My mom has been suggesting a lap band for several years because I can't keep the weight off. I'm beginning to take her seriously now; three weeks ago I got a stress fracture on my knee from a combination of walking and my weight. I'm just not sure how to start! My dr. has never talked to me about my weight (which actually surprises me) although my BMI is above 40. I also have reflux, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis in my knees and I'm pre diabetic. To tell you the truth, it scares me to think about having it done; I'm afraid of complications. On the other hand, for a 53 year old I'm not doing to well in the health department now!:tt2:

Any suggestions are welcome!

I am 50 years old and it has been the best adventure I have ever been on. I did the lapband for health . It is a really short surgery.

edie

Now's the time to do it! Especially for the sake of your health.

My mom has been suggesting a lap band for several years because I can't keep the weight off. I'm beginning to take her seriously now; three weeks ago I got a stress fracture on my knee from a combination of walking and my weight. I'm just not sure how to start! My dr. has never talked to me about my weight (which actually surprises me) although my BMI is above 40. I also have reflux, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, arthritis in my knees and I'm pre diabetic. To tell you the truth, it scares me to think about having it done; I'm afraid of complications. On the other hand, for a 53 year old I'm not doing to well in the health department now!:thumbup:

Any suggestions are welcome! :sad:

Specifically, what complications are you concerned about? The lap-band is SO safe. In fact, I've been told by every surgeon I researched that it's no more dangerous than any other surgery. The biggest risks are anestesia for someone who is obese but they are TRAINED to handle that. I was pre-diabetic and now I'm diabetic. Honestly, there's no such thing as pre-diabetes. You are destined for it. If you lose the weight, it will go away...if you don't, the complications you risk from diabetes are much higher than any risk in the OR. Plus, the surgery itself takes about 30 minutes.

well, I guess I'm concerned with slippage, and food, like bread, getting stuck etc.

I have heard that there is no such thing as pre diabetes; it's like being pregnant. Either you are or are not! :sad: It would be more accurate to say I'm insulin resistant.

I did find out today that the nearest dr. who does fills is 400 miles away, but that a local dr. will be trained this summer in fills.

I guess I'll float around on the forums and such to start getting familiar with everything.

fluter:bigear: