I'm new so bear with me??

DLW · May 16, 2007

I will be going to my very 1st doctors visit on June 7th. I am so looking forward to this. I just turned 50 this May. I have been on and off diets for the past 35 years! The last being the Atkins. I was at my heaviest (287) and was feeling like I was literally dying inside. My whole body hurt. I am 5' 7" and people said that I carried my weight well. Well, I'm really tired of carrying it. I lost 57 pounds on the Atkins Diet. I was on it for 3 1/2 years. I did not mind it because I really love meat. The reason I came off it is that I don't want to only be able to eat the meat and veggies the rest of my life. I want to be able to enjoy the "summertime" type foods. Salads and such. My problem is not so much the quality of the food I eat but the quanity. Even on the Atkins I planed off at 220, actually, I went back up to 230 and stayed there. No up nor down. It got frustrating. I came off about 2 1/2 months ago. Yep, now I'm up to 250. I have an acquaintance who had had the surgery 3 years ago. She loves it.

I would really like to hear from anyone about the pros and cons of the surgery. My friend says that she has a tough time keeping down the meat though but is not a great fan of it. This is a pro for her. It wouldn't be for me. Please someone send some info. my way.... Thank you everyone and I am looking forward to new relationships. That is as long as I can figure out how to get in here after getting out. My e-mail address is dwalthall@claritas.com just in case. Thanks everyone. Blessings. Dianne

musicalmomma · May 16, 2007

Welcome Diane!! I don't have any advice really...just wanted to welcome you to the forum. I'm sure others will come along with some words of wisdom I also LOVE meat and hope I can still eat it in small quantities after being banded...some can, some can't.

DLW · May 16, 2007

You haven't been banded yet? I hear that there is a couple of different types of banding. Gastric banding and the lap banding? Is there a difference? Do you know? I'm here at work and leaving in 10 minutes; If you don't hear back from me, please check back tomorrow? Thanks for your quick imput. Dianne

mannamay · May 16, 2007

Alexandra · May 16, 2007

Hi Dianne,

Welcome to LBT! To anwer your question, gastric banding IS lap-banding, it's just another way of saying it. The Lap-Band is a trademark for one brand of adjustable gastric band.

DLW · May 17, 2007

Thanks Alexandra and Mannamay for your replys. I'm looking forward to getting to know people here on this website.

The reason I was asking about the difference between the gastric banding is that someone had posted that they had wished they got the gastric banding instead. Maybe they had gastric bypass? That may be the reason. Anyway, thanks again for your replys.

Alexandra... 125 pounds off! Wow! Way to go. Obviously you are glad you had the surgery? How has your eating habits changed?

Banding slippage? Where did it go? Is the re-banding just moving the one that's there back into place? Is this covered - or do you have to pay for the surgery all over again? No guarantees? Sorry so many questions, hope you don't mind. Thanks again! Blessings, Dianne

Alexandra · May 17, 2007

I don't mind at all. I lost the 125 lbs with the help of my band, in that it made me eat more slowly, thoughtfully, carefully, and with less hunger all the time. I was thrilled with my band and disappointed that it had to be removed. I don't know exactly why it "slipped" (which means it or my stomach migrated out of correct position, making it nearly impossible for me to eat) but guess it was because I had forgotten how careful I had to be even if I can't feel the restriction all the time. (It seems common for the sensation of restriction to lessen over time for bandsters, so that the "stop signal" becomes less obvious.) Lesson learned.

My band was removed completely, but I'm getting a new one on 6/4. My insurance is covering the removal and the replacement; if that wasn't the case I wouldn't be having it done. There are no guarantees with this or any other medical procedure, ever. But my experience showed me that with help, I can lose weight and it can stay off. My eating habits changed considerably but I have no faith whatsoever that I will be able to maintain those eating habits over time without help from the band to alleviate my hunger. So I'm signing up again, with enthusiasm!

DLW · May 17, 2007

That's what my problem is. Not so much the quality of the food I eat but the quantity. I'm so hoping that I will be eligible for banding. I am 5'7" and 250. I have to be documented as morbidly obese in order for my insurance to cover the surgery. I think that I am borderline. Geez, wouldn't it be something if I had to gain another 10 pounds in order to have the surgery? lol That would be easy. My highest weight was 287. That is when I decided to go on the Atkins as a last ditch effort. I felt like I was literally dying inside from the weight. I got down to 220 then went off the Atkins after 3 1/2 years. Back up to 250 now. Augh.. how frustrating. Hopefully things will work out with the insurance and the doctors visit next month. We shall see. I really don't know what I will do if it doesn't. Probably go back on the Atkins. bummer.

clynnc · May 17, 2007

Hi Dianne-

I have been banded since 11/28/06-weightloss was a little slow-- had to go back each month b/c my fills were not restricting my eating very much.. I had minimal weight loss from my band date til about 4 1/2 wks ago-- i had only lost 17 lbs-- I got my last fill about 4 1/2 wks ago and how lost another 9 lbs -which is really great--my total now is 29 lbs..It is hard to eat certain things, the band is different for every one.

My sister, had it done 2/2005-- she has lost 102 lbs (from a size 22 to a size 8)...she has problems eating hamburger meat-- I have problems with steak-- my friend that had this done can't eat pork or tortillas-- I can pretty much eat anything, but small quantities-- I love hamburgers, but can only eat 2 bites and then i'm full---that's good for me-- at least I can get a taste of it-- I usually eat ever 3 hours or so-- 7am, 10am, 1pm 4pm & 7pm... my first month was a little scarey b/c you don't know what to expect,,, it's not that bad.. I'm glad that my fills were very slow b/c it allowed me adjust slowly-- I'm doing great and good luck with your decision