Lap Band Surgery

I know there is another thread on this, jus not sure where. Try searching it.

Slimfast is definitely NOT the answer. The only healthy way to lose weight is portion control, a balanced diet and exercise. Unfortunately there are people for whom this is VERY difficult. The lap-band procedure makes the stomach much smaller so that the person feels full after only a little bit of food. Inevitably the person learns portion control and has to eat healthier in addition. There are disadvantages of the lap-band as well as the gastric bypass procedures, obviously major surgery being one of them. The lap-band is trickier since it is very dependent on the placement of the band in the right spot and with the right tension so that it works properly. There is also a procedure called the gastric sleeve, which also narrows the stomach, making it smaller. Evaluation by a bariatric surgical specialist is a must for this undertaking. Hatzlacha!

i had it done three years ago….here is what they dont tell you:

1. you can NOT get pregnant for TWO years after not one. If you do it may lead to severe complications.

2. the port they put by the belly button, you feel it through your skin, always. its always there and its VERY sensitive until about two years after the procedure.

3. recovery time is NOT a week. It is longer, and very hard.

I lost about 30 pounds but gained it back. it only works with diet and excersize but if you could do that, you wouldnt be thinking of surgery im guessing.

i think that was meant facetiously…k’lomar: you would be better off with slim fast which, as unhealthy as it is, is still quite a bit healthier than surgery.

I had it done just about 10 years ago when it was just approved for use in the US. I went from 290lbs to 175lbs. It definitely should not be viewed as a “quick fix” as you must really be willing to accept this as a lifelong commitment.

Pros: If you don’t cheat, you should have tremendous success.

Cons:

You really need to learn to do with less food. If you enjoy eating (for example going to a restaurant and having an appetizer, an entree, desert, and whatever else they put in front of you), those days are over.

It’s easy to cheat. If you like liquid calories like milk shakes or other items that will pass right through the band you may not lose (you could also gain) weight.

Ask any questions and I’ll be glad to answer.

BT-Guy, The soft mushy foods and puree etc…is generally only for the recovery time and after a band adjustment.

One thing I forgot to mention. I can not tolerate bread. If you are a bread lover this may not be for you.

I am dieting on my own. You could not pay me to go through such a surgical procedure, especially having experienced NON-elective abdominal surgery. Eating a low-carb (only complex carbohydrates should be eaten, like BROWN rice, sweet potato, whole wheat)and high lean protein diet with plenty of green veggies and a little healthy fat (like olive oil), and drinking lots of water, will guarantee HEALTHY success. I know people want a quick fix, but we don’t gain excessive weight overnight, and we don’t lose it (safely and hopefully permanently) that way, either. Hatzlacha rabbah, if you or someone you know is planning on doing this.

I have had it done 6 years ago and I lost 90 pounds. which was all the weight I had to lose.

I had a baby about 3 yeas after, and only gained 20 pounds during the pregnancy, I was back to prepregnancy weight by the bris.

It is a big change but I feel it was well worth it.

There will always be naysayers. Those who say “diet and excersise” but for many people it just doesnt work. There are those of us that just cant limit our food intake without help, or who cant/wont excersise.

I will be honest and say it was not smooth sailing and I did suffer from minor complications.

I can also say that being 100 pounds overweight comes with a whole set of complications on its own.

Make sure you have a good support system, a great surgeon and you should be fine.

The frustration I sometimes feel from not being able to eat as much as I want is fleeting. The satisfaction I get from fitting into a size 8 is priceless.

good luck

PBA, what about the ones who also want a frontal lobotomy??

Nechomah -“PBA, what about the ones who also want a frontal lobotomy??”

We don’t need women to get those -that they have naturally!

I do not throw up all the time. I have, at times, eaten too much too fast , and that’s what happens.

I did not have any issues with any specific food, so long as I ate just a little. Some people say they can’t eat protein or fresh fruits and veggies. This was not my experience.

I was able to tolerate only a little food at a time, really really small amount, and then I was full. Which was perfect for me.

I was told that I would be fine after a week but in reality, I was “better” by a week but not “fine” until 15 days.

For me, this band was a gift from gd and I’m so glad I did it.

Mom of a few- If I eat to quickly, or do not chew properly then throwing up can be an issue. Each person is different. I can not tolerate certain starchy items like bread or gefilte fish.

I had the procedure done on a Wednesday morning and was back home on Thursday. The recovery time was about 10 days.

Whatever you decide, good luck.