I've been considering lap band surgery, but I have some fears. First, I'm 33 yrs old, 5'5" and weigh 235. I'm pretty sure I have sleep apnea, but the rest of my stats are normal (blood work, etc).

I'm nervous about having something in my body for my entire life. I realize the lapband can be removed, but it seems as if this isn't an option most ppl take.

I'm scared I won't be able to have fun with my friends anymore. I want to be able to go on vacation with my friends and eat some bad food and drink and just be "one of the girls." Will this be over for the rest of my life??

I wonder about the port, too. I like to sleep on my stomach... Would this be weird/uncomfortable b/c I would constantly "feel" the port?

Also, there are times in my life I've been fairly active (I play golf and I used to go running)-- with the limited food intake, will I be too light headed for too much activity?

Everything being said, I understand that I will lose weight! A task that has alluded me for most my life! I have tried every diet. I'm just nervous to jump into something "permanent".

Please help me if you can answer my questions!

The lapband will not restrict you from any of your fears. You will simply eat less and lose weight. Unless you sleep on a slab of cement your port shouldn't bother you.

You can be one of the gals, only you will have to be aware of the foods you eat and eat less, chew more and do it slowly. I'm not sure what "bad" food is? You should be able to eat all the bad food you want, just be aware that too much bad food equals failure. That's why we are or were obese most of our lives.

Golf? It takes very little energy to play golf so that's not a problem. Running is OK too. Most high carb foods are slider foods and pass through the band easily. You should be able to live a very active, fun life with the lapband.

The band is not a ball and chain. It's a tool in your body that you can choose to assist in your weight loss or choose not to.

tmf

The lapband will not restrict you from any of your fears. You will simply eat less and lose weight. Unless you sleep on a slab of cement your port shouldn't bother you.

You can be one of the gals, only you will have to be aware of the foods you eat and eat less, chew more and do it slowly. I'm not sure what "bad" food is? You should be able to eat all the bad food you want, just be aware that too much bad food equals failure. That's why we are or were obese most of our lives.

Golf? It takes very little energy to play golf so that's not a problem. Running is OK too. Most high carb foods are slider foods and pass through the band easily. You should be able to live a very active, fun life with the lapband.

The band is not a ball and chain. It's a tool in your body that you can choose to assist in your weight loss or choose not to.

tmf

Completely agree!

I completely second 2muchfun's comments. I also think it's a really good thing that you're asking yourself these questions. I can eat reasonable portions of whatever I like, but I'm also at the place where unhealthy food choices don't mean as much to me as being a healthy and happy.

I sleep on my stomach too, and it hasn't been a problem. A little sensitive at first, but once I completely healed I notice it a lot less than weighing 300 pounds. Good luck with your journey!

D.

In this case fear is a great precaution for you, consider other procedures, the band is the worst and you will regret it over time due to it's failures, do your own research and don't believe the hype from this or any other banding forum.

Are you nuts? I suggest you do your own homework before spreading fear and false information.

Statistically speaking, only around 8% of Lap Bands fail due to complications by no fault of the patient. The rest, and the case you see here most of the time, is because the patient went into the surgery uneducated on the facts and ended up causing their own complications. Over eating, eating around the band, walking around for months with a band too tight because they are trying to get the band to do something it's not meant to do, drinking carbonation regularly. The list goes on and on.

Then there's the people who don't lose weight because they expect the band to perform magic. They continue to make horrible food choices then are baffled why they aren't losing. The band is a tool, not magic, if you don't do the work and make the necessary lifestyle changes you will fail.

Statistically speaking, the Lap Band also has the lowest death rate and rate of complications of any weight loss surgery.

Regret? I've lost 132 pounds in about 7 months. I look and feel better than I have in my entire adult life. I got my life back and I am happy- all because I chose the Lap Band. That's not hype, that's facts, facts my medical data can prove.

I DO NOT regret my decision and haven't had any problems. I feel great lost 30 lbs so far and very happy. I sleep on my tummy again. I still go out with friends. I just watch what I eat closer and work out.

Ok anyone have a clue who this moron BRAVOGOLOFTANGO is? Or what the hell he's talking about? Because I'm seriously at a loss at to what the heck he's talking about.

EDIT: Oh apparently he's now blocked me so I can't see his posts. Apparently he prefers to spread fear and lies and can't handle the truth so he decided to block me rather than face facts.

Now I totally get it

What did he say?

I missed the posts....Must have deleted them. I have no regrets with the band. Only thing I wish I was better prepared for was bandster hell but I got through it and so does everyone else who experiences it. Some lucky few never have that. I've lost 70 pounds in 4 months with minimal exercise. I wouldn't change a thing except increase the exercise. My weight loss would probably move along even quicker if I did.

What did he say?

I responded to his first post that was nothing more than spreading fears and lies, he responded by calling me a troll and bashing me lol.

I have no idea what it's all about.

Wow sounds like a total loser.

Yep, administration is following you around nut case. What are you a disgruntled employee of LapBand?

Funny bravo accused MIS73 being a troll and following him. When in fact she is always here and Bravo just shows up..

That's what most do on this board. Encourage people to do their homework.

Only stating a fact that Admin is following you.

You do what you want but we know who the troll is.

Hi Bravo,,

Just curious what your story is. I see you have not filled out anything in your profile with exception to your biography which states "THIS FORUM IS SUBPAR".

Can you share your experiences with us or are you here to troll like your posts and profile suggest? Trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here but right now you sound like a person with sour grapes looking to spread fear.

It's funny MIS73 has 1590 post & you have 80. I've followed her for months and she ALWAYS tells everyone "do your research". So get your facts straight!!!