Hi. I am Heather and I am 27 years old. I have been overwieght ever since I had my son 7 Years ago. I have tryed many diets but I just seem to keep gaining it back. I need more drastic help. I just made an appointment with my family care doctor. I don't know where to start. I dont know anything about this Lap-Band, except it can help you loose wieght and it goes around your stomach. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice to offer?:welldone2: I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Does anyone know a good doctor here?

Hi Heather! I had the lap band put in about 7 months ago. It is a minimly invasive surgery where they place a silicone band around the top part of your stomach. This band can be adjusted (tightened or loosened) with saline injected through a port that is stitched under the skin in your abdomin. What this accomplishes is to assist with portion control. smaller portions=less caorieintake=weightloss (in theory). Lap-band is the only adjustable WLS. Just like all the other WLS, the lapband is just a tool and not a magic cure. You still have to make good food choices and do your part to make it work. But since you fill up quickly and stay less hungry, it is easier to make those good choices. Obviously it is not successful for everyone, no WLS is. I have had great success with it as have most on here and most that have had it. That is just the staring point. I am sure you have many more wuestions than I answered, but wish you well in your search for answers.

By the way, there is a link to a video of the operation on my website linked below. It is like an hour long and the doctor/narrator does a good job explaining things. Very graphic though if you are squimish. Again - Welcome:clap2:

It's a long journey and you should do as much research as you can so you can make an informed decision and be certain you're doing the right thing. I'm so glad I did it. Good luck and don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions....That's why we're here.

My mom had the Duodenal Swich Gastric Bypass Surgery like 5 years ago or so. She has lost alot of wieght, but the recovering part after the surgery didn't look like much fun. I know no surgery is no fun, but it was bad for her. I dont want to go that far. Does anyone know if the recovery is anything like that? I am guessing its alot easier that the DS since I read you can go back to work in a coupld of days.

my wisdom teeth, and my nose job were both a harder recovery than my lap-band. I have lost 40 lbs in 3.5 months. changed my life. i have dates now. people talk to me.

Hi heather...I had lapband over a year ago now and it has been a challenging long journey which required alot of lifestyle sacrifices...but i don't regret it for the world and the results have far outweighed the challenges...Congratulations on realising you want something more for your life...and best wishes in your research...If you find that lapband is right for you I am sure you wont regret it...

keep us posted and welcome to lapband talk

:eek: becky