Am I doing the right thing?

Finished my pre-ops, and cleared for surg.  Just need my D&C first. Just wondering if this is right thing to do. I suppose so since I have done the diets and exercise and always end up "quitting after 3-4 months.  This will keep me on track forever - right?

Be aware that with the band you have to go in for adjustments (fills) periodically.  It's not like the regular gastric bypass surgery, once you're done you're done.  There are follow up visits required (as I understand it) for the rest of your life if you want to keep the tool working.  Make sure that you read all you can about the choice you've made or are making.  I opted for RNY because a friend of mine had gone with the lap band and is having so many problems.  She didn't realize that she would have to have periodic fills and really hasn't been too successful.  The surgery isn't the total answer to staying on track.  You've got to want to stay on track and make the effort.  No quitting allowed, or you will fail again.
Sorry to be so glib, but you really need to be aware of what you're choosing.  Knowledge is power, so try to read as much as you can about your options.
Jan

 Is what the right thing to do?  The D&C or the surgery?

D&C is up to you and your Dr.

Surgery is a tool.  A very good and helpful tool.  YOU need to keep track of yourself.  Most of us believe it is the best thing to happen to us.  However, it is a tool and we do need to keep on top of it. This will never go away, it gets better and easier to handle as we progress.  Our results are wonderful.  Some of us live with minor inconveniences, .. ex. I have hypoglycemia....  but, I wouldn't trade my surgery now for anything.

In the beginning I had buyers remorse but that didn't last long.  I'm off most of the meds and feel so much healthier than before.  You are having the same doubts and questions the rest of us had.  We are here to encourage  you and help in any way possible.

I hope I'm answering the right question...  Best wishes

Millie

Margie,

The others told you that WLS is just a tool. One thing that helps you keep on track is to attend a support group on a regular basis. If there is no local group, stay here on the OFF site, we give support to each other too.

Best of luck
Annette

Margie,
NO diet, NO surgery, NO band, NOTHING is going to keep you "on track forever."
There. Is. No. Magic. Bullet. Period.
Only you can do that.
The sugery provides you with a tool.
The tool will only work if you use it.

...ummmmm....
You have gotten some great advice but you really have to know what you are getting into.

This is not a diet but a lifestyle change. You will always have to WORK at keeping the weight off.
In fact just because you have WLS doesn't even guarantee that you will get all the weight off you want. Surgeons will tell you WLS will only get 60-80% of your weight off. That's if you follow the rules.

It took me 2 years to get to goal weight. I exercise everyday. I never drink with meals. I reach for protein first then fresh veggies/fruits. I plan for treats. I stay away from soda.

I like being a size 6/8. To do this I exercise everyday. If I don't I would probably be a size 12 with just a little exercise. But... I made exercise my "transfer addiction". I enjoy it now. I love being active.

I should have gone with the sleeve. I had a lapband.   I didn't know about it a year and a half ago.  I knew about the lapband and gastric bypass, the latter I wouldn't have because of the high mortality rate: one out of 200 die nationally.  Those were the stats printed in the lit handed out at two seminars I went to.

I'm almost 50 down but it's over nine months and for the past three months I've only lost 1/2 a week which is ridiculous.  I do everything right - the chewing, protein, water.  The only reason I know I have a band is because of the occasional gagging and sticking when I've eating too
quickly.  No restriction yet.  You read lots of fancy words - there is just no restriction (altho I dont overeat to really test this).

I hate the adjustments - I've got 7 ccs in a 14 - it's just too frustrating. 

I think the lapband is for the young , who can do all the exercising required - they're the ones losing at more easy to live with rate.    I'm 6l.  Mistake.  I'm glad for the weight loss but it's just too frustrating now - this has been 15 months of meetings, adjustments etc.  It was misrepresented.  I didn't know about the adjustments.  If it was in the lit, it was just glanced over.

I would think there are many more failures than successes - most dont even go to support groups or the OH websites - which I thank God for.



K

I'm over 50 and have the band.  I have had it since 2/25/09.  I've lost 50 pounds and yes, I think the young do better/faster.  I am doing better than I had set for myself.  I set a goal of 50 pounds each year for two years for myself.

I have had 4 fills and my have to have the last taken back out.  I am waiting to see how I'm doing after the court date with the EX next week to make sure it isn't just stress.  I have 6.75cc in a 10cc band and as I just stated may have a little to much restriction.

Once you do get restriction, you should only need a fill if you lose the fat off your tummy.  That is why I got the last fill, but I must not have lost enough yet to have needed it.

If you want to, pm me!

 

Make sure this is definitely what will work for you and your lifestyle. You do not want to be back looking for a revision. Once is enough for any surgery.  I had a revision  to the DS after 22 years with a failed VBG. The surgery was hard  and the recovery grueling. i am 7.5 months out and now have lost 110 lbs. I am grateful for the second chance but i wish i had only subjected my body to this once. i hope it all works out for you.
Mz jojo