Lapband in the DC Area

stefgray · May 15, 2007

Hi Janine. I can understand about your DH getting nervous when he saw the video. When I told my mom about it, she was all for it until she saw the video. But, she's come around now to understand that it's a good thing and it's my decision. My husband supports me all the way. I think you really need to have a good support group behind you to help when things get hard. I took my parents and DH to the band support group at my hospital so they could meet people, ask questions, etc. Made a huge difference.

As for the life commitment, it definitely is a lifetime commitment. It's a tool that you will use to help you as you change your eating habits and begin a healthy lifestyle. I kind of think of it as my net for if I fall and eat something I shouldn't. In the past, if I did that, I sabotaged myself for days, weeks, months, before I could get it together again. This band will help me pick myself back up and get back on track. It also has the benefit of limiting how far off I can fall in the first place!

One of my friends has a brother-in-law who had the band done, was self-pay. He told everyone he chose the band so he could cheat! He lost more weight on his pre-op than since he got the band and he's had it for two years. She told me that when they get together for family meals, he eats as much as he did before and shows now sign of slowing down. This is NOT how you should use your band!

Good luck, Janine. I hope that you get all of your questions answered and feel good about the band. I know I can hardly wait.

Steph

ja9va · May 16, 2007

Thanks for the information. I am looking at the band as a tool to keep me from exactly what you are saying. To remeind me that it is there and I need to stick to my commitment. I have yoyoed so many times, I really just want to lose it and keep it off. How can he eat like that? I thought if the band was tight, it would not allow for food to travel through or you would get full and vomit if you abuse it? Regardless, if you go through this, you have made a big commitment to change. I final one for me!

How have you been eating? Did you have it in March? I was confused with the info? I am getting excited about it. three weeks to go!

stefgray · May 16, 2007

He has stretched everything out so much that he can do whatever he pleases. It's crazy. I am scheduled for my surgery on May 25. I don't have any pre-op diet to follow, so I'm pretty much eating whatever I want. But, I'm trying to start making some of the changes that I'll have to make post-band like cutting down my sodas so I can give them up, taking Vitamins, working in Protein, etc. I'm also trying to get some exercise in, but these days are pretty hectic and it's usually the first thing to drop off the schedule. One big thing I have to work on!

tweetygirl92457 · May 30, 2007

I live in Southern Maryland and I had my surgery with Dr. Barry greene at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. I worked at Southern Maryland Hospital and I would not get my surgery done there. You need to go to a hospital that has dedicated bariatric staff like Shady Grove, GW, Georgetown or Inova Fairfax. You also need to go to a Bariatric Surgeon and not just a general surgeon.Dr. Greene and his staff are wonderful and the Hospital couldn't have been any more friendly and caring.

ja9va · May 30, 2007

Tweetygirl,

Glad all went well at your doctor's. I live in northern Virginia and I am going to a hospital in Richmond, Commonwealth Surgeons. I picked them over Fairfax group due to others that went to them. No one for Band but gastric bypass. I met the doctor in person last week and he was a bit dry and had a slow response to humor, but that is a sergeon. His staff that does much of the people work are fantastic. St. Mary's hospital have a floor, or section of a floor, for weight loss surgery only. The nurses have gone through special triainings. I guess there is a new certification for hospital nurses now that they told us about at one of our meetings. Not sure since my date is June 7, that will be impacted. But it does mean they are all dedicated to one area of medicine.

when is your date?

I am not sure anyone would go to a generic surgeon.