Why did you band?

[Guest Leslie2Lose]

Charles - if you do some browsing on this site, you'll find plenty of people that have had problems with their bands or found out it's not for them. This isn't a band cheerleading site by no means. Go look at the "struggling" lap-band area and read up if you want to see some people that haven't had a smooth ride.

I myself had my port flip on me after surgery. I had to have it corrected before I could get a fill. It was an unforseen complication, but something that had to be delt with before I could move on.

I've found the GP (general practitioners) really don't know that much about lap band also. Most doctors, that aren't in the bariatric field, aren't educated about the band. They also get paid for prescription medications - so I don't put 100% of my faith in staying on medications all of your life because your doctor says you are responding to them. Why not be healthy enough not to have to take them at all?

My OBGYN, two family friends are included in that number. However, since I've gone back to them for checkups (both GP and OBGYN) and having lost 50 pounds since seeing them last - they are happy and are asking me questions about the band.

Edited July 29, 2008 by Leslie2Lose

[CMF 0]

It's scary stuff Leslie. And a lap band is more scary than the weight right now.

Charles

[Guest Leslie2Lose]

I think some of the people that have struggled - without band complications - weren't ready. I think that's why research is so important. It is scary the things that can go wrong, it really is. I knew all of the things that could go wrong before hand. I decided my health is worth the risk. I wouldn't discourage anyone to get banded but I also won't be the one to step up and say it's the only way. For me it was the last option available. I deserved a better life than the one I'd been living. I wish you the best Charles, whatever decision you make. If you ever decide to be banded - we're here for support.

[CMF 0]

I'm gonna stick around for a while and ask questions - this is part one for me. My own version of Atkins, what I call golf, and yard work are helping me shed pounds gradually right now. Let's hope it keeps going and sticks.

Charles

[Ann D 0]

Charles,

Good luck with your personal journey. My weight became a real issue when I developed High Blood Pressure and almost had a stoke, as well as asthma. My mother is diabetic and recently went on insulin. That really scared me. I am following in her foot steps ever step of the way.

Then my job inlisted a fitness test as a job requirement, and it is mandatory to keep my job (I'm in law enforcement). My job means the world to me and I love it, so after trying everything all the name brand diets on TV and doctor ordered and not losing any weight, I began to look into it.

My journy began 5 years ago, a friend had Gastric By-pass and almost died. Just last year I decided to have surgery. I had it December of 2007. I have lost 50lbs and would do it again in a heart beat. I wish I would have had the courage to do it sooner, and not struggle like I had.

It finally came down to being employed or not. I take my test next month and am hoping I have no problems. I am hoping the 50lb loss will totally help me.

Also, just to add a cavet, my husband is 20 years older then me and healthier then me. Go figure. I had to do it to keep up with him too.

I have ahd my share of problems but my benefits out weigh them so much more. I am not a cheerleader, I just consider myself one of the luckyones.