Hi,

My name is Pat, and I am in northern Illinois. I have been on a gazillion diets, lost weight, put weight back on, you know the drill! :teeth_smile:

I am thinking about getting the LapBand. I have one friend who has it, but she has had problems. I think that maybe some of her problems were caused by not eating properly after the banding, ie: living on coffee! I also have several friends who have had gastric bypass surgery, and some are great and some aren't. It's kind of a scary decision to make!

I like the lapband, since it doesn't permanently alter your body inside, and if there is a problem, it can be reversed.

My main reasons to have the banding is because I am almost 50, I weigh 265lbs, and I had a heck of a time keeping up with my family on vacation this year. I had to sit down a lot (we were in DC) and the thought that they missed seeing things because of me is horrible. :sad:We are planning to go to Yellowstone in 2 years, and I want to be able to enjoy is as a family, not as the "Oh it's ok, you guys go ahead without me" mom!!! Maybe that sounds silly, but I hate that my body is not able to do things that I think it should.:wink_smile:

Anyway, here I am!

Pat

:smile2:Hi, I am with you on not being able to keep up with my kids and husband because of my weight. I have decided to do the lap band because I want to be healthier. I am waiting to see if I have been approved right now. I was just out with my husband and daughter this last saturday at a local flee market and we had to leave early because I was so tired and could not walk anymore because my knees hurt and I was having a hard time breathing because I am over weight. I decided that I want to keep up with my daughter because she is now old enough to go shopping and spend lots of quailty time with. But you need to make this decision on your own.

Hi, Pat:

I'm 51 and was just banded on 9/3/8. So far, I'm down 25 lbs from a starting weight of 224. I made sure I followed the pre- and post-surgery eating plans. I was afraid to do this at my age too. I recommend having the surgery. I don't get so winded just by walking or going up stairs. I had minimal pain and was back to work within 1 week. Good luck to you in your decision.

I'm 53 and banded 8/29. Although I don't have kids, at 405 and 5'5" I was almost home bound. I have a LOT of living I still want to do and being a beached whale just didn't factor in to the equation for me. I have done every diet known to man, and even went through 11 months of behavioral therapy (on my own, not an insurance requirement). That therapy was very useful in that I learned WHY I overeat and with the band, feel I'll be successful in finally controlling it. (we aren't all emotional overeaters; I wasn't) The biggest change for me, so far, is true HOPE. Sure I've lost 40+ pounds before but then would get bored or tired of the regimen or get sick or whatever (life would happen) and I'd gain it all back plus another 20-30. Got me to where I was on 7/3! Now I know, with the band, I can be satisfied with less food. Satisfied. not hungry. Wow. I can deal with any "head hunger"...but now I don't have to "journal" every bite. I don't have to count every calorie until the day I die. I have to make good choices, chew well, avoid carbonation and don't drink liquid with meals, and BAM I'm good. Wow. (did I say Wow?) LOL I have hope again. And this time, I'm losing more than 45 pounds, and I'm keeping it off. This time next year I'll be smaller than I am this year. Miraculous! For me, the band will save my life, in many ways.

Hi Pat,

I am 59 and was banded on 9/4/08 in Mexico because my insurance would not cover the procedure and the cost was a major factor in my decision. I am doing great and have not had any problems. I have already lost 18 lbs. I am looking forward to my first fill in mid October.

I know exactly what you mean by wanting to be able to keep up with the family and can't. For me it was hard to walk and I would get short of breath. I think one of my most painful moments was when my grandson wanted me to ride the roller coaster with him and I could not get the safety belt buckled. Therefore, I had to get off the ride. Even though he said he was okay with it. I know it had to be embarrasing for him to hear the giggles of the people watching.

On my surgery date I weighed in at 227 and I am 5'2". I opted to go with the band because I felt it was a safer procedure. I try to think positively and keep telling myself that if it works for others then I know it can work for me.

Best of luck to you in what ever you decide. Remember every one is different and just because your friend hasn't had good results with her band does not mean you won't.

jahinokc :teeth_smile:

Pat, where exactly are you from?? I grew up in Mchenry.

I went to a seminar yesterday and I really want to do this!!! I am in VA and would be using a Dr. Stelmack. He is board certified and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. I feel good about his presentation but I wonder if I will pass muster when all the test start. I had brest cancer in 2002. I had a masectomy, chemo, radiation, and reconstruction. My insurance is military and I did read that they cover the surgery but tomorrow will be the real test when I try to get confirmation.

I am expecting a lot from you guys because I know I'll need help and encourgement. The Avon Breast Boards were my rock, so get ready me.:biggrin: