Hi, I am having trouble finding positive support for the Lap Band surgery! I am just gettign started, I am scheduled to have surgery in the next month but when I started reading all the talk forums I am thinking I may have the wrong idea of surgery. I have read several things positive but then I hear a lot of negative also. Is POST-OP as bad as it sounds and it seems weight loss is awfully slow!@ CAN ANYONE SHED SOME LIGHT

DEB

First, what ideas do you have about the surgery? It is a real surgery, and there are risks of complications, and everyone has their own experience. Some people bounce right back within a few days, and others take a little longer. I haven't really seen anyone having post-op problems much past the second or 3rd week, though. Unless you count not knowing what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, etc....

As for weight loss, it seems that the rate of weight loss varies SO much from person to person, that there's no good answer for that question.

I have been banded since Feb 5, and have lost 30 lbs. I could never have done that pre-band. So I feel that I've made the right decision for ME, but you're the one that has to decide if it's right for YOU.

Most people here are very supportive, and are willing to share their experiences. Good luck!

Deb - I know EXACTLY how you feel. I started researching the lap-band proceedure and it seemed I saw a lot of "complications" or people "complaining". But the thing that most of them said is they don't regret it. There were some that did, but the majority did not. I think people tend to post the negative only because this is a support forrum and they just need some answers to some of their concerns.

I finally decided I would do the surgery and so far it has been wonderful, I keep waiting for the PB to happen, or the slime, and so far nothing. I feel great restriction, can only eat 1/2 cup of food, but the weird thing is, I can take regular bites. I can practically swallow my food without chewing it, I have not gotten anything stuck or even come close to it, but I still have great restriction. I guess I'm a lucky one.

As of today, I am down 46 lbs since starting my pre-op diet. I know the weight loss will slow down eventually, but until then, I've enjopying the ride. I also try and follow the rules, even though I can swallow my food whole (I've done it a few times without thinking), I make a conscious effort to slow down and chew well. I also eat my Protein first - usually chicken breast & fish, and I exercise at least 30 minutes 5 to 6 times a week (I usually get 45 min in or more). I don't take my surgery for granted and I do view the band as a tool to help my with my struggle with obesity.

I wish this forum had a section for success stories only, I know they have before & after pictures, but it would be nice for the ones that have been banded for 1 year or more to post their success story, what they ate, if they exercised, their struggles etc for the new ones to veiw.

Anyhow, I wish you the best and feel free to PM with any questions or concerns.

Deb, remember that you are doing this for you so don't let anyone make the decision for you! It's a personal journey and two people's is alike. For me, it's the best think I have done! It has given me my life back and I am forever grateful. Is it just roses all the time? No. But is it worth everything? Absolutely!

I researched this for a year before I decided to go through with it. I decided that my chances at a long, full life were greater if I had the surgery then if I didn't. I was miserable and depressed before and now, I'm happy because I see posibilities ahead that I could have only dreamed of! My journey thusfar has been fantastic! Post-op wasn't bad and I have been blessed with quick weight loss but only because of hard work and determination. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT! Remember that!

You have to decide this for yourself so be sure that you are happy with your decision. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks, feels or says! Good luck to you and if we can help anymore, don't hesitate to ask!

I've been thinking about this post, and I just wanted to chime in again and let you know that if you decide to go ahead with your surgery, you couldn't find a better support system than the one we have here.

I also hope that you have a strong support system at home, as well. It can be done without the support of your family and friends, but it's easier with their support.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Deb, my poswt op has been a breeze. I will say that the weight loss has been slow for me but there are a ton of other people who have lost a lot more than me. I'm down about 45 lbs since last June. Good luck.

You might try reading some journal entries... I think that while folks post more when they have complications - you might be able to get a more rounded perspective from reading the journals.

I had NO problems post op. I have had ONE PB which was entirely because I wasn't eating the right thing and I wasn't paying attention when I did.

Otherwise, zero complications. I know that some folks DO have problems - and I don't mean to minimize their pain - but most of us don't post every day about how great our lives are now that we have some measure of control over hunger and some actual HOPE for a thinner, healthier future.

Hope is a powerful force. I had lost all hope of ever living a healthy life until I got my band. Now, I know that I CAN lose the weight and that I can keep it off for good.

Read everything. Look at the stats for complications. Think hard about what will happen to you if you don't get the surgery, vs the possiblity of complications.

The pro's so outweighed the risk for me, that I jumped at the chance.

Good Luck in your deliberations. Keep on researching until you are sure. You want to be able to go forward with as little fear as possible - and end up with no regrets.

Hugs!