Completely FREAKED.

I've been hearing a lot about the Lap Band surgery. I even have a cousin whom has gone through the surgery 2 months ago and states she is feeling better already. I'm only 27 years old and already have been diagnosed with hypertension, high cholesterol, anemia, hypothyroidism, anxiety and now vertigo. It's a wonder I'm still alive.  I have NEVER had surgery before and wanted to hear from the patients that have had this surgery about their complications if any.. or any post surgery complaints. I rather hear it from the people that have gone under the knife so to speak rather than a doctors mouth being I'm not trusting of many doctors. If anyone can share with me, or point me in the right direction as to where I can go for a consultation I would appreciate it.

Hello bzzebee  ( cute name) I too have had the lap band procedure and I am very happy I did.  Your very young to have so many health issues.  Clearly your seeking answers and direction is the thing to do.  The decision to have weight loss surgery should always be one that is a last resort I would first have to say.  If you have done all, and know that you aren't getting any where ( which I assume is why your here) then surgery is an option.  Which one, is also another decisions.  You found us here so I also assume you've been all over the net reading up on the different surgeries.  Lap band was my choice because I felt that there were less risks and I too am concerned about long term complications.  That being said, while statistics show that there are less risks with the Lap band it does take a lot of commitment from the beginning with this surgery.   It takes a lot longer to lose your total amount of weight. As a general rule it will take you 3 years to get to the place that RNY'ers usually get within the first year.   But having said that, we do lose and it is possible to be successful so I am a happy bandster!    As for complications I haven't had any, thankfully!  other than some contipation issues LOL but that is about me having to learn to get in enough fiber and veggies!  I have had no vomiting,  nothing has gotten stuck (yet) I feel very good at 6 weeks post op.  I have had no pain other than the usual pain right after surgery and no infections.   Years ago I found a site that was for people that have complications.  But I can't seem to find it.  you might google that?  It is important to know what your risks are.  All I can say was it was time for me to JUST DO IT already and here I am.  I am trusting God that I will be ok and I'm doing my best to eat the right way and stay healthy!  I wish you much success on your journey! Sincerely, Sandra

i would heavely research both surgerys to see which one best fits your needs.... then consult with a doctor or doctors that do both and weigh the pros and cons!!!!! good luck and god bless

I would suggest you heavily investigate all of the weight loss surgeries including lap band, RNY and Duodenal Switch. Keep asking questions and youll do just fine. Hang in there!

The surgeon I used Dr Mitchell Roslin at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan does lapband, RNY and Duodenal Switch. I recommend him highly. Good luck!

Yeah my mother told me to look into Lenox Hill Hospital saying that it is the best hospital in NYC to get the surgery done at. But being young, and never having surgery a day in my life .. it just scares the hell out of me. So I definitely need a doctor that can address all my concerns both big and small. Thanks for the recommendation I will definitely check him out when I'm ready.

The more information you have, the more comfortable you will feel. I was soooo scared too. I started looking into it at 28 (almost same age as you) and that was because they said i was borderline diabetic and high blood pressure. I wanted to be more healthy and more comfortable in my own skin and my own life. I am now 30. I had the surgery 2 months ago. So far, I am doing ok with it. I have lost over 30 lbs total. I am still new at this but my advice to you is to ask specific questions on here, get as much information as you need. I decided to have the lap-band becasue i didnt want everyone where i work, and all of my family and friends to know about this. I didnt want it to be the topic of every conversation with every person I know. It has been both hard, and at times, fun, to keep this secret. I chose lap band for more natural results and less down-time.  Feel free to contact me if you wanted to ask any questions.

Hi -- I chose the Lapband just because I needed a slower weight loss.  I know me.  If it were easy, I would have a hard time with it and I think I needed to have more of a struggle.  (One of those "self discovery" moments!)  I also had major stomach problems and felt in the long term that I needed to move slowly.  Believe you me, there are times when I would love to be losing with bypass numbers but I know that, in the end, it just wasn't the right choice.  Took me over a year to really decide. My DH has also has the band (and never had any surgery) - his was two weeks after mine.  Together, we've lost a total of approx. 107 pounds since end of May.  He took a huge amount of insulin (5 injections a day) to have a fasting blood sugar of approx. 180.  Now, no injections - my HBP is gone.  We both look and feel great! Of course, everyone has their own experience.  I think the most important decision is looking at yourself honestly and  knowing what you can and cannot do.   There are risks with any WLS - and both gastric bypass, banding, or sleeving offer different results/requirements.  Whatever your choice, know there are many of us out here to support your decision.