Hi,

I posted about doing my thesis on the lapband. I think I have narrowed down my question. I am just wondering if there are any books out there on lapband and the emotions or things that we go through and deal with? I know Carnie Wilson has a book out. Are there any others like that on Weight Loss Surgery? I would really like it on lapband, but any WLS surgery is OK. My question is "What is the experience of staying present with oneself (being fully aware) during eating after having an adjustable gastric band?" Something like that....

I'm not looking for research on medical issues, like how much people lost and those stats.

Thanks for the help!

Shannon

There are a few books on weight loss surgery. I had a very difficult time finding any available at local ( even large ) bookstores. I read one which I think is called the Drs. guide to weight loss surgery. I have since seen two others that other women have had at meetings for the wls. There are several listed on amazon.com. What I have heard and is true with the book that I read is that the lap band is not covered as much as the other surgeries. I have not gotten much at all in the way of good information r/t lap band, post op diets etc. My Dr. really focuses on the rny surgery and all the information they pass out is based on that. Good luck.

I think you might have more success going to a university library and doing searches of professional psychology or psychiatry journals. The librarian can probably help you.

Nancy

It's not much, but here's some research on the improved quality of life lap-abnd patients experience.

Am J Surg. 2002 Dec;184(6B):51S-54S.

Changes in comorbidities and improvements in quality of life after LAP-BAND placement.

Dixon JB, O'Brien PE.

Monash University, Department of Surgery and the Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, 3181, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. john.dixon@med.monash.edu.au

Possibly the most important outcomes of bariatric surgery involve changes in obesity-related illness, quality of life (QOL), and psychologic well-being. Dramatic improvement or resolution of serious medical comorbidity accompanies the weight loss following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the LAP-BAND (INAMED Health, Santa Barbara, CA). There are major improvements in the conditions of the metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Improvement in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta-cell function associated with weight loss induces remission in the majority of type 2 diabetics and reduces the risk of others developing type 2 diabetes. Improvement in dyslipidemia is characterized by raised high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower triglyceride concentrations. Together with lower blood pressure, these changes provide a substantial reduction in cardiovascular risk. Other medical conditions caused or aggravated by obesity are also significantly improved, including sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux. Weight loss is associated with improved fertility and more favorable pregnancy outcomes. All aspects of QOL improve substantially, especially physical disability, and post-weight-loss QOL measures approximate those of the general population. There are also major improvements in body image and reduction in depressive illness. These changes provide perhaps the most compelling data regarding the value of LAP-BAND surgery and underlie the great satisfaction experienced by patients.