Pink Stella

Thanks for all of your feedback. I have an appointment with the surgeon 9/29/09 and I am definitely looking forward to being banded!

How long did the whole approval process take you? How long between your initial consultation with the surgeon to the actual surgery?

Suz - me, too. I thought I had it all figured out, but there is a lot of information to take it. I had resisted surgery for a long time, but now that I've decided to do it, I want to make sure I understand all of the options, risks, etc. Best of luck in your process and, if you don't mind, keep me posted on what you decide to do!

Hi, all, I'm new here and looking for advice. Although I've been considering it for years, I've only just decided to move forward with the lap band process. I'm only at the very beginning stage - just found a surgeon and planning to attend his seminar. I have a few questions about the effects of surgery. I see a lot of people on tv having post-bypass skin removed. Is this as common with the lap band? What about the dumping? I know someone who had bypass surgery and now they have chronic diarrhea. Is this a problem for anyone with the lap band? Have you reached your goal weight? What is the post-banding diet really like? Not just the diet, but the day-to-day life? I really want to do this, but I still need some information. I appreciate your willingness to share with me!

Seems reasonable to wait and see. You know, honestly, my inner thighs are bothersome now, so I certainly expect they will be later, too.

When I made the decision to do this (I am still waiting, haven't done been banded yet) my husband told me he would support me 100%, no matter what I decided to do. His only advice was this, which I offer to you now: only go through with the surgery if you truly believe it will enhance the quality of your life. If you think your quality of life without the procedure is higher than it would be with, then don't do it. But remember, this is only a temporary state, the liquid diet. Honestly, if you feel like you're going to lose something by being banded rather than gain something in your life/life style/quality of life, then don't do it.

Thanks, Lori. That helps a lot. I've got about 20 years of being over weight, too. Would you/are you considering corrective surgery in the future?

Thanks for your answers. I have decided for myself that I'd rather have some flappy empty skin than skin full of fat. I guess I just wanted some honest feedback on what to expect. I do have a good amount of weight to loose - about more than 100 pounds - so I think I have a realistic expecation that I will have some saggy skin. Gracie - thanks for sharing your blog. I only read a few posts and had to stop...you know exactly where I am right now!

I have BCBSNC, too. How was the approval process? How long did it take? Any tips?