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Anyone has success with LAP BAND surgery/procedure?

Hi, I'm 42 years old.  I've had a weight problem since college probably.  I lose and then gain back and normally gain back more.  Like a yoyo...it's so very hard for me.  I'm now about 100 lbs overweight.  I've struggled to lose weight and find it hard especially since I fell last year and hurt my ankle and had to have surgery in March 2009.  My feet really bother me and make it hard for me to get alot of exercise into my day.  I've tried every diet there is, low carb, low fat, weight watchers, Phen fen diet drug...you name it and I probably tried it.  I've been 100 lbs overweight since 2007 I suppose.  The weight has gradually crept back up.  I should weigh 145-150 for my height I suppose.  I'm 5'51/2" and now weight close to 280.  In 2005 I was down to 160 but gained it back pretty quickly.  So...I really need to get back to being BELOW 200 for health reasons etc.

I was entertaining the idea of LAP BAND surgery since I'm thinking my insurance would cover it.  But I'm curious to know if anyone has had it done and you're happy/satisfied with the results.  If you've had the LAP BAND procedure--can you please email me and let me know what you think of it...has it been good for you or do you have concerns and wouldn't do it again if you could call back time.  

I just don't want to do something that I'll be sorry for later.  But at the same time, I can't afford to continue to be 100 lbs over weight.  I've got things I need to do and it's hard on me to do basic things like yard work and work around the house at the weight I'm at now.  I need some type of help/assistance.  I'm thinking LAP BAND isn't as serious a procedure as the gastric bypass.  Or at least it doesn't sound as serious.  I've had several co-workers within my organization who have had gastric bypass surgery and they are all pleased with their results & feel good about it.  The only downside is that most have had problems with their hair, most have had some hairloss.  This is why I was thinking about doing the LAP BAND instead--hoping for lesser side effects.  So....I felt that if I turned to this forum I might be able to get some HONEST answers/comments from others who've been there--done that.  Any comments are welcomed.  Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me make the RIGHT decision.  Happy Holidays !!!
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
ddm967 hasn't been active on the forum, since posting in 2009; it's unlikely, you'll get a response, but it's good to have your post here, for others who  might be looking for information about the same procedure.

Do you have a thyroid condition?
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Avatar universal
Hello,
I am totally understanding where you are at  right now.  In August of 2006 I had the lap band put in and I was almost 300 lbs.  I had my lap band put in and am now 189 lbs.  Now that said, I had my lap band removed 2 weeks ago.  I followed all the rules that should get you healthy and keep you healthy with the lap band inside you.  But the side effects of the lap band had a drastic negative effect on my body to the point of me having it taken out.  For the past 3 to 4 years the toilet has become my best friend.  I have done nothing but vomited everything I put in my mouth, liquid or food, no matter how well I chewed my food.  We won't mention the constant coughing I have done, the lack of sleep, the constant heartburn.  It is ulitmately your decision, but the side effects are real and can happen to you.  I would not do it again and do not recommend it to anyone.  Try to find another way to lose weight.  I know its hard.  As i stated at the beginning, I have been where you are at.  Good luck.  
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Avatar universal
I had the lapband surgery and recomend it to anyone willing to change your life sytle of eating. This is just a way to force you to eat better. If you try and eat what you want, like you do now you will end up vomiting and have pain and acid reflux. I had it done october of 2008 I was 267 in may of 2009 I got prego and weighed 230. had my baby feb of 2010 and have already lost 50 i weighed 270 when I gave birth. I didnt have my lap band totally opened for my pregnancy but it wasnt tight either and because im nursing its still not tight but not open. So i can eat more than I should but not like before. I do throw up alot 4-5 times a week but its my fault not the lapband I choose to talk while eat and not pay attention to chewing and I sometimes eat things I know will get stuck like bread because I want a hotdog with the bun lol. But it really works and its not hard. Your main things are chewing chewing chewing and eating slow, NO BREADS including tortillas. There are other things you have to give up I couldnt eat steak in the begining i couldnt drink soda or beer. But now I can (since its not all the way open) Alot of my family doesnt even know I did it they just think I eat slow now lol. Good luck email if you have questions. ***@****
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'm sorry I can't answer your question because I've never had lap band surgery.  I don't know of any of our current members who have, but hopefully someone will turn up who can answer your question.  Well, looking at my side bar, I see that there is a community dedicated to lap band surgery - you might want to post your question there, also.

In the meantime, if you'd like some help, support, encouragement, etc, we can certainly provide that.  

I would suggest that you make some small simple changes that you can stick to over the long term, rather than trying to completely eliminate entire food groups from your diet.  Too often, we try to make drastic changes that are not realistic, so there's no way we can stick them indefinitely.  

You could try something as simple as drinking water instead of sodas; whole grain bread instead of white bread; try using stevia or some other natural sugar in place of refined, white sugar; eat an apple instead of a candy bar, etc ---  

For exercise, you might try just walking for 10 minutes/day or for 10 minutes, 3 times/day --- start out small and as you gradually lose weight and gain more strength, you can increase your activity level.  

Just some suggestions -- wishing you the best of luck and please feel free to stick around and join our discussions
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