Search the Community

The Lap Band Zone II: "Dealing with civilian response" By Aaron Grossman, Babyboomers.tv staff writer, "More Salt than Pepper" I had Lap-Band surgery six weeks ago. Since then, I’ve lost 45 pounds and my doctor has eliminated the massive dosage of blood pressure medication I was taking. For more information on what Lap-Band Surgery entails and my reasons for opting into it, click here . I’ve encountered mostly positive reactions to my decision of taking the somewhat drastic step of bariatric surgery in order to arrest my compulsive overeating. Actually, I’ve encountered only overwhelmingly positive feedback to my significant weight loss. That’s natural: I look better; I’m starting to resemble the person I used to be before I blew up into a medically obese creature; and, my sunny demeanor is returning in place of the cynical, clearly frustrated persona I had adopted during my long descent into “fattitude.” However, there are other reactions with which I find myself contending. Most commonly, there are many folks who just don’t know what Lap-Band surgery is. Or, others who mistake it for full-scale bariatric bypass surgery. My surgery was laparoscopic -- 5 small incisions used to insert the Lap-Band itself along with a “port.” Once explained, they silently nod their heads and I can hear them thinking … “Why would he choose this invasive technique just to lose weight?” Or, “What’s the matter, he can’t stick to a diet?” These observations belie the more extreme reaction which I have actually had said to me personally … “Surgery? That’s the easy way out of dieting.” In fact, there are just such reactions to news from Australia that the government is considering paying for Lap-Band surgery for morbidly obese patients who can’t afford the procedure. This, in an effort to forestall the exorbitant medical insurance costs of the consequences of obesity: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac conditions, strokes, etc. Click here for more details. But, when you dig a little further or just Twitter reactions to the news from Australia, there is a range of vitriolic (anonymous) email responses: • “Why can’t these fatties just stop their whining and shut their mouths?” • “This is such a f_ _ _ ing easy way out and a waste of taxpayer money for those of who really should lose weight by shutting their traps.” • “Why are governments looking at lap band surgery for obese people? Why not start by censoring what they put in their mouth first???” The diet / fitness / healthful eating discourse has never been serene. Witness Oprah Winfrey berating herself for her recent weight gain in the January, 2009 issue of O: “I'm mad at myself. I'm embarrassed. I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, "How did I let this happen again?" There are many of us who were born into the “lucky gene club” --- they eat as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but their metabolism burns white hot and they go through life without fat (or guilt.) There are others who successfully work hard at achieving the balance of sensible eating, a fitness plan and a moderate lifestyle. However, Reuters reported in January, 2009 that “the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.” • Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. Speaking for myself, I had reached my personal point of ‘no return.’ I had been on too many diets only to gain the weight back. While I knew I was capable of great discipline and had spent thousands of hours in the gym, the lure of food as an anesthetic to life’s woes had proven too great for me. After much research, attending numerous support groups and speaking with many post-operative Lap-Band patients, I concluded that the surgery would be right for me. The notion of inserting a tool which could physically signal that I was too full to eat more food resonated with me. So, off I went. To those who say it’s the ‘easy way out,’ here’s my reply: I went through both abdominal surgery and the attendant recovery from its unpleasant discomfort; I no longer drink coffee, carbonated beverages or distilled spirits; I will probably never again eat hard, crusty bread, well-done meat or anything else that can’t pass through an opening the size of a toothpaste cap in my ‘new’ stomach; if I do overeat, I’ll get sick, nauseous or vomit; in the worst scenario, I’ll be hospitalized from eating the wrong food or the wrong amounts. This is the ‘easy way out?’ On the other hand, in 6 short weeks, I’ve lost 45 pounds and have eliminated virtually all of my blood pressure medication; I can walk 6 ½ miles without getting winded or having to stop from joint pain; and, I am happy to do chores around the house again. I achieved this, in no small fashion, with the love and support of my family and, yes, relying on good old fashioned discipline to consume the right foods in the correct proportions. At the end of the day, Lap-Band surgery has empowered me to take control of my food intake and regain my sense of self. It has not always been easy and it is definitely not for everyone. But it’s working for me right now. The very best part … and it didn’t happen as a result of the ‘easy way out’ … is hearing friends and loved ones tell me “Welcome, you’re back again.” F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said “There are no second acts in American lives.” He was wrong – I’m living it right now.

You should keep track of what you're eating. It is possible that you're experiencing a mild form of dumping syndrome like people with the bypass tend to experience. Track it for a few days maybe something will tip you off. (my trigger is cream if its too heavy sometimes.) good luck and feel better!

I'm 5 weeks out from revision from band to sleeve and I have been taking Prilosec daily for acid reflux/heartburn. But the past couple of days I am have pretty bad heart burn. Any one else experience this while taking an acid reducer?

That stinks.. I had gerd prior to surgery and my surgeon said it may come back post surgery even with my repair. It seems common for sleeve patients to develop it. He advised me that I may have to get the bypass later on to relieve it. Praying it doesn't come back.

Hi! Im in brisbane looking at gastric bypass in august, can i ask who your surgeon is?

I lost 50 lbs on medifast eating 3 brownies a day, i still have some in my cupboard and plan on using them as my rewards after I'm on real food again. They are delicious. Revision 1/31/13 by Dr Cabrera and Venezuela in MX

I know, it doesn't. I think they are in the process of revising their policy or that's what I got from reading other posts last night. I went to Rite Aid and did the little blood pressure test, and it said I was only 124 over something... I don't remember, so that means I don't have high blood pressure.

I have over the ear hearing aids that I got from the VA ( many years on the flight line). They are over the ear and into the ear canal type. My question is this, would weight loss make them not fit correctly anymore?

In a nutshell there are 3 main types - gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, and lap band. With the bypass you get a small pouch. Think of it as a bit of rerouting in how your body processes food. With the sleeve they remove around 90% of your stomach. With the band it puts a restriction around an area of your stomach mimicking having a smaller stomach in a sense. There are pros/cons with each one. While you will lose weight with any of them some forms cause greater weight loss, or at least quicker loss. It's a lot to list out but read through some of the FAQ threads in the forums, and there is a wealth of information online summarizing the main differences. I was set on the lap band originally, but after hearing how oftentimes they would have to go back in to adjust it or remove it due to complications I passed on that idea. The sleeve seemed like it would have a quicker recovery time and didn't really change how the body would absorb food. While the weight may not come off as quickly compared to the bypass that was a trade off I was willing to make. Definitely take your time, talk to your doctor, and do lots of research.

I had my mini gastric bypass surgery yesterday August 18 and i just got home, i was loaded with pain killers at the hospital and now things are getting al little pet rough! Not many patients goes for this type of bariatric surgeries Looking for someone who had or will have this surgery to be pals in the next steps

If you have time, post this in the post op board too because there are several people there that have had revisions. I'm not of them, but I know several in February did. Good luck! HW 344, DOS 320, Surgery Date 2/20/13, CW 291.1 Sent from my iPad using RNYTalk

Hey Hallen! My revision was the 26th! No complications. Just got back from Mexico late last night. The last hour in the car was murder! How is your liquid diet going? Have you had broth? I never thought broth could be so heavenly! I actually have been enjoying the herbal tea and broth best, which is weird cause I'm usually a sweets person. Haven't really felt like jello or juice yet.

Thanks for your input. It helps to read others experiences. I hope that I am as succesful as you are. I am 27 yrs old. First Lap Band surgery was in Feb, 2008. Revision was in Feb, 2012. I dont have a surgery date for GP, but it should be sometime end June/ begin July. I am waiting for authorization from my insurance.

Hi there new to here. I am 2 weeks post sleeve op. I had a few problems but they seem to be getting better. I have read numerous conversations on here that say basically the sleeve is a waste of tim and bypass is the way to go. Has anyone had success with sleeve and found it a good choice? Hope I didnt make the wrong choice.

I had bypass, but the first two weeks my kcals/day ranged from 50-500. 500 per day at two weeks is great! Some of us WLS folks struggle with 300 kcals at week two. I have also seen a good number of folks on here that stay at 500 kcals until they reach goal. You are doing awesome! 💕

I am so excited for you and February will be here before you know it. I will be finding out on the 25 October if I will be getting sleeve revision and I am soooo excited too. Keep us up to date with you progress and will look out for your comments in 2013. :-))))

Quite a bit has happened since my last post and I have been mentally exhausted making it difficult to think about anything but how much my job is stressing me out. Enough about that... Well last Sunday I talked to my husband about the surgery. I told him I was having the surgery and would like his support. He told me no and I shrugged advising him it would not change my mind. I proceeded to tell him how this was something I had to do for myself and how it was unlike the gastric bypass my coworker had (he thinks she looks horrible) and he pretty told me I couldnt sell him on it. I told him I wasnt trying to and explained how it would give me a better quality of life. Blah Blah Blah Blah. Once Mr. Wilson makes up his mind about something, there is no changing it. He has to come around on his own after he SEES himself disproved. I know this about my husband. He has always been this way which is why I told him it would be nice to have his support, but my mind is made up. He even told me to let him know when I was going to do it so he could have "the papers" (meaning divorce) for me to sign. I totally ignored him, knowing it was the only "weapon" he thought he could use. But I didnt care and figured it became truly THAT serious for him, then I will cross that bridge when I get to it. Besides I know my husband and despite what he may see as "defiance" he loves me and will not refuse to help me when the time comes. For a moment I could see him pondering more over my stance than my words. He seemed to want to get angry, but he couldnt because I had a calm but determined attitude. As the hours and days passed since our conversation last Sunday afternoon I noticed something different about Mr. Wilson. It was as if a lightbulb went off in his head and he began to show me affection in ways that were very touching. Light kisses as I slept. Smiles and compliments were more frequent and I began to wonder...Did Mr. Wilson have a sudden epiphany of sorts remembering how I looked when we first me 8 years and 30+ lbs ago? Did he began to imagine the image I have been seeing in my dreams for years of myself as a stronger, healthier, happier more confident woman? I am not sure what happened, but it was obvious something clicked. :thumbup: So for now..it is what it is. By Thursday, my routine had returned and I struggled through my work week looking forward to Friday. When I began to create the weekly schedule for my office, I noticed one of my assistants was off the day I was scheduled to see the surgeon again (8/17) so I called the office to see if I could possibly have my appointment pushed up hoping someone cancelled. I felt a little discourage when I had to leave a message but lo and behold, I got a call back an hour later from the very helpful and excited office manager that was glad I had called in. She had been on vacation when I had my last visit so my appointment was scheduled in error. She advised that I actually was scheduled to come in last week. (it would have been nice if someone would have called me) I told her I was not aware of this appt and she apologized asking if I could come in on Monday. I told her yes, advising I was looking forward to it because the winds had been let out of my sails waiting all this time. I also told her about my sleep study being scheduled later this month with a possible 2nd one early next month, but the appointment to discuss the results were not until the first week of October. She said she would try to get it changed for me realizing that I wanted to get the surgery "yesterday" which I agreed with a chuckle. She told me she would schedule me for the psych appointment on Monday when I came in, also taking me closer to the end of the processes. If all goes well, I hope to have everything done by the end of October so it can go to my insurance company for approval and I can prayerfully get a date. I felt my excitement return and it put me back on cloud 9. Only problem is, I know I have gained weight. I am not sure how much, but I know its most if not all of the 8 lbs I had lost. I have been doing happy hour more often with other stressful workers filling my body on a Grey Goose laden pink lemonade cocktail I enjoy always with a side of buffalo wings. I feel like crap. My back aches from the slight gain and my clothes are tighter. In fact a favorite pair of jeans I purchased a size smaller (it was the last pair and they were on sale) that I was fitting well, can not be zipped.:thumbdown: Yeah guess who feels crappy about that?! One of my assistants is prepping for gastric and she just finally finished the last of her testing yesterday. We promised we would try to set our dates where they wont collide, especially since her surgery is going to require more recovery time. It looks like that is going to be impossible at this point and she will probably get to go in first. I cant worry about it or her because I still have a very long way to go and alot more work to do, but my level of excitement has come back and I am looking forward to Monday so I can find out the result of my tests and prepare for the next phase. Please keep me in prayer.

I first had a hiatal hernia repair 5yrs ago due to the fact insurance wouldn't pay for it if I did it in conjunction with a lap band. So, I had the hernia repair then the lap band. After the lap band, my lung collapsed after discharged home. Spent nine days in ICU. No problems for another yr and lost 80 lbs 20 lbs from goal. Began having severe reflux. nothing helped. Dr claims my band didn't slip per xray. Went back to OR for either a lap band revision or nissen/fundoplication. He was to decide based on his expertise. I woke up to find I lost the band but had fundoplication. I was devastated. He said the band severely slipped so he took it off instead of putting it back in place. I did not want to lose the band. The moron left the port in place for unk reasons. Said he couldn't get the band back on and couldnt completely wrap the stomach around like he wanted for the nissen. I have not had any more reflux and have gained all my wgt back! I am so upset with myself. I want the band back. I am trying to find a dr who will do it. If Ihave to undo the nissen I would. I am afraid of Barrets esophagus if I reflux again. I dont want bypass. If anyone knows of surgeon in Texas who will do the lapband with nissen already done please let me know. I am desperate! I loved the band until it slipped. I dont think I needed the nissen to start with just a revision of the slipped band!

My husband had a fundoplication in 1980 and revision surgery 3 years ago. He has to watch his portions, chew food really well and avoid anything 'gummy,' like cheesy mashed potatoes or soft bread. Sound familiar?

That is great! I have BCBS of Florida and they do not cover the sleeve...(. Only the gastric bypass which I do not want. Congratulations!! Happy for your journey

I am a bit of a hypochondriac so I was inspired to read this as well! I have hope that a revision won't be needed and that I can keep my weight maintained!

It's going to depend on your specific situation and your medical team. I have auto-immune arthritis and have to be able to take NSAIDs and steroids for my treatment. My rheumatologist actually recommended the sleeve. My surgeon also said that a bypass is not an option because of these meds, and the auto-immune rules out the band. These meds aren't just hard on your stomach while being digested, they also change some chemicals in your body and make you slightly more prone to ulcers, even if you take them through an injection or intravenously. For me, it's a cost/benefit analysis and my medical team and I have agreed I'll take them when needed. Some surgeons may not think it's worth the risk, and will recommend never taking them.

Aetna covered me and has been awsome. My person who pre approved it had gastric bypass herself. She has done follow up calls to make sure all is well. Had to do the three month physician diet, physc. evaluation and thats about it. very pleased with them!

Hi, I did struggle and even had the financial person at the office suggest that I do VSG because everyone keeps revising the surgery from lap band to VSG. Ultimately I went with lapband because it's removable. Both parents had stomach issues where surgery was needed and if you have VSG, there is so much scar tissue it's about impossible to get in there and fix what is wrong. I just did not feel comfortable with having my stomach cut out and it's a greater risk.

Not much...about 30 pounds. ***I'm very jealous of someone I know who did bypass, and lost fast.