I didn't have the band, but I did have another type of solely restrictive surgery many years ago called a VBG. It's the same idea as a band, but they used staples to make the restriction rather than a band.
I just think it's so easy to get around a purely restrictive procedure. There is no consequence to eating sweets or foods high in fat. A lot of people with restrictive surgeries wind up with "soft food syndrome".
As the name implies, we wind up eating softer, often higher calorie, foods because denser proteins are so uncomfortable to get down. I know that was my hugest downfall. Even 20 years post-op, with a broken staple line, I still had a hard time with meats, but could slug back a double chocolate milk shake without a problem.
RNY is no joke. As I'm sure you've read, you re-route your entire digestive system. It changes your relationship with food forever, whether you are ultimately successful at keeping the weight off or not. The risks are real, and can be quite serious. But the risks of remaining obese are also nothing to ignore.
For me, I did have a really painful complication. I wound up with a hematoma and scar tissue on my diaphragm. I had severe pain for weeks at a time. I couldn't take a full breath, couldn't sleep, couldn't participate in my family life, really couldn't do anything, and was just plain miserable. But I'm better now, knock on wood, and would have the surgery again in a heartbeat.
I've lost 60 pounds in 17 weeks. My diabetes is essentially gone, my blood pressure is normal, as is my cholesterol. And, not for nothing, I'm in a size 14 jeans down from a 24. Of course, my boobs are getting ready to meet my knees, and my thighs look like they need a good ironing. My Shar-pei genes are showing for sure.
I've had to change the way I think about food, the way I eat it, and what I eat. I've had to learn new coping strategies to deal with emotions that I used to eat. I'm dealing now with my screwed up body image...I still see myself as the weight I was no matter how many people tell me how good I look. (But, please, Don't hate me because I'm beautiful
)
Some of my friendships have changed, and my relationship is changing also. Not necessarily all for the bad, but it is an adjustment. My relationship with myself is changing too. Some of that is good, and some of it is like standing on the edge of a cliff. Exhilarating, but scary as hell. I've had to admit things about me to myself that I could have just as well not known about me. T'aint easy ,and surely not for the faint of heart.
I'm buying clothes that I know I'm only going to wear for 3 weeks before they're too big. I can buy clothes in Costco!!!!!! You know, the store that will sell you a vat of butter and enough mayonnaise to float a battleship, but won't sell jeans larger than a size 16. I shop on the "normal" sized section of the store. It's cool.
Beginning to now? The insurance process was nerve-wracking. The surgery itself was painful and the recovery process was slow. The first few weeks post-op, while I was eating mush, was really difficult. I missed chewing like I'd miss air if I were underwater. But, as I've already said, I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to. Good luck with your decision, and whatever journey you choose. Pm me if you want.....
Failed Lap Band-Much needed advice about Gastric Bypass
Welcome Tina!!
will chime in shortly to point you in the right direction.
Thanks...
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