awful limitations a low carb diet imposed and that unfilling a bit and eating carbs (yes CARBS!!!!!) like bread and Pasta would actually diminish their cravings, increase their satiety and start them losing weight.
All just personal opinion though. You can back up either opinion (for or against carbs) with the kind of so called scientific proof you find on the internet.

U dont mention if you are exercising. I would certainly try and get some sort of routine going regarding working out, even if its walking or something like swimming. Exercise definitely helps with some negative emotions and planning a rotuine will help deal with some of those daily struggles. Having plans and boundaries and not leaving your days to chance helps to create an easier atmosphere to live in and therefore reduces the stress on our moods.
Since losing weight and exercising i am a much more organised person now, where before i lived in chaos, both emotionally and physically. I hope things improve for you ..

I am also 5.4 tall and i had double the weight u need to lose the band for me was the most simplest of all 3 surgeries, i dont like being forced to live with something because it cant be reversed. I have lost more than some people do with the bypass or sleeve .. if u want to succeed and work hard at it then it is possible ..I wouldnt change the band at all ..
Just make an informed decision based on the medical info and self knowledge . then commit to it .. good luck

I was within weeks of having gastric bypass surgery and canceled. I just couldn't rationalize having perfectly healthy organs re-routed and even parts removed without trying less drastic first.
I did a lot of research on gastric bypass, the sleeve, and the band. For me the band was the most logical step, because it's 100% reversible and there's no rerouting of your organs. I figured if this didn't work, then I'd consider the sleeve next, but only if the band didn't work.
I had surgery on January 6, 2012 and I have lost 55 pounds so far. I feel better than I have in years and am SO happy I chose the band.
Something to keep in mind, regardless of what surgery you choose, you still have to do the work. None of them are a magic fix and all take a lot of commitment to change by you. People don't lose weight, or gain weight back, with all three surgeries if they aren't eating right. I know a man who'd lost over 200 pounds after having gastric bypass 4 years ago, however now he's gained about 100 back and is still rising.
The other thing about the gastric bypass and the sleeve is, if you overeat and stretch out your pouch, you're kinda screwed. However with the band, you can always get a fill if you're needing it.
I love my band, but I also know we all have to choose what's best for us. I'd talk to the surgeon and do a lot of research on both procedures. Get the facts before making a decision.
Best wishes to you on whichever path you choose.

I got lap band as a tool to help me get my life on track as far as weight loss. I would never sign on to change my anatomy. That's not cool with me. Also my brother had gastric bypass at 550+ lbs and has gained most of it back. He can't adjust anything and has to reply on supplements for 80 percent of his nutrition. I agree with going to support groups. If I had to choose between lap band and nothing then I choose nothing. But that's just me and we're all different in everyway except our battle with weight loss. Good luck to you. I pray you find your own answers.

Happy Brithday and welcome to the 'fifties club' I am 57 too and i hve never felt older than 30 lol

That is a huge amount of "food". That is if you can call it food - it all looks like greasy, fatty, overprocessed muck!

I wouldnt have cold drinks like milk of a morning if you feel your band is tight, a warm drink stands more chance of relaxing the band a little , my band tightens up if i drink cold milk of a morning too so i dont

Ohmigawsh @ the six flags thing. I ALMOST forgot about that. I went to Hershey Park (insert "fat girl going to a chocolate themed park" jokes here) about 4 years ago. I went to get on a ride with one of my friends and the young guy working the ride said "Uh, you're not gonna fit. Sorry." Before I had even gotten to the front of the line. HORRIBLE!
Add that to my list too - I want to go back to that park, get on that ride and go "WHEEEEEE!" all the way down!