I'm actually scheduled for lapband surgery this Friday, the 1st of August. I decided on it after my younger brother was diagnosed with diabetes. I've done all the pre-op stuff and just waiting now for my operation.
Check out my blog. I'm happy to chat to you about it, too, if you want more info. I have 27 kgs to lose (after losing 5kgs already on my pre-op diet).
I don't want to rain on anyone's parade here, but please, please research this VERY carefully before you make a decision. This is not a quick fix, and it is a major surgery. I have seen some research articles out of the US which suggest that:
1. while there is significant initial weight loss after three to five years most recipients have gained much of the weight back
2. there are high death and complication rates from all bariatric surgeries.
3. there are cases of people suffering from long term problems such as continual vomiting, and neurological problems caused by compromised nutrient absorption.
The human body is an amazing thing which is not fully understood and interfering with its natural capacity to absorb nutrients is dangerous - possibly more dangerous than carrying extra weight. Especially if you want to have a baby, it will need a mum with a full spectrum of nutrients.
I wish you the very best in whatever you decide but I really hope that you do some serious research before you make a decision.
Thanks for your replies everyone it's good to just hear about other peoples experiences.
Sushee - If you don't mind me asking how much is the procedure costing you? Do you know if any of it is covered by health insurance?
Pixie - Thankyou for your concern about the procedure. At this stage I am just educating myself about the procedure. I am off to have a chat with a GP about it but at this stage my weight is causing me many problems that are starting to affect my overall health. In truth I am about 60 kg over weight.
Amysarah - If I have any questions down the track I will be sure to PM you if that is ok.
I have done 6 months of research on it. I promise you I didn't take this decision lightly. In fact a lot of weight loss surgery (wls) does cause malabsorption but lapband surgery does not cause the kind of malabsorption that gastric bypass or even a gastric sleeve does. And it is completely reversible, so if in fact it stops working for you, or you have complications (which is rare) such as a slipped band, it can be fixed or removed.
Also a skillful surgeon and a patient who makes sure that they get their fills gradually will combat a lot of the problems with vomitting. In the States, the band is done by one Dr but the fills often done by fill centres who see many patients. In Australia, where lapband surgery has been done for 15 odd years, you receive lifetime aftercare from your surgeon. If you're vomiting, your band is too either tight or you've eaten too much. You either a) learn not to eat so much or b) see you Dr immediately for a reduction in your fill.
Also in Australia, it's been shown that if you keep your band in and restricted, you do not put the weight back on, and won't for years (they've tracked patients for up to 10 years). This is different to a lot a bariatric surgeries, where over the years, the remaining 'stomach' left behind can increase in size to accomodate increased food. Of course, even with the band, you CAN put it back on (or even not lose any weight), if you start eating high calorie, high fat foods that 'slip' past the band, like milkshakes and chips, but no wls would be able to 're-program' someone's mind. It's only a tool to control your hunger and control your portions. The remaining work comes from you. The band will assist you in losing approx 50% of your excess weight, then you stabilise. If you want to lose more than that, you're going to have to eat well and exercise, exercise, exercise. This is no quick fix.
Also compared to other bariatric surgeries, lapband surgery is the least invasive. It's done laparoscopically, so you're only in hospital a day. It can also be unfilled during pg so that you can eat normally and receive enough food to provide nutrients to both you and your baby.
In the US, lapbands have only been used since 2001, and even then less often than gastric bypass, as many of their insurance companies try not to pay for it. It isn't as accpeted there yet, but as they see more success, it is gaining in popularity. In Australia, almost all wls is lapbanding. And except for one health fund here in Australia, every single fund will pay towards lapband surgery here in Australia. They accept that it is a way to reduce obesity long term, which in turn will put less pressure on the fund from obesity-related diseases down the track.
But most of all (and why I decided to do it) it helps me combat a problem I have never been able to combat on my own - my weight. I have significant family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease. I also am showing athritic change in my knees.
So I can definitely say I did not make this decision lightly. Nor should anyone. But it is a tool that is there and is proving to be a permanent solution to weight loss. I only wish I'd thought to do it sooner.
ETA, Macca posting at the same time: I'm with HBF and paid $1950 out of pocket for the $12000 procedure. I do know that most funds do cover lapbanding, but not all. Call your fund and ask them.
Last edited by sushee; July 30th, 2008 at 09:54 AM.
Macca Sushee and Kate - I'm really glad that you are making sure you are fully informed about the procedure before going ahead. Good on you for doing your research thoroughly. I just wouldn't want anyone to go into it lightly or without all the relevant info. Good luck with it all and let us know how it goes.
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