Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Lap Band - your thoughts



Recommended Posts

Hello, I'm new to the website, but have an important question that I'm hoping someone can give some advice/personal experience. I'm about two months away from lapband surgery and went to a support group meeting last night at the hospital. I had my mind set on one particular surgeon and was told by a nurse that the surgeon has been shying away from lapband procedures lately due to issues with patients. She said that the surgeon has been concerned with patients who (a year after surgery) are requesting to have it removed -- not effective, etc. Has anyone had similar experiences? I was so excited about this and now seem a bit hesitant/confused. Thank you for your thoughts...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just like anything, this is a tool. You don't understand the whole concept of it being a "tool" until you get banded. A lot of people go in to the surgery thinking the band is going to solve all their problems. This is DEFINITELY not the case. It takes hard work and extreme dedication. I'm not saying the other patients didn't have that, but I truly believe the band works if you are willing to do "the work". And its hard. Its a mind struggle a lot of the time and its frustrating at times. Dedication is the key!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've had mine for 3 years and have had no problems. I've lost 145 pounds. My BBF (best banded friend) has had hers for 8 years and lost 150 pounds without problems. It's going to work as well as you work it. I think, for the most part, the people who it doesn't work for expected a magic bullet and didn't do what they needed to do.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

As the previous post says, the lapband is a tool. If yo don't do the work, diet and exercise, it won't work. It is like one leg of a three legged stool. Without the other two legs, diet an exercise yo put into it, it will just fail. A lot of people think "this going to fix me". You have to eat right and exercise.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

One question I was asked while being interviewed for surgery was whether I was willing to commit to exercising daily. At the time, being around 320 pounds and grossly obese, I said, "Well, um, yeah... I guess so." When they presented me with the option of RNY surgery, the mere thought of cutting up my insides left me feeling sick to my ample stomach. So I looked at the lap band in a better light, and decided that was where I would go, even if it did "force" me to get off my lazy butt and get to the gym. I initially wanted the surgery to do all the work while I laid around and di nothing to assist.

Now, only eight months after surgery, and 114 pounds lighter, I look forward to going to the gym four or five days a week. I'm working my no-longer-lazy butt off for this process, and the band, for me, has been absolutely AWESOME! I have ZERO regrets, and there is no way I'm going to ask to have it removed. It works if you make it work. if you don't, then it won't work. There's kind of a corollary there.

If your surgeon is for real backing away from band surgeries because of issues his patients are having, I'd immediately quesiton how good he is at his job. Certainly i'd want to know about the quality of after care his band patients receive. Surgeons make a lot of money doing band surgeries, so it seems highly suspect that one would suddenly get the moral compass to decide not to do the surgery for the reason you're being told.

And if it's true, then find another surgeon.

Good luck!

Dave

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All of the above statements are true. A lot of people fail on the lap band. I think sometimes (especially with all the advertising of the lap band recently) that the band is a magical cure for being overweight. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!

It pisses me off to no end to hear people complain that the band isn't working for them when they are not exercising and still eating crap. Surgery should be life changing and if you aren't ready to change your lifestyle and behaviors then all the surgery in the world isn't going to help you.

If you are dedicated to your health and ready for change, then this can work for you. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you everyone for your replies, I appreciate your thoughts/suggestions and makes me feel more empowered about what I want to do. I feel as though I'm making an educated decision about my weight loss and to then hear news like that, it was almost a "failure feeling" before starting. I really WANT this and feel committed to making it work, knowing that in the end, it's up to me. Once again, thank you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just like everyone else has said, the band will work if you work it! It is a wonderful tool that really helps to curb your appetite, but the rest is up to you. I regained some weight over the summer because I ate around my band...ie: I ate a lot of CRAP. I indulged in Cookies and cakes and chips galore, ate a lot of unhealthy slider foods, and went out to eat several times a week. It doesn't matter if you can only eat a small amount of junk foods...if you indulge in them for long enough you'll gain weight! You must be committed to change and if you use your lap band tool the way it is supposed to be used, you will see incredible results! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm newly banded as of 8/18/2011... What are "slider foods"?? I am sooo ready for this journey and to put my tool and butt to work.. As soon as I get clearance from my dr of course.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×