Hi! My name is Michelle. I am 28 and am looking into Lap band or Gastric bypass....I'm not sure which as I have to talk to the surgeon yet. I am also trying to convince my husband to do it too...he would probably only do lap band as he is totally against surgery in any form. I have 2 wonderful children.... dd 6, Miranda...in kindergarten...and ds 4, Mason...preschool. I live in WA state...born and raised. Look to meet friends and get advise. I love emails...so feel free to email me. kickiegirl@yahoo.com

Take care!

Hello Michelle! Welcome to lapbandtalk. You'll find lots of info., advice and support here. I love it! If you have any questions just post, there is always answers out there. Anyway, keep researching and asking questions.

Good luck. Shawn

Welcome to lapbandtalk.com, Michelle. I'm a Pacific Northwest native (Oregon) now living in Louisiana. Getting lap band surgery was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I wish you the best of luck with your decision.

Hi Michelle,

I hope you find all the answers youare looking for. Lap Band surgery was the best thing I ever did. I was going to do Bypass when I found out about the band and have been happy with my decision every since. Ask lots of questions and go in knowing what you want, because it is Your body. Good luck.

Thank you all for your welcoming messages. I believe this will be my new favorite site!! Everyone has been so nice, and find that everyone has been so open to share their experiences. I greatly appreciate it! Good luck to everyone in their own individual journeys!

Michelle welcome to Bandland! My sister is banded, but she had a time where she wasn't sure if she should go with the band or the whole bypass or the one that removes part of your stomach and keeps everything the same (no bypassing). Anywho, I'm down in northern California praying for some relief from the rain!

I came to this site every day before and really after my banding (only 10 weeks ago) and everyone is very kind and helpful. I've learned more here than my actual surgeon!

Kelli

If you do have any questions, please feel free me at kebyers@spheris.com

Have a great day!

Kickiegirl--I am a medical provider and my advice is research, research, research!! The bypass is VERY serious and lots of longterm complications/effects on your body. 1 in 200 die from bypass, you need Vit B12 injections the rest of your life, etc....they do lose the weight quicker much of the time. The Lapband has < 1% complication rate....you need to read and read some more. The Lapband does have some negatives but FAR LESS than the risk of morbid obesity!!!! I was banded 3/20/06 and very pleased so far. Walking almost 2mi a day and feeling SO MUCH more energetic in less than a month since surgery! THe recovery time is much quicker in banding. I could go on and on but don't want to bore you!! You check things out and ask as many questions as you can and you will know which one is for you.

God Bless,

Melody

Banded 3/20/06 -29lbs

:welcome2:

Hi Michelle....I am Michelle too!! And yes, with 2 L's. Welcome to LBT!! I also have 2 children, Bobby age 5 yrs & Danny age 3.5 yrs. My husband is going to get the band after me. I am still waiting on insurance.

The best advice I can give is to research and ask lots of questions. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your decision, not even your potential surgeon. You will find mostly banded people here along with some gastric bypass. Even though most people feel strongly about their type of WLS, you should do what is in your best interest based on your needs. Lapband is not for everyone and takes a bit more work with the mental part of weight loss IMO. Also, as you probably know by now, the weight loss is slower.

For me personally, one of the reasons I decided on lapband was the lower risk since I am a mommy to two precious boys. We want more children in the future, the Lord willing. Also, my husband has worked in the lab at Johnson & Johnson and saw the swedish band first hand. He has been talking about this for 2 yrs or so and is very excited. J & J are still working on approval from the FDA in the US for the swedish band, but the Inamed band is the one currently used in the US. It's an excellent band.

I wish you the very best on your journey to a new you!! I know you will continue to find this a friendly and informative place. I'm now addicted to LBT....can't stay away....need my daily fix. :eek:

Hi Michelle ~ I just remembered this link. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=15595 I found this thread very helpful and Penni knows her stuff. Good luck!!