Introduction

[Andrew0929 1,102]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Andrew and I've just recently started seriously considering getting a LB. I've thought about it for a few years but am ready to move forward with this (I think). I'm scheduled for the informational session on 6/11/13 and have a Dr consult scheduled for 7/22/13.

My wife and daughter are in full support of me doing this. I told a close friend (also overweight) and he's discouraging me, but his weight loss efforts over the last 30 years that I've known him, have all been unsuccessful.

I'm a little concerned about all of the complications that many experience. Granted, my health-related issues due to being overweight will only become bigger problems as time goes by, if I do nothing.

I've lost weight several times, over the years, but of course gained it all back. Lost 120 lbs one time using a ephadra-based product in the early 90's. Also lost 40 lbs twice doing Atkins. I can stick to a program, but eventually I get tired of it and go back to my old ways ....

Looking forward to participating in the forum and hopefully getting banded.

Andrew

[gowalking 10,790]

Welcome Andrew. Good luck with your journey towards surgery. I was also concerned about complications...we all are I'm sure. I can only speak for myself in that the procedure went well and I recovered fairly quickly with no issues and life is back to normal for the most part. I mean everything is different food wise, but my life has not been impacted negatively. I'm sure you'll do well and will find the lapband a great help.

I've only been banded for 5 months so I can't say yet about not slipping back into old habits and regainig the weight. I've seem plenty of posts like that but for me, I've been following the rules and have been successful so far.

I also lost alot of weight some years ago and am concerned about keeping it off but I hope that this time will be different. The band is doing it's job for me...I'm satisfied on less food...but still have to be aware of everything I eat and have to make choices not to eat unhealthy foods or too much food at basically every meal. I have to remind myself all the time that I am not physically hungry...I'm just head hungry. Most of the time it works and when it doesn't, I try to minimize the damage by making better food choices..

[dawalsh 919]

Hi Abdrew,

I'm in my 60's and it took me 3 seminars to convince me this was right for me. I have had a lot of medical problems during my life. I had two strokes way back in 1980. I am an ovarian cancer survivor and I was diagnosed with borderline diabetes. God has me here for a reason and I decided at my age I wanted to be around for my grandchildren. Anyway, after my third seminar I became convinced that this was the safest surgery for me. Well guess what? I am now off diabetic medicine, my blood pressure med dose as been reduced, I'm feeling better all around and I can say for the first time in my life since 1980 I don't need a mobility cart to shop in Walmart or SAMs. I was banded on 12/28/12 and as of today I'm 50 lbs lighter! So, I have not had many complications. My port flipped while I was sleeping but had it fixed in a quick day surgery on May 10th.

So what I'm trying to say is I don't think you'll have any regrets. It does not mean you can eat everything after surgery. You still have to watch your calories and get exercise. However, the more you lose the easier it becomes.

I still have a long way to go but I'm getting there. Good luck to you!

[Andrew0929 1,102]

I attended my first info session last night sling with my wife. It was very informative and I was very pleased with both doctors as well as other staff members that presented.

My wife seems sold on the idea but I'm still researching. I think my biggest area of apprehension is the possibility for multiple surgeries and lots of dr appointments over time. I am self employed with little time for regular appointments never mind additional surgeries.

Still, I am leaning toward going it. Have a dr consult 7/22.