Would you go through this for 45 lbs??

HelenC · 05-30-2007, 01:03 PM

I have to admit to being somewhat disappointed in my doctor right now. I've seen commercials from him for the past week, making Lap Band look like it was the ideal solution for weight loss, and showing women who have "lost 100, 75, even 45 lbs!"

I've lost 42.9 lbs since 2/14 (47.9 since 2/1). It has been difficult at best. I PB several times a week. For each fill I've had, I've had an unfill, except the last two when we finally learned that I can't tolerate more than .2cc at a time.

Would I recommend Lap Band surgery for someone who only needed to lose 45 lbs? Not a chance in hell!!

musicalmomma · 05-30-2007, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelenC

I have to admit to being somewhat disappointed in my doctor right now. I've seen commercials from him for the past week, making Lap Band look like it was the ideal solution for weight loss, and showing women who have "lost 100, 75, even 45 lbs!"

I've lost 42.9 lbs since 2/14 (47.9 since 2/1). It has been difficult at best. I PB several times a week. For each fill I've had, I've had an unfill, except the last two when we finally learned that I can't tolerate more than .2cc at a time.

Would I recommend Lap Band surgery for someone who only needed to lose 45 lbs? Not a chance in hell!!

I'm sorry you're having troubles with the band. The constant filling/unfilling must be a royal pain in the @ss. 42.9 pounds in 3.5 months is a wonderful weight loss tho. Were you expecting to lose more? Or are you just frustrated with the Pb'ing and fill/unfills?

socalgal3 · 05-30-2007, 01:29 PM

I agree with Momma that you have had excellent weight loss so far! I totally understand your frustration as I have had 2 fills and 2 unfills. I am currently unfilled. Usually someone doesn't have weight loss surgery for 45 pounds, but it depends on someone's height, weight, comorbidities, etc. 45 pounds can be a significant amount if you are 5'1" for example. Or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, etc. Advertising will always make it look easier than the reality, but I can't begrudge anyone's decision to lose 45 pounds via surgery. It does seem extreme, but there may be more to the story.

bushbaby · 05-30-2007, 01:37 PM

I think I uderstand what you are saying that this should be for someone who needs it drastically. But what if that person sees it differently and has another experience than you. I have been filled twice and rarely pb... although I did more the first year... but I know I have a friend who just could not take off the 45lbs and she was 5'2 on her it looked more like my 100lbs.. her knees hurt and her back was a constant reminder of her pain. Sometime 45lbs is not a vanity thing but a nessity and even if it were for vanity... I say what ever makes you happy.

Louisianagirl · 05-30-2007, 02:12 PM

I would do it because its hard enough to keep it off once its off.

NVgirl · 05-30-2007, 02:16 PM

You've lost 42 pounds in 3 1/2 months - that's something to be happy and proud of!

faithmd · 05-30-2007, 03:03 PM

Wow! What a FANTASTIC loss! I agree the fills and unfills must be really stressful, but you are losing VERY well!

Angeleyes · 05-30-2007, 03:15 PM

I had my surgery two years ago. I needed to lose 60 pounds and over the last two years have lost 41 pounds. It has been very hard to lose even with the surgery. I would have never lost it if I hadn't done this, just kept gaining! It will probably take another year to finally get 19 pounds off. Would I do it again? Yes. My blood pressure is now great and my blood sugar has decreased. I now have hope for a better life.

enterprise01 · 05-30-2007, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelenC

Would I recommend Lap Band surgery for someone who only needed to lose 45 lbs? Not a chance in hell!!

I would. I'm 5 feet tall and needed to lose 100 lbs before I got the Lap Band. That's a significant amount of weight when you're only 5 feet. I've lost about 50 so far, and I've gone from feeling hopeless and desperate to feeling normal again. I can walk up a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing; I can bend over and tie my shoes without getting red in the face; I can have sex with my BF in different positions now; I can wear nicer clothes to work and present myself in a more professional manner; and I no longer avoid social situations like I used to. Even if I don't lose any more weight, this surgery will have been worth it. I'm sorry you're having so many problems with your band, but you have to remember that not everyone does. I've only PB'd twice (my own fault both times) and I've never been too restricted. This band has been a godsend for me.

Boo · 05-30-2007, 06:52 PM

I have lost a bit over 45 pounds. If my weight loss stopped now, I would be absolutely thankful that I was banded! My life has drastically changed. AND, I know that I would definitely be ten pounds heavier at this point. I was headed for a life of obesity, abd feel "saved"!

HelenC · 05-31-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicalmomma

I'm sorry you're having troubles with the band. The constant filling/unfilling must be a royal pain in the @ss. 42.9 pounds in 3.5 months is a wonderful weight loss tho. Were you expecting to lose more? Or are you just frustrated with the Pb'ing and fill/unfills?

I'm utterly delighted with my loss...it's the PBing and fills situation. When I say several times a week...I mean, oh, just about every day, at least once.

Plus, the fill/unfill thing has caused a lot of missed time...thank goodness my boss has been tolerant!

HelenC · 05-31-2007, 11:44 AM

I should have been more clear - the girls they showed losing 45 lbs looked like they were about my height - 5'6". I have less than 40 to go and I know I still feel heavy, but for someone my height or taller, I just don't think I'd recommend it.

Angel Eyes · 05-31-2007, 11:54 AM

I'll chime in here.

I guess in the perfect world, we should all be happy with who we are, and love ourselves as we come. But we live in a world where surgery is accessabe and more affordable than ever before.

Perhaps if this surgery was around when I was only 45 pound overweight, I might have saved myself years, decades actually, of illhealth and unhappiness.

Sometimes I am shocked when young people get the band, but again, if it were available to me 15 years ago, I might have been a lot healthier and saved myself a lot of anguish.

bushbaby · 05-31-2007, 01:27 PM

I think that we all have our goal, wants and needs... to each it is a different road. I have never had an issue with the bad... I feel so sorry for you. Have you tried going on a liquid diet for a bit to calm your stomic? I know that when I fly my band feels like I have had a fill. (I am very sensitive to changs in the environment) One of the reasons why I have only had two fills. So good luck and I am sorry that you are having issues.

celestemcnair · 05-31-2007, 01:48 PM

OMG! Your getting banded tomorrow? How exciting for you! Good luck on your journey! I want to hear everything as soon as you feel up to it. I'm not getting banded until 7/17.