Hello,

I'm in the application process for lapband surgery. I'm a 63 yr old female. I was avg weight most of my life. After a hysterectomy at 45 yrs, I started putting on excessive weight. I have high bp, high cholesterol, urine leakage, bad knees and depression (all under control with meds)

This surgery seems almost too good to be true...what are the negatives??

:thumbup:

I think the most common negatives people experience are:

1) Frustration when trying to get "proper restriction." It's elusive and sometimes takes numerous fills for some people to get there.

2) Re-learning how to eat. Small bites, lots of chewing, small portions. It's easy to forget yourself and revert to old habits, which can cause problems.

3) Giving up foods you love. I adore bread, but I can't eat doughy bread anymore. Toasted breads and crackers work well though. And note that some people can eat anything they want :smile2:

I had some of the same problems you have including major weight gain after hysterectomy. You will be so happy to be off all those meds much quicker than you think.

The only negative I have had is thinning hair. They say it will stop at some point and start growing back in.

Thank You! I get nervous reading about people who have nausea and vomiting...I would hope that following the surgeon's eating directions would solve that problem.

Thank you! It helps knowing I can find answers from those having the same experiences.

Definitely re-learning how to eat was a big one for me. I also had some major dental surgery 5 months after my band and that caused some problems for me for a while but overall I have been quite happy, I am down now 130 pounds in 9 months and about 60 pounds from my goal. If you are disciplined and follow your drs. instructions you will be fine. The nausea and vomiting and sliming are a definite possibility but it's not like it is when you are sick say with a stomach virus. When I have thrown up, it's quick and an immediate relief and most always happens because I take too big of a bite. My surgeon gives out these plastic cups for measuring and a tiny little baby fork and you really should take a bite no bigger than your pinky nail and you should chew it several times, that was the biggest change for me - and not drinking with my meal but like anything, it's a learned behavior. Good luck with your surgery! :tongue:

Hello,

I'm in the application process for LAP-BAND® surgery. I'm a 63 yr old female. I was avg weight most of my life. After a hysterectomy at 45 yrs, I started putting on excessive weight. I have high bp, high cholesterol, urine leakage, bad knees and depression (all under control with meds)

This surgery seems almost too good to be true...what are the negatives??

:smile2:

I'm 6 weeks post-op and so far loving my band...the hardest thing for me was the first couple weeks after my swelling had gone down and before I got a fill where I was starving all the time....I had not found this web site and NO ONE at my docs office mentioned bandster hell so i was very surprised and starting to doubt what I'd done....I've had 1 fill and definitely in need of another but still cannot anywhere near what I used to and that for me has been the best thing. I used to eat huge portions and never really get full but now I'm getting that under control and it's awesome! (ask me again in a few months when my hair starts falling out and I'll have a different answer!)

Good luck!

i have eaten a bit too much and i've had to throw up.....which is a bummer really. but other than that, haven't had any other complication - i will give you Nina's number, why don't you give her a call - she works with Dr. Aceves, so she might be able to help you answer your questions.

619-9179028

I would also like to investigate re-gaining weight. I understand the lapband is for life. I've also heard that some people lose alot of weight and then put it all back on...plus more. I must assume they had the band removed or this would not happen. Is this correct?

There are some negatives aspect of the Band but the positives weight out the Negatives. Every time you step on that scale and you see a lower number gives you the strength to fight for your dream. A dream to be healthy, look better in cloths. So far I wouldn't change my decision to get the band it was well worth it.:confused:

Is there a lot of pain post-op?

I would also like to investigate re-gaining weight. I understand the LAP-BAND® is for life. I've also heard that some people lose alot of weight and then put it all back on...plus more. I must assume they had the band removed or this would not happen. Is this correct?

The band is for life- some people simply fall off the band wagon on the lifestyle. I personally know I could eat Ice cream all day if i wanted too. If they gain it back & then some I would say they are making some really poor food choices. The band helps limit/control the amount of food I eat, but it doesn't fix the head hunger! ha!

so glad to see I am not the only older person contemplating this proceedure....

Looking forward to reading more on here but for now I need to go do some work..

The Possitives seem to out weigh the negatives from what I have read so far....

I am getting excited about the seminar tomorrow and learning more...

Edited February 2, 201016 yr by Majj