male only Considering The Band... What's Your Take?

[YourPalBigAl 2]

I just turned 42, I'm 6'2" and 340 lbs and I guess I've been in denial about my ever-expanding waistline. I've tried doctor supervised weight loss a couple of times with the appetite suppressing drugs, etc and it never worked for more than a month or two. I've done low-carb diets off and on for 15 years. If I stick with a diet long enough to lose 30lbs, as soon as I let my guard down, it comes right back.

I developed asthma (or at least it got a lot worse) when I really started to gain weight after college (at about 260 lbs). I've got sleep apnea and use a CPAP. I'm tired, depressed and a grouch most of the time (and this is definitely not who I am).

I want to get out of the 3xl shirts and the 46 pants (that I wear under my belly). I feel like I should try a new diet or something but after seeing the John Daly episode of Fehrety on the Golf Channel and hearing about his success with the lap band, I'm seriously considering it. My insurance is with UHC so I'm hoping they'll cover the majority of it.

Any advice after hearing my situation? Thanks in advance...

[Diva Down 26]

It's a personal decision, and totally about a lifestyle change. The lap band is a tool, but I was the same as you, yo yo diets etc. one thing I can say about the lap band is.... It is that motivator to keep you on a diet. I've never stuck to a regimen for longer than a month.. I am now 2 months strong and 30 lbs down!!! My starting size was 5'3 217 lbs... I'm now 5'3 187lbs!!!!!

5/28/12 pre-op diet started (217lbs) 6/14/12 Surgery 1.8cc added to 10cc band (205lbs). 7/17/12 1st fill (194lbs). 7/24/12 (191lbs)

[2muchfun 8,928]

It's not a panacea so be aware that it requires a lot of work. You will be on a diet. The band may help you eat less food but it can't help you if you decide to eat around it.

A lot of your success will depend on what kind of eater you are? I was(and still am) an overeater. I always ate too much food. I really didn't binge on sweets or fats, I just ate more than I really needed. Maybe that's why it's working for me?

Some bandsters do not feel any hunger once they find their green zone. I'm still hungry most of the time but it's not like it used to be. You will need to get fills after your band is placed. It could take several months before you find enough restriction and begin to really lose fat.

Jean McMillan wrote a book about this. Her ads are usually on this page and if not, her magazine articles are on the right side of the page about half way down. Buy her book and read it. I wish I would have before surgery.

Read this forum as much as possible and learn from our mistakes and successes. This has been the best thing I've ever done for myself and I do recommend it. But, I went into this blind and was disappointed in the beginning. Good luck and stay tuned.

tmf

[YourPalBigAl 2]

Thanks Diva and 2Much, I admit that I'm extremely naive about this whole thing. I would definitely say I'm an over-eater and a big snacker. I think stress plays a big part in my eating habits as well.

I'm also somewhat of a workaholic and don't get nearly enough exercise. I'm feeling like I'm getting to the point where I'm almost too fat to exercise. What a cop-out right?!?!?!

Thanks for the input... I'm going to hang around the forum and see what I can learn.

[2muchfun 8,928]

I get the toofattoexercise comment. Just don't wait too long to get into that fitness groove. I laid off for many years and now my knees are shot so the only real workout I can get is biking. But I do love my bike trips. And unfortunately, work will always be there eh?

tmf

[Toddy 758]

First let me say I love my band and I'm so glad I have it. Next I'll tell you research, research, research!! I did a lot of research on the band only because I wanted something that was completely reversible. Knowing what I know now (which there was no way to know pre-band) I would have definitely done lapband with plication and/or at least done more research on the sleeve.

I had some problems earlier this week (of my own doing) and thought I might have to have my band removed. I had already decided if my band was removed I wanted to revise to the sleeve. Fortunately, I don't need to have my band removed, but I like knowing that there are things that can be done if it does have to be removed in the future.

[YourPalBigAl 2]

I was walking a couple of miles 2-3 times a week up until earlier this year and just stopped. Now I'm having foot/heel pain and just can't get motivated.

I just called UHC and they say it is covered at 80% in-network after the deductible but it has a $10,000 lifetime max. How much should I expect the total cost to be (ballpark range)?

[Toddy 758]

Oh, and one last thing. Don't wait too long. My biggest wish is that I had had WLS sooner. I wasted my entire 40's being fat ;-(

[YourPalBigAl 2]

Yeah, that's how I'm feeling about my late twenties and thirties...

[2muchfun 8,928]

Out of pocket cost? Hard to say? Depends on your deductible, co-pay etc. My $1500 deductible had already been met so I guess I probably spent $1500 out of pocket? Some wierd costs come up that I didn't plan on? Sometimes the doc will use an assistant and he was out of network so insurance didn't pay for it. That was $400. Fortunately I have lifetime fills for free and all my bariatric doctor visits are free.

tmf

[downhomechik 41]

I am 4 weeks and one day out. I've lost almost 20 lbs in that time frame. So far, no regrets. It took me five months to lose twenty pounds on my own! I did alot of homework, attending lots of support groups in the local area and talked to people online and my doctor. It was the right choice for me. I also had back and leg problems that prevented me from exercising but as the weight is coming off the problems are disappearing on their own, praise god. I'm able to be more active and HIKE which was always a passion of mine!!!

[pink dahlia 2,513]

i feel like my 40's passed me by, because of my weight probs. (didnt start having weight probs until my 30's ) Anywhoo, thought i was stuck being obese forever (5'3, 225 lbs )n had tried weight watchers (12 lbs in a year, thats all !) so when 2 realatives had lap band done in june 2011, i started researching it and knew it was right for me right away. I was banded Dec 13th, 2011 and have lost 50 lbs as of this week. I wanted something that was reversible if needed, didnt take out my insides, and had enough rules and restrictions but was also flexible too. lap band was the answer to my prayers and i dont regret it for a minute ! I follow the Drs rules 95% of the time, (good food choices, exercise 3-4 times a week etc) and the weight started coming off !! Im at 175 lbs and it just keeps getting better and better .My insurance paid 100 % but i stiil would of paid some myself if it had come down to that. Alli can say is do your home work, attend your local support group, ask questions and you'll be happy with your decision. BEST. DECISION. EVER. good luck !

[JustDoIt130 369]

I know I'm not a man, but.....as DH said, that's not stopped me yet!

I am just 42. Boy do I wish I had done this earlier. Started at 284 lbs, lapband surgery on 1/26/12, and down just over 70 lbs in just over 6 months, now.

It is a tool, not a magic pill or button. It is WORK and you have to COMMIT to it. I decided I was worth it, finally. I make time for my workouts. I eat right, follow the rules (solid Protein, eat at least 80 g Protein daily- it would probably be more for you since you're a man- lower carbs, I log everything into my fitness pal). I workout at least 30 minutes a day- and usually closer to an hour- at least 5 days a week. It's not easy. I am close to- or possibly at- restriction, I just had my 5th (?, lost track) fill. I have a little over 10 cc's in a 14 cc band (the doc decides the size of the band, I have the large. The standard is 10 cc's. Depends on your anatomy). I eat slowly (so hard for me), don't drink with my meals or for at least 30 minutes after (I thought this would be impossible, but it's not).

To make a long story even longer- you have to be prepared. You have to be committed. It's not easy! It IS worth it. I am worth it. I feel so much better, I look better, I have a better outlook on life- and I can wear cuter clothes!!! It's a process, it's not instant.

Good luck!!! I too wish I had done it sooner, but better now than not at all!!!

Nicki

[YourPalBigAl 2]

Does it cause issues when one spouse has the surgery and the other does not? My BMI is about 43 and my wife's is about 35ish? I don't know that she'd consider the band. I can see some jealousy/resentment/you-name-it being a possiblity.

[mybella 35]

Your story sounds like mine. As I got older it got harder. I am getting banded on Aug 6th. I chose the lapband because my weight problems com from the white carbs, cakes, Pasta, rice, chips, and fatty foods.

I am a good dieter and always excited when I start and get to 25 pounds, i start craving all the items I mention above.

My first doctors visit was May 9th, and my nutritionist was May 22nd, by July 14th, I loss 17 pounds and the next week I was approved for surgery. In between there were a lot of doctor appts for testing.

I found out I had sleep apnea and an hiatial hernia and I am getting both done that day.

I have family history High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and cancer, so I was the perfect candidate. I did not want to get them so I figure if I keep on like I am I will be on stricker diets so I am jumping the gun on those illnesses.

Also for the last 3 years I avoid parties, cookouts, vacation for the last 9 years. I am unemployed for 2.5 years and feel my weight is hindering my chances of working in this tough economy. So beside wishing I don't exist, I figure I will get this done and turn the corner on my life.

Do it. Do it for you and be proud of it. If you can lose 30 pounds, the band will help you continue because if you have that skill set to stay on a diet to lose 30lbs, then the band will help you the rest of the way because when you go off your diet, you know you go off it drastically and want to eat everything and all day. The band will stop that so even if you fall off the wagon, you can not fall too far. And the skills and knowledge the nutrionist gives you will go a long way. I consider myself a career dieter and I learned so much from my nutitionist. I had to and still do record everything on a spreadsheet and she would tweek it for me and I lost every week even 1 pound some weeks. Never was hungry. No white carbs though, only grain bread sometimes and whole wheat crackers.

Good luck with your decision and I hope I convinced you.