Pats Fan in MA

Of course there are pros and cons to both.....I crossed Bypass off the list because of the long-term complications I've read about in several studies published in medical journals from the Bypass and malnutrition, as well as searching for patients who had the surgery over 5 years ago on forums (I couldn't find many). There are complications that can arise with the band as well, but the band, you can take it out if you run into trouble. The bypass is for life-complications and all. Please, please look into the evidence (and lack of long-term info out there) that shows the problems so many GBP patients are having getting in the necessary Vitamins and minerals. Long term Vitamin A deficiency means you could lose night vision (no more driving at night!). Long term Calcium deficiency means you could have early onset osteoperosis and break bones easily. These things are happening to people who have been taking all of their prescribed supplements. There's just not a whole lot of positive evidence from cases 10+ years out from having GBP surgery. And yes, I am extremely obsessive in doing this kind of research! Did patients lose the weight, and quickly? Mostly yes, but at what price in the long term? It bothers me that people aren't talking about this more. We are supposed to be turning to WLS because we are done with the "quick fix" method to weight loss (meaning losing a lot and losing it fast), so if that's the attraction for anyone, they need to put that aside when making their decision. My BMI is 47-point-something, and I am actually looking forward to putting in the work in my eating choices and exercise this time because this time, I will also have this tool as an additional motivator and assistant in fighting hunger. It's going to take longer than if I had chosen bypass, but I'm okay with that. I think if you are going to be successful with the band, it doesn't matter how much weight you need to lose, what matters is that you are willing to change your life; commit to healthy eating and exercise, and the band will help you get to your goal. Of course, whatever you do decide is what must be best for you. Just weigh your decision very carefully and practically. And good luck to you!

Hi! I know, right?? I've been a diehard Pats fan since college. I grew up outside of Boston, and went to the University of NH where I became friends with some football players and thus got hooked on the game. Proud to call myself a fan pre-dynasty!

I put the recent stuff about me on my profile, so you can go there if you feel like reading.....the short of it is I am getting banded on November 9, 2011. I am looking forward to this journey. Excited about it. Looking forward to challenging myself again by eating good foods and pushing myself at the gym. My goal, more than a specific weight goal, is to be happy, self-confident, and athletic! I know the band will (barring complications) help me do what I already know how to do but without having to battle the hunger- which eventually took over every other time I've lost weight. My goal once banded (and after a few weeks of recovery), is to count calories/keep a food journal, exercise at the gym with cardio and strength training at least 3x/week, and shoot for weight loss of about 10 lbs/month. I did this without the band, on 1600-1700 calories per day, so I'm hoping I can do the same, while lowering my calorie intake and not feeling hungry!! I don't believe in deprivation. I only believe that if I want to eat something that is not nutrient-dense or part of my plan, I need to work it off at the gym. There should be rewards and consequences for the decisions I make during the journey. I am going to a pretty extreme measure to make this stick this time. I am NOT going to fail ME! Pictures to come...I know, a photographer and no pictures! I will post soon.