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New To The Site And Considering Lap Band



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Hi all. I am a 53 year old female who meets the typical profile. Thought I was fat my whole life, multiple attempts at various diets, exercise programs, etc. only to lose and gain more back. I am now >100 lbs overweight and feel like I am going to die if I don't do something. I am going to my first information session on 2/22 and really leaning towards lap band.

My question is how did you decide which surgery was right for you? lap band? gastric bypass? sleeve gastredtomy?

Thanks for your insight!

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I picked the lap band because I couldn't stand the thought of stomach cutting...ive only got one of those things and it needs to last me a while! I hope this band will continue to help me lose weight and stay with me for a long long time but if for any reason it becomes problematic, I can have it removed. Good luck!

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Thank you! That is kind of how I have been thinking, but then I read these posts about getting stuck and sliming and it really scares me!

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Gastric bypass patients get stuck, also. So don't let that be a deciding factor for you!

Go to the info seminar and listen. Talk it over with your surgeon. Pick a surgeon who does all three procedures. Hear what he or she recommends and why. Read on all the forums around about the different types of WLS.

I chose the band because I mainly needed Portion Control, and it seemed far less drastic than gastric bypass. Although the qualifications for both were the same, bypass just seemed too extreme for someone in my medical condition. I was a lower BMI, I was not yet diabetic, but heading that way. I just didn't think the risk of Vitamin deficiencies/malabsorption/malnutrition was worth the benefits I'd get from bypass.

I can't speak intellectually about the sleeve other than to say that most of the risk of it is immediately pre-op. The risk of a leak on the staple line is significant, but it seems that if you come through that period, then further complications are very rare.

Best wishes on your decision!

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I liked that I didn't have to alter my anatomy. Either way I would be self pay because none is really covered in Canada (maybe bypass if you have health issues also, but I didn't/don't). If there is an issue it can be removed and your stomach is still there. I have had issues with being stuck, and obviously the first time is the worst. Now I feel I am old hat at it, it's not the end of the world, and it's usually my fault (because I'm not paying attention to how I am supposed to be eating). Do your research, talk to doctors (see multiple docs if you feel the need)....when you have your information you will be able to make an informed decision!

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im also 53, 100 lbs overweight too . i was band mid december 2011, im down 17 lbs total and feel great, i only looked at lap band because 2 relatives had it last june and i was so impressed by their progress and stories that i finally went to a seminar in sept , was approved in nov and was banded dec 13th. i didnt even look at any other surgery because this was the least invasive, reverseable and had the quickest recovery time. honestly its been a breeze. i was in and out of the hosp in 5 hrs, rested at home for 1 week but was so bored by the 3rd day i went xmas shopping. the only pain i had felt like a bad pulled muscle for 10 days. the only times ive gotten stuck or slimed was because i ate too fast and wolfed my bite- it was my own damn fault !its not that big of a deal, justa a learning experiance.i dropped from a size 1x to a xl, down from 225 to , and love the compliments im getting and the way im looking and feeling. BEST. DECISION. EVER. GOOD LUCK, AND GO FOR IT !!!

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I have to agree with the others, banding doesn't seem as drastic as the bypass. I have friends who have done both, with the bypass ones I see major Hair loss, which I didn't want, and losing weight way too fast and then major surgeries to get rid of the excess skin. Banding seems to be just as effective as long as you follow what your doctor says. I'm pre surgery and looking forward to moving ahead with my journey. My doctor felt bypass was a better option for me because I like sweets, but I know once I set my mind to it I will leave them alone and I am determined to be a success! Just research and ask lots of questions, this site is great for learning all kind of things. Good luck!

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I chose the lap band because it was considered the safest of all the surgeries. You also have the option of being adjusted if needed. However, I seriously considered the gastric sleeve as well because there isn't a foreign thing inside of you and there are no adjustments to be made. My doctor felt the lap band was better for me because I have heartburn issues. Gastric bypass has a malabsorption issue that I am not comfortable with at all. I am happy with the lap band but I still had heartburn issues that had to be worked out. Just remember that at the end of the day, it is going to be about the food choices you make and the lap band will prevent you from eating too much.

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Thank you all for your encouraging and informative replies! I will keep you all updated. Wednesday = information session.

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    • 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. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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