Thoughts about Lap Band surgery?

I think it is a big decision not to be made lightly and that post-surgery, you will still need to make a lifestyle change in terms of nutrition and exersize. I think the surgery is over-recommended for profit’s sake and that its side effects (multiple hernias, weight gained back) are severely downplayed. I do think it can change some people’s lives. Good luck.

@Simone_De_Beauvoir: Oh, I know I will have to work as well. I don’t view this as an easy out at all. The reason why I’m considering this right now is twofold. The first is because I’m 27 and showing pre-diabetic signs. My father was 28 when he was diagnosed with diabetes. The second is that I’d like to say I’m planning on having a baby in the next few years, or at least… it’s possible that I could… and with the sciatica the way it is, I’d be in a whole lot of trouble. The surgery will hold me accountable, in a way… and speed things up faster than I could do it just on willpower and fad diets alone.

@poofandmook I recommend seeing a couple of specialists for second and third opinions, as well. And I do hope, so much, that later on you’ll become a parent!

Have you looked at the gastric by pass surgery also? My niece has lost about 175 lbs with this surgery in just a couple of years, but it too, has a lot of risks. She had to have counseling for a year before the surgery.
The reason I bring this up is because the only person I knew that had the lap band procedure has not lost very much weight, maybe 50 lbs. in 2 years. I don’t know the reasons or circumstances behind her lack of weight loss. @Simone_De_Beauvoir says, getting a lot of opinions and talking to people that have had it done is the only way to make an informed decision.

My mother, step-father, and ex-mother-in-law all had the gastric bypass surgery, with excellent weight loss results. That said, all 3 routinely threw up while/after eating very tiny portions for a while after surgery. In addition, my ex-MIL gained quite a bit of weight back and had to have an additional surgery to correct a hernia.

Yes, a friend of mine in her early fifties had one a few years ago and they did a tummy tuck at the same time. Results? She lost 100 lbs and is so glad she did it. All new wardrobe, too.
Now she’s addicted to cosmetic surgery.

A friend of mine had gastric bypass seven years ago and has stayed very thin. He eats healthily most of the time and can only eat smallish meals. One problem can be that if you are very obese and have the surgery, you may have very saggy skin as a result unless you have cosmetic surgery to repair it.

I won’t do gastric bypass. A family member had it, it threw a clot, she passed out and hit her head while nobody was home, and has minor brain damage now. I’ve heard stories through the grapevine of other gastric bypass issues. Lap Band is less invasive, and adjustable.

OK; Maybe she had gastric bypass. Not lap band. But, yes, she does have some sagging skin, not bad on her arms but sort of bad on her legs. She looks fine in sleeveless tops, for her age, that is.

My BIL is 18 and just had it done 2 months ago & he has already lost at least 70 pounds. Usually the surgery comes with an entire program you must complete prior to the actual lap-band and includes loosing weight to show you are committed to a lifestyle change, a week/two of liquid dieting before & after and a psychological assessment. Post surgery, he gets hiccups when he gets too full, but so far he is extremely pleased with the experience.

My BF is having it done in two weeks. Good luck with either choice you make!

Just talked to someone on another site who had it, is having trouble, and has to have another surgery in two days. I think it’s crazy to have surgery to lose weight. I am sooo afraid of surgery myself; I know I would rather diet like crazy than be put to sleep and cut. That’s just me.

My mom had it a few years back and it was wonderful. Just realize that you will forever have to be careful about how much you eat or drink at one time because you can make yourself ill and you will throw up if you consume too much.

But yeah, amazing surgery. Saved her life. Made it possible to get the knee surgery she needed.

I am not too familiar with the lap band surgery, but I’ve heard that here in Sweden they don’t really recommend it. Instead patients are recommended to do a gastric bypass. Apparently the lap banding has a greater risk of complications after surgery compared to gbp.

I had a gastric bypass in March this year. Feeling great!

@jazzjeppe Congratulations! I’m sure it was a big decision.

@jazzjeppe Good to see you back and to hear that the surgery was a success.