Moms,
I am considering doing the Lap-Band procedure at the True Results center in Richardson. I have my first individual consultation later today, but am wondering if any of you have gone through this. What were your biggest challenges, fears? What will recovery be like? Because of my weight/height ratio, my insurance will probably cover most, if not all, of the cost. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to do it. I'm doing all my research now but would appreciate hearing about your experiences, good and bad! Thanks so much!
My sister had gastric bypass surgery. I'm not sure if it's similar to lap band. She lost over 100 pounds the first year. She struggled with being sick, very sick for about a year. She was dehydrated continually and had bad stomach problems. It's been about 3 years now and she's doing better. Good luck!!
My aunt did lap band and it didn't help her becuse she didn't follow the lap band diet. From what she said and a DIL that is currently on lap band, if you can do the lapband diet, you won't need the lapband proceedure.
Good luck to you and yours.
My mom had the Lap-Band procedure done about 2 months ago. Her insurance did cover it because she also had two co-morbid conditions, hypertension and sleep apnea. She has been religious about following the doctor's orders. She had to go on a very low carb diet for about 3 months before the procedure to shrink the size of her liver. She had to stop drinking all carbonated drinks and stop drinking with a straw. She also is not allowed to chew gum.
Two weeks before the procedure, she switched to a no carb diet. In the 6 months before her procedure, she lost about 25 pounds. In the 2 months since the procedure, she's lost another 25.
Here's what you MUST understand. Lap-Band is a TOOL for weight loss. It is not an instant fix. You still have to eat healthy and balanced to ensure you get all the nutrients you need because you'll only be able to eat 4-6 oz of food at the time. You can't go out 2 months after surgery and eat a slice of pizza. Your body will not process it well and it may get "caught" in your band. Furthermore, pizza isn't really the most healthy choice if you're trying to lose weight.
My husbands friend was a definite candidate for the lap band. He actually had to lose a little weight before they would preform the surgery, don't have the details why,so he went on the lap band diet and lost so much weight he didn't need to have the surgery. He did have to go through phsycological examinations as well to make sure not only physically but emotinally he was ready to commit. If you decide to do it, good luck to you and congratulations for making the decision for a healthy and happier you.
E.,
Lap band is the same idea as Gastric Bypass but, NO WHERE NEAR AS INVASIVE , as Gastric Bypass. There are several things you'll have to do over time (mostly from your insurance companies stand) and the surgeon will want to know you are ready for this change, emotionally, physically, psychologically,etc. Go to the meeting/orientation and decide if you really are ready to commit to it. It is a life style change the band just makes it a little easier to discipline yourself. BUT, IF YOU DON'T GET IT , not much will change even afterwards. Good Luck, in whatever decision you make, it works, but you have to make it happen and work at it too. C. S.
One of my dear friends had both the band and gastric bypass....yes, the staples failed and he ended up with the band a few years later.
The only caution I would have is to start saving for the cosmetic surgery. It really bothered my friend to have an extra 30lbs of skin hanging from his arms, stomach and legs. He would have really appreciated being able to rid his frame of all the excess skin. When you lose weight that fast, your skin can't keep up and won't snap into shape.
He did like being able to ride his bike again and was able to stick to the very limited portion size.
GL on the surgery.
Its true that if you can do and stick to the Lap Band diet, that you won't need the lap band. A friend did it 4y ago. Changed her life. She lost over 100 lbs. but she also had complications. Didn't take her daily vitamins like she was supposed to and ended up needed gall bladder surgery. She didn't follow the workout schedule because she was losing weight without it. She's ended up with a ton of loose skin.
Just heard that her bands actually snapped last month and caused damage to her esophagus and needs more surgery. Insurance told her that if she has bypass while they have her on the table to fix the one problem that they will pay for it,but if she has the fix surgery to remove the bands and fix the damage and then wants bypass down the road, insurance won't pay down the road.
