Still trying to decide! - ThinnerTimes

Virgo_Grl824 · 05-12-2008, 06:27 AM

Hi everyone....

I haven't been on in a while because I was having trouble logging on, however I finally found my password!!!

Anyway, I am finally done with all my pre-op requirmets, and now just waiting for pre-auth. I am still on the fence about Lap Band or GB... I am leaning towards GB. I have fears of both... more so with the band and having a foriegn object in my body FOREVER!!!

I know I need to do this and I want to do this so I can be healthy, but I am petrified of being put to sleep and the mal absorption aspect of GB freaks me out a little... So my question is to all of you out there that choose LB over GB, why did you choose LB, and how have you lost the weight you wanted or needed to loose? Have you had any problems with the band? What are the long term draw backs of the band?

For those who chose GB, has the mal absorption cause you any serious issues? I am hoping that as long as I take my vitamins the way I am supossed to, and get my protein that I will not have any serious problems. How hard is it to get the required protein in everyday?

Thanks!!!

pebitpeb · 05-12-2008, 10:43 PM

Rachael,

Fear of coarse is a natural feeling, however I can tell you for me I have not experienced any negative side affects from the lack of absorbing the minerals, vitamins or other substances that our bodies require and is mostly do to the supplements and food intake.

I think that fear has brought many of us to the place where we are at when we choose to take on having gastric surgeries/proceedures. I am a gastric bypass pusher, as I have friends who have had difficulties with banding proceedure and for someone like myself who was heavy most all of my life, the bypass has given me new life, self worth more than ever I could have imagined and freedom.

Making sure you take your vitamins, minerals, proteins and liquids will give you the greatest chance at being sure to get the most from the proceedure you choose.

I was thinking that there is a post gastric band section and perhaps posting there as well may give you feedback about the banding question you have.

All the best to you Rachael and you have others in your life that will appreciate having a healthy "mommy" in there lives for a long time to come.

pebitpeb
Paul

Virgo_Grl824 · 05-13-2008, 06:25 AM

Thanks Paul! And might I say, you look awesome! Reading the stories and seeing the pictures of everyone has inspired me so much. I am preety much sold on the GB... I just have to discuss it with my doctor. He orginally told me I couldn't have GB because I was a smoker, and he had seen too many people have serious complications with ulcers and the such... I quit somking the week after I saw him (in March)... it is still a struggle, but i quit so I could have this surgery. I know in the end all will work out, but i am a worrier by nature and I just want to make sure I have weigh all my options.

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of problems did your friend have with the band?

pebitpeb · 05-13-2008, 06:51 AM

Hi Rachael,

The most important thing to remember is the choice you make is one you should feel confident with. Also remember that each persons experience usually is a little different than what someone else may have experienced.

As far as my friend and her lap band, she had hernia, problems with banding fill and had to return 3 times to have it corrected, temptations to constantly adjust the tightness. Important to remember also whatever choice you make, it is not a quick fix, but a life change.

Get all the information you can about the proceedures and you will do great. I believe that being informed is good for the confidence entering to any situation.

If you have questions dont hesitate to ask.

pebitpeb
Paul

Deirdrea · 05-13-2008, 07:10 AM

As long as you take the vitamins that you are supposed to when you're supposed to you should be fine. It is sometimes easier said then done. Its all about problem solving taking them. For me I have to have them VERY obvious (they sit RIGHT in front of my face on my desk because I work from home). I also have my cell phone set to remind me on the calendar 3 times a day.

For me personally I didn't like the idea of lap band for much the same reason that you don't. I didn't like the idea of something inside of me and the possible problems that go with that. I also know that I would have cheated it. With a lapband you can drink as many calories as you want. You still have your full stomach and can fill that up. I am very sure that I would have cheated that. I need the dumping and the feeling crappy when I eat too much or something I really shouldn't. It's just how I personally am. I think part of choosing between the surgeries is knowing yourself and how you will handle the obsticles that each surgery presents. For me taking vitamins every day for the rest of my life and watching what I eat is a much better choice.

I am just past a year out and have lost over 120lbs. I am WAY more active then I ever imagined being. I am down to a size 18 pants from a 30 and I wear an L or XL shirt down from a 3X. I am no longer the "fat mommy" on field trips or school activites. I have gone back to school for myself and am persuing a career that I am very excited about. All of these things were made possible because of having lap rny and I wouldn't change anything!

Virgo_Grl824 · 05-13-2008, 07:24 AM

Thanks Deirdrea!

I am freaked out by having something inside of me... Plus I get very overwhelmed when thinking about having to get fills, etc... I will take vitamins for the rest of my life over having to go get fills every few months any day!

Congratulations on your sucess!