I don't have first hand experience, but have seen a few people around me go thru it.
A very close friend of mine had it done. She looks beyond unbelievable, down from around 90kg to 56-58kg and now size 8. She did as she was told and exercised a lot. She is not having any problem with any food. She has to chew very carefully but is able to down anything....I know this is not the circumstance for a lot of 'banders'.
Another woman I know had it done and didnt lose too much weight till her band was tightened. She threw up a lot later. Basically her body got used to it and couldnt keep down food. Thankfully that got it all adjusted and has also lost around 30-35kg.
Then I met someone in LA last week. I last saw him when he was huge. He had gastric bypass surgery - this is much more prominent in the states then here. Yes it's bigger surgery and more dangerous, but he did explain that long term it has far less risks. He did go into explanation but I wont go into that now. What I can say is WOW - he looks incredible. He can eat anything at all - but small portions...and doesnt have the constant throwing up problem - unless he over eats. With banding I believe just not chewing properly (think about when we are starving) can make the food get stuck so you either throw it up naturally or have to make yourself throw up because its causing so much pain being stuck ontop of the band.
Me - well I am lucky to have seen great results with it. I say go girl. Just remember...its not a magic cure - there is still work and will-power involved...
Please keep me posted - would love to know how your are doing...
Thanks for all of the stories guys. I know that it is just a tool and that I have to make some serious changes to my lifestyle. I want to lose about 70kg and I think this is the only way I am going to lose such a major amount of weight.
I have had the OK from my Ob to start exercising again after my c section almost 7 weeks ago, so tomorrow I am going to start slowly with some laps in the pool. I am excited actually, whichis a bit scary. Excited about exercise? It is something that I want to make part of an exercise regime along with aqua aerobics which I can keep doing after I have the surgery.
I got the information pack today along with a letter from my private health insurer saying that they are going to give us some money. FUnnily enough the amount they are giving us is almost the same amount as the surgery, so I take it as a sign!
Well here is the latest. My procedure is booked for June 16, just 3 weeks away! I am really excited as I am confident that this is the one that will work for me. (It has to. It's my last resort!)
I see the dietician tomorrow and I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. I am quite prepared for the drastic changes to my life afterwards, but the benefit of seeing my children grow up outweighs everything.
I will keep you all posted on how it goes.
If you don't mind me asking Liz, how much has he lost and how long ago did he have it? Does he find it hard sticking to the diet and the restrictions? Does he have any side affects? I'd love to hear about it!
Thanks.
my mate went and had the lapband done . he went from 215 kgs down to 85kgs in about 15 months . he found it very hard . also had different medical problems. now he is a new happy man. best of luck , let us all know how u r going .
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