Should I be a candidate?

Kung Fu Bob · 04-10-2008, 06:59 PM

Hi everyone. I am a Yo-Yo dieter as I seen others are.
I am 5-7", 244-lbs, have had Type 2 diabetes for 11 years, have high cholesterial, BPH, and hypertension, and am taking medications for all. Now for the good side, I have been taking Martial Arts for 3-years and 10-months. I do hard workouts 3 times a week and am able to jog 2 miles--slowly but I can. As for dieting, I can usually maintain a diet for about 6-months down to 215--I should weigh around 170I have always ended up gaining it back within another 6-months.
I don't care if insurance pays or not, the decision I have to make is...
Will I be happy and successful if I do the LB? What are the real odds of complications?
And, my wife is really against the operation--she feels I, we should be able to do it on our own. I don't know why I would be able now, haven't been able for nearly 50-years.
Reading about other's experiences and opinions would certainly help.

Thanks

***Susan*** · 04-11-2008, 07:17 AM

Hi Bob, and welcome to LBT.

I think, with your co-morbities (sp?) you will qualify for the band. You also sound like you would be successful as you already are in the habit of exercising, which, I feel, is essential to band success.

Question, is your wife, or has she ever been overweight? I don't think people realize just how difficult it is to diet. Sure, I think just about everyone on here has lost a lot of weight at one time or another. The problem is, we all seem to gain it back. Dieting is so tough. Just like quiting smoking is tough on smokers and quitting drinking is hard for alcoholics. The band is a wonderful tool to help us reach our goals and stay there. Have you taken your wife to a seminar on the band, or to a band support group? That may help. Or, have her check out this website to see how much all of us have struggled before finally deciding to change our lives for the better once and for all with the band.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your next steps and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

**losingjusme** · 04-11-2008, 07:42 AM

i agree with Susan, the band is a phenominal tool that will help you lose the weight (it will not do all the work for you)..

complications can include, band slipping, reflux, etc (more info can be found in the complications section) but most can be avoided.

best of luck to you and welcome to LBT!

Boo Boo Kitty · 04-11-2008, 08:13 AM

I agree that with all of your co mobidities the band might be a good choice for you. I am glad to hear you are taking hte first steps by exercising, it is key! The band itself is only part of this, as they say! :biggrin2:

Good luck and definately talk it over with your Dr! The band has changed my life and I will never go back!