Background:

I'm 31, 5'2" and 223 lbs in my birthday suit. Seriously considering getting banded. I'm constantly hot and sweaty, uncomfortable in my skin, easily out of breath, tired, don't enjoy being intimate, pretty much always feel hungry, have a hard time sleeping.

Just had a physical and everything is generally ok, no thyroid issues.

Being treated for high BP, anxiety/depression, PCOS, and Acid Reflux.

Now for the q's.

How long did it take you to lose weight?

If you had hot flashes before, did they stop?

Do you have more energy?

Do you sleep better?

What does your skin look/feel like on various parts of your body? Is there a lot of sagginess? (I know that sounds vein, but I can't afford plastic surgery and i'm afraid my full D's will look like pancakes)

I would really appreciate some feedback from people in my age and weight range!!

Thank you!

Yes!! Everything pretty much the same. I was 28, 220lbs, and around 5'4". Wearing a 13/14 or whatever would fit.. I was miserable. No sleep. Couldn't breathe. Didn't feel like doing anything. Period. I had surgery on October 30 th 2013. Best decision I ever made. Now 30. 150 lbs. ( could lose a little more) wearing a size 3/4. Happier than ever!! I can do whatever I want. I'm happier, my husband is happier, and my kids are happier. I can actually play with them now. I don't have to just sit and watch!

I am 36 and was at 250 and 5'3" when I got banded in November. I have lost 50 lbs and would do it again in a heartbeat!! My belly is a little flabby, but with some exercise it wouldn't be. I don't have any other loose skin issues. Drink lots of water, it's helps with elasticity.

Edited June 18, 201511 yr by Wvcari

Hello, I was heavier but otherwise healthy. Started at 272 and had a band in 2007 at 25 yrs old. I loved that band! Over 2 yrs I lost 100 pounds and would recommend it to anyone looking for help.It was amazing for 4 yrs, then everything slowly went into the crapper. I had multiple slips and it plain old wasn't working. Finally the tubing cracked so I went in for a revision in December. I was excited to have my lovely band back, but it was not to be. When I went for my first fill after the revision the port had flipped and was not accessible. On May 26 I hay band removed and opted for a gastric sleeve. I already feel much better, not to mention I'm happy to have the foreign (and broken) object removed. Good luck with whatever decision you choose. Just be aware many bands are being revised into different surgeries and they are not nearly as common as they were a few short years ago

Edited June 21, 201511 yr by tzilla

I am 34 had my band put in last november. 5'5 and 250 to start...i wish I would have done it sooner! I am at 176lbs..no where near where I want to be but definitely close to my goal than I was! I definitely sleep better and I feel 110% better! For the most part my skin hasn't been bad...other then my lower tummy (also had 2 c-sections) so I could use a tuck...but it's honestly livable! Maybe with some focus on my abs i could change that....And I have dd's ..lol..Cup size has stayed, but from a 38-34 band... and I drink tons of water and stay active...I can hike with the family...

Thanks for all the replies!

I contacted my insurance company and have to jump through a few hoops before they hopefully approve me.

First is a doc-supervised 3 month diet!

My insurance company had only one requirement, a BMI of 40, no exceptions even for co-morbidities like high bp, etc. I was close to that, so, irony of ironies, I had to be careful not to lose too much before my paperwork was submitted. Just bringing this up in case you have something similar. As for age, I wish this had been available to me at your age. The creeping on of weight over time took me up ten pounds at a time. Sure does add up. I would have loved to have been healthier and less self-conscious all those years. Good luck to you. I love my band and how I feel now.