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If I had my time again.....?



If you could turn back time would you have got the lapband? and why?  

1 member has voted

  1. 1. If you could turn back time would you have got the lapband? and why?

    • YES - because it works
      59
    • YES - but it hasn't worked out for me
      1
    • NO - because it hasn't worked
      2
    • NO - It worked but the complications were too bad
      2


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These are all such awesome replies - so honest and open. Thank you. I was feeling really keen on it and excited when I was having a general read on here the other day and then I read the "having my band removed" forum and saw some old studies and I really started to freak out about if it doesnt work, or I have horrible problems, or it slips - and started to deliberate a bit more. I am seeing the surgeon for the second time (i went about 18mths ago) on the 2nd Feb, and will have heaps of questions to ask him. Any thing you wish you'd asked? I am definitely going to ask about what kind of fill he puts in to start with, how much it costs to get fills (didn't think it would cost but it looks like it costs you guys!) if I can still take medication, what the risks of surgery are (in terms of chance of death), how long I need off work etc...

Thanks guys x

Ask your surgeon what HIS statistics are regarding slippage and erosion. Some complications are due to improper placement or how they stitch to hold it in place.

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Yes, I would do it over again.

  1. I am losing weight slowly
  2. Quick recovery time
  3. Less evasive
  4. No issues mal-absorption
  5. My health issues are resolving as the weight decreases
  6. I am in control
  7. I eat what the same food as before, but a whole lot less of it

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Today I am happy with my band. Other days when I have problems, I might answer differently. I had a rough few weeks when I was overfilled and certain times of the month, I get too tight and I don't like the consequences. My band is very "moody" if that's what you wanna call it lol! Some days I can eat fine with small bites and chewing properly but other days, sipping Water is all I can do. I'm an emotional person and my band reflects that. High stress and hormonal changes influences the restriction of the band. All these things need to be considered. But I have lost 50lbs and hope to lose 80lbs by my bandaversary. Just know that it is not easy and good after-care is essential!

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The only thing I regret is not being able to get it done sooner than now. I had my surgery Jan of 08, it has been over a year. YES.... I would do it again in a heartbeat. Yes.. I would self pay again... twice the amount if I had to...Why......

My blood pressure is down, My chances of diabites is down, I can breath, I am more moble.. I can move more easily. I feel so much better, I can sit on the floor, I can cross my legs. I am not hot all of the time. I have so much more energy.... Did I say I feel 100% better. I FEEL ALIVE. Oh,, and no more yoyo dieting, THIS IS IT.

Plus, I went from a size 26 jean to now wearing a 12P.

Bottom line..... My health is worth it.

Do your research!!!!

Best of Luck in your Decision.

Lois

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Had my six month physical from my PCP the other day, and he is totally thrilled with my progress. My Blood pressure is normal, my Cholesterol was 130. My Blood sugars are perfect. My mammogram was normal. Now just waiting for my pap smear. He said that he knew I was the "perfect" candidate for LapBand Surgery. He's the best. He's now head of Lahey Clinic Northshore in Peabody MA. But he has kept a few of his patients like me and my husband. Just overall a very very nice guy. And a good doctor also.

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Jeez bloom, just how much did your surgeon put in your band when he did your surgery? You have had almost as much taken out as put in and you still had 7 in you? No wonder you are having problems. I am so sorry. I hope things are getting better. Don't give up. When it is filled to the right spot, the issues go away.

But....52 lbs since September is AMAZING!!!

I'm not sure how much was put in when I had the surgery. I may be a bit off on my fills and unfills. My 1st fill, he put in 3cc and I couldn't even swallow my spit. So I had to go back the next day.

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Today I am happy with my band. Other days when I have problems, I might answer differently. I had a rough few weeks when I was overfilled and certain times of the month, I get too tight and I don't like the consequences. My band is very "moody" if that's what you wanna call it lol! Some days I can eat fine with small bites and chewing properly but other days, sipping Water is all I can do. I'm an emotional person and my band reflects that. High stress and hormonal changes influences the restriction of the band. All these things need to be considered. But I have lost 50lbs and hope to lose 80lbs by my bandaversary. Just know that it is not easy and good after-care is essential!

I am in COMPLETE agreement with Kat. I love my band and would rather live it, rather than without it. I have been highly successful with my band and am thankful for it. But, my band is super moody and it can be overwhelming and emotionally draining when I am having an 'episode.' If I would have known of the sleeve when I was considering my options, I would have given the sleeve more attention. But, what is done is done, and I still love my Band.

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I am very thankful for my band. I originally got the band because I wanted to lose weight because of the difficulty that my mom was having.

I had developed diabetes, sleep apnea, was always tired, could barely get off the coach. I had developed severe allergy and was wheezing. Just walking up a single flight of stairs was challenging.

I no longer take medicine for diabetes, I longer us a machine for the sleep apnea, I no longer snore, I can out-walk my grandchildren.

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I have lost 100 pounds and gained my life back. I feel like a different person than I did eleven months ago before banding. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have had virtually no complications. It's been great.

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like some of the rest of the posters, i wish i would have done this sooner. so far 8months out, no regrets!!!

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I would do it all over again, this time sooner. I feel 100 times better. I plan on going to Arizona for my Birthday this year and do some hiking. I would have nver done that before the surgery.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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