Thinking about Lap Band

suzpat · 07-04-2008, 09:39 PM

Hello, I am researching everything about lap Band. I have located a doctor and have attended 1 siminar. My question is this. The doctor said the opening to the pouch would only be the size of an M& M. How can anyone swallow anything with an opening that small? What kind of foods can be eaten with this size of an opening. Also I just turned 60. Are there many out there my age that has gone thru this surgery? I just found out that I have sleep apnea and need a c-pap. Does the Lap Band get rid of sleep apnea? Can't imagine living my life with this c-pap!

Arley · 07-04-2008, 10:10 PM

Hi Suzpat! I am 63 and I have had my band since October. I love it!! Yes, I am sure that the size of an M & M is correct, because I have to break even the tiniest pill into halves or even fourths. Some of my larger pills, like potassium, I just dissolve in a teaspoon of water.

At any rate, the band is well worth any inconvenience and I am so happy to have it. I went from 240 to 173 and am still losing, although the loss is slower now. My surgeon said that it may take me a year to lose the last 30 pounds, but I am fine with that because I now feel alive for the first time in years! It is a wonderful thing...I am so happy that I made the decision to do this! Good luck to you!

Arley · 07-04-2008, 10:14 PM

I forgot to add: I have sleep apnea and you do get used to wearing the mask...now it is no biggie at all and I feel so much better with it. I expect that when I have lost all my weight, that maybe I will be able to stop using it, but until then, I will continue with it. I have used it nightly for six years.

cheryl1952 · 07-04-2008, 10:59 PM

This is one of the major reasons why I am planning on getting the Lap Band. I am miserable wearing it and I still am sleepy the next day.

GayleTX · 07-04-2008, 11:47 PM

I had LB at age 62 (same as my BMI).....in 18 mo. my BMI was 34 - and I feel like I am 34. So what if I had to take tiny bites and put my fork down between bites and chew the heck out of everything. Not a big deal when you consider it gave me back my health and my life. Just depends on what's important to you.

The stoma (the little tunnel between your pouch and your lower stomach) is about the size of a pencil eraser....your food has to be able to comfortably pass from the pouch through the stoma. If it doesn't it hurts like heck, gets stuck, makes you throw up. These episodes will soon teach you to chew your food adequately. It does take practice....sometimes a lot of practice...it's good to begin practicing before you ever have surgery. Use a baby spoon, use a little salad plate for your food, put your spoon down between each bite. Don't ever drink anything with your food, and don't drink anything for 30-60 min. after you finish a meal (that keeps the food in the pouch longer and keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer).

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

**coltonwade** · 07-04-2008, 11:53 PM

The above posters have explained the pouch size very well. There is a forum here for people in their sixties , you might want to check that area out .
here is the link to that
Sixties - Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum

Also I was 250 when i was banded almost a yr ago , slept w/ my cpap . I did not get Sleep apnea until i became over weight about 10 yrs ago .
My doc told me " lose weight your apnea will go away "
I am now at 145 and My sleep apnea is gone and I no longer sleep w/ my machine . I cant recall what exact weight I was that it went away I want to say it was around the time i got under 200 ?

HTH
Mindy

suzpat · 07-05-2008, 09:24 AM

That is encouraging. I hate the c-pap and have named her
"She Devil!" I think the lab band would be worth it just for getting rid of that thing.

suzpat · 07-05-2008, 09:28 AM

Your start weight is what mine is now. How long has it taken you to loose your weight stated?

suzpat · 07-05-2008, 09:32 AM

You are very helpful! Thanks to all of you. I have so many questions. I sometimes wonder if I am too old. Sounds like you answered that for me. You are doing so well!

**coltonwade** · 07-05-2008, 02:27 PM

I am not sure who you were talking to lol But go ahead and ask all the questions !
You are not too old for the band at all !
I am 33 and it was the best thing i ever did for myself .

GOod luck , ask away
Mindy

suzpat · 07-05-2008, 03:02 PM

I was referring to my c-pap that I nick named. LOL

**coltonwade** · 07-05-2008, 04:08 PM

Feel free to ask any questions you might have.
Or check out the sixties forum . They will be helpful im sure
Mindy

suzpat · 07-05-2008, 07:21 PM

Did you have a hard time the weeks before and after surgery? How did you get enough nutrition during that time? It all frightens me some. The surgery doesn't bother me as much as the new lifestyle. Doesn't make any sense does it?