lap band surgery

[lilysmom]

I have been approved and have appt with a surgeon for lap band surgery. has anyone else had this? I am sooo excited.

[kgm0612]

Congratulations.

I have a friend who opted for the lap band surgery (June 06) over the bypass and has done remarkably well. She's lost a ton of weight (over 100+ lbs) and looks & feels fantastic.

Karen

[fgummett]

Congratulation! I hope it all works out for you. I must admit to a certain level of jealousy... I have read everything I can get hold of on the subject and it really does hold out hope as a cure for Type 2 diabetes... not just as a result of weight loss... there are reports of folks coming off all diabetes meds. before they even leave the hospital.
For example: Improvement in diabetes a positive side effect of obesity surgery (http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/02/21/diabetes-obesity.html)
The frustration for me is the lack of availability here in Canada... again a relatively inexpensive surgery could save many times the health-care dollars down the road in dealing with complications.
I feel trapped in a vicious cycle... if I could just lose weight I would have more energy to go to the gym to help me lose weight... as of now I have to balance gym and work as I don't have energy for both and I need to pay the bills!

[Jan B]

Penny,

The husband of a good friend of mine had it done a few months ago, and he's doing great. He started at about 280, and he's down to 225 now I believe. Good luck and congratulations. The only thing my friend told me was that he can no longer eat asparagus, and if he overeats he throws up. He had that experience about 3 times before he learned to not push it!

[lilysmom]

Thanks Everyone
I am excited, but, I have been told it is a long process just to get thru the steps to get to the surgery. I have little patience, I want it all and I want it now, that is a very big fault of mine. I am trying to work on it. I hope that it all happens quick and I will keep you posted.

[kgm0612]

I forgot to mention in my post that it took my friend Kristen a good 10 months before the operation was performed. She had to attend some counseling and nutritional classes. I remember her having to drink liquids for awhile after the surgery, but I can't remember how long she did that for.

As is with Jan's friend's husband, Kristen has to avoid certain foods also, otherwise she gets sick. She can only eat very small portions.

Good Luck, Penny. I hope you're able to have the surgery soon.

Karen

[Dewey]

Frank, I completely understand how you feel about being trapped in a vicious cycle. It's difficult to lose weight when we lack the time (or even the energy from working our regular jobs or other things). It just seems there's no easy solution when it comes to weight loss. :(

Lily, I also understand how you feel about wanting to do the surgery now. Once a decision is made, it can be frustrating having to wait for the next steps - especially when you know you want something. Hang in there, and here's hoping things will work out as planned.

[centuryhouse]

Frank:

I just wanted to mention that on one of my recent doctor's appointments, my doctor mentioned the lap band surgery to me. I also live in Canada and due to the waiting list for this type of surgery, apparently patients are having the operation out of country and it is being covered under our provincial healthcare plan (OHIP).

I didn't really look into it as I have opted to try and reduce my weight the old fashioned way, at least for the time being. Maybe at a later date, it will something that I will be more receptive to. To me surgery is surgery. :eek:

I guess if this something that you would be interested in and you also live in Canada, maybe some further investigation would be order. Just my 2 cents.

[fgummett]

Thanks Lori... unfortunately you are in is Ontario... I live in Nova Scotia. As the CDA advocacy is working hard to let folks know... it matters where you live in Canada as to what is covered. We currently don't even have one surgeon performing this operation and while MSI will cover it out of province that would only be within Canada and I would have to join an already backed up waiting list in New Brunswick. Believe me I have tried the old fashioned way and if they would pay me to stay home and take care of myself I could probably make some headway but as it is I only have so much energy and I need to pay the bills so work takes precedence over health. The platitude of, "eat less and exercise more" has been spouted for 50 years or more and it is just not that simple. I'm convinced from what I have read the gastric bypass would give me the leg up I need to get healthy and possibly even cure my diabetes.