justwant2lose

Thanks Terridoodle. I think the results from both polls definitely speak for themselves.

I was just wondering if there are any bandsters out there who have had the band for a year or more and have found themselves gaining weight for any reason. I know that if you do everything the surgeon advises and have proper follow up care (AND FILLS!) then things should fall into place. However, I also know that sometimes this just doesn't happen. :rolleyes

I haven't been banded yet (hopefully end of August), but I know people who have had the Gastric Bypass procedure. The good thing about it is, they lost alot of weight fast. That is about the only pro. Some cons are dumping and really sagging skin. Also, Gastric patients lose the majority of their weight within the first year and then stall. With the lap band, you can have fills to keep you going at a slow and steady pace for the rest of your life. At least, this is what decided it for me. This and the fact that the lap band procedure is safer, less recovery time, and it just fits into my lifestyle. Good luck making your decision. Only you can decide what is best for you.

I had my psychological test (165 questions!) a couple of weeks ago, and they threw the most oddball questions in every now and then. One in particular that I remember was "Have you flown over the Atlantic Ocean over ten times in the past year?" I guess if you answer yes, then it might send off some bells and whistles, although there is nothing wrong with that, but most people don't get to fly over the Atlantic once a year much less 10.

I went for my first appointment, and they gave me "homework". I have to have a sleep study, get bloodwork done and attend a support group meeting before they will schedule the surgery date.

I personally can't wait to get mine, but I am curious to see how many of you are glad you were banded.

I agree with you. Gastric patients lose most of their weight within the first year, and then they stall. Lap band patients lose slower but generally have the same outcome within the first 5 years. My sister had the gastric procedure and she has so much excess skin it's unreal. I don't want that.

Congratulations! I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Thanks, everyone for all of your input. I guess I am just flabbergasted that some surgeons and their supporting staff would try to talk someone out of having what is deemed the surgery with the lowest complication risk, etc. to having a surgery that is riskier. I hope that I do not encounter this (appt is tomorrow!) because I have been doing my research for two years now and feel confident in the lap band. I am one of those people who cannot make decisions easily and I hope that my surgeon is as supportive of the lap band as he is Gastric. I DID go to one of his seminars, and he said that there are just as many people having the lap band as they are the Gastric in his practice, so that is a good sign.

I live in Hammond and am going to see the nurse practitioner at Dr. Thomas Lavin's office in Covington on Tuesday. I hope to have the surgery in August or early September. I am also a self pay:( but I have heard very good things about Dr. Lavin and it's worth going to him. Dr. Drake Bellanger in Baton Rouge Weight Loss Surgery of Baton Rounge, LA charges $12,900 and that is about $600 less than Dr. Lavin, but the feedback about Dr. Lavin is stellar. I do not know anyone who has gone to Dr. Bellanger, and I am sure he is very reputable too but for me, it's Dr. Lavin.

Thank you, everyone, for your feedback and well wishes. As much as I have been praying the past two years to have the surgery, as it draws closer I am having last minute what-ifs. I am sure this is normal. I have been researching it for awhile and my original gut feeling was to go with the lap band, so I am sticking to it. As far as pregnancy goes, my sister had the Gastric Bypass procedure seven years ago and had a healthy baby since then. As for me, I don't have to worry about this as the "baby factory" has been permanently closed!

I have read some posts on this website about surgeons who tried to "pressure" patients into having the Gastric Bypass procedure rather than the lap band. In my case, I have to have the lap band, because I am a self pay and just cannot afford the gastric. I just want to know what I might be in for when I meet the surgeon.:omg:

For those who have been banded, when you are hungry and get to eat, how do you feel with the small portions of food that are allowed? I mean, I eat now whether I am hungry or not and I am worried that I won't know when to stop with the band. Now, I consider having that "stuffed" feeling as being "full". This is a major concern for me. I was just wondering.

I am being banded in August (hopefully) and was wondering how soon I can expect to be back at work if everything goes smoothly.

Thank you! You have been very helpful. I hear so many good things about the band. More good than bad. I guess if you follow your doctor's instructions, then you can expect a good recovery, and if you don't...well, it's not so good.

I was so glad to read your post. I am planning to get the surgery in August. I love this site. I have been poring over it since I found it. I am now more convinced than ever that this is the right procedure for me. I live close to Jackson, MS. Who did your surgery?

I have not been banded yet (August for me) but I know someone who knows someone (as it normally goes) who had an issue with vomiting and this caused her to "choke" on the band! Is there any way this could be possible? This sounds scary.:phanvan

Whew. I am glad I am not the only one bingeing. My surgery date has not officially been set yet - shooting for August-but my appointment with the surgeon is on July 17th. I feel like I need to EAT now, because I won't be able to later. Actually, I have been trying to at least maintain my weight (isn't that crazy?) but have gained 10 pounds in the last month. :phanvan

My surgery date will hopefully be in August. I meet with the surgeon July 17th. Good to be on board!:mad:

I hate the thought of giving up soda also!!! I've been doing a lot of research on the internet about the procedure and what to expect after, but reading posts from actual people who have had it done has been a better resource to me. I have learned that it is not a magical cure, but a tool. I used to take Phentermine to suppress my appetite, but was so worried about the havoc it could have on my body such as a stroke. I mean, it worked for awhile but then my body would get used to it, and it stopped working. I have tried everything. I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that the rest of my "new life" is going to start very shortly. I am so ready!:whoo:

I am having mine done with Dr. Thomas Lavin in Covington, LA I have been to a seminar, and my appointment with him is July 17.

I am going to be banded in August. After two years of hoping, wishing, and praying, things have fallen into place and it's here!!!! My insurance would not cover it, so I have to self pay. I am a bit nervous about the actual procedure and the lifestyle change, but I am determined to do it. I will be forty in a few short years and I want to be healthy and slim for the rest of my life! :clap2: