Known anyone with a lapband?

DavezWife · March 2010

My dad is considering this. I had a gal I worked with that got this done, and she had a lot of pain, and the weight loss was REALLY slow. I'm just curious how others did with it?

My dad was thin until his late 20's, then has battled an extra 50-75 lbs on and off for as long as I can remember. He'll drop 30 by cutting out carbs, and he diets "well" but always gains it back. He does do moderate exercise. I think he just likes to eat (as do I) and it's a comfort thing for him, bigtime. (he had a rough upbringing, and has never formerly sat on the couch to work thru any of it)

thanks.

Christakim · March 2010

Yep, my aunt had one done. She looks GREAT now. She was pretty overweight to begin with though, not just 50-75 pounds. I would say a good 150?? The weight really dropped significantly at first, then she went through a tough time in her life and she put some back on.

She's been back on track for about 4 or 5 months now and MAN does she look good. I would say about a size 14-16, which may not seem like a huge feat, but she looks really good. She really has to watch her portion size, but eats what she wants in terms of junk food and such. I've never seen her happier!!

TxJen1972 · March 2010

I have known several people that have had them. Some have dropped weight quick, others slowly, some didn't seem to lose much at all. I really think it depends on the person and if they stick to it not. It's not a fix-all, you still have to work at it. I hope he has great success!!

soxgirlie2476 · March 2010

The good thing about the lap band is it is reversible, while the gastric bypass is not. The weight loss is slower so it is easier to keep off in the long run. I know 2 people with lap band and 2 with gastric bypass. The 2 with gastric bypass are "too skinny" in my opinion but didn't really need to lose 100 lbs each anyhow. The 2 with lap band look great and one even just had a beautiful baby girl in December. Just my opinion..so take it for what it's worth?

June4bride2be · March 2010

My mom is doing this next month! I was/am pretty worried about it, but even these 2 comments above make me feel a bit better!

My mom is pretty big and has struggled a long time with her weight. I didn't agree with her doing this because I didn't feel like she "tried" to loose it....no healthy eating or exercise. However, who am I to judge? She has been approved and insurance will pay because she is on so many meds (BP, cholesterol, etc) and "morbidly obese".

GL to your dad!

dundasgirl · March 2010

I have never heard of this before! I hope your Dad gets to where he is happy.

roaringrock · March 2010

I don't know anyone but dh has done a lot of them. it's a safe and quick procedure. tuesdays were dedicated to lap bands -- fat tuesday.

Mouseygail · March 2010

I have known a few people, but they were all significantly obese...not just 50-75 pounds...guessing that if he "just likes to eat" that he might be miserable afterwards when he can't? I guess what I am saying is that IMO, surgery seems like a drastic measure to do when someone isn't morbidly obese... (I was around 40 pounds overweight before getting pg ...so maybe this just makes me feel weird because I'm close to his range...and would never categorize myself as needing surgery to lose the weight...)

talentedgirl · March 2010

Two of my cousins have had this procedure. One is doing really well, she has lost over 130lbs, and sees a nutritionist weekly to make sure she is eating what she should to get the most nutritional value from her food. My other cousin is not doing as well, he has lost more than 350lbs ( he was over 500lbs when he had the surgery) but he does not follow a nutrition packed diet and has been sick, needs to take alot of vitamins.

My opinion is that it will work, but you must be as dedicated as if you were dieting and it is a life style change.

DavezWife · March 2010

thanks guys. he might be more in the "need to loose 100+" camp, I guess. Now that I think about it. And he's made "lifestyle changes" many times, he's even done the liquid diet for 3 months without cheating.

He's got the dedication to DO IT, just not the ability to STICK TO it. There in the problem lies.

CardsfanSM · March 2010

My MIL had it done in April. She's lost about 10 pounds a month since then, and her diabetes (non-insulin dependent) disappeared. I think she goes about every 6 weeks to get it adjusted. When she starts eating more (typically emotional eating) she will just have them reduce the size so she is forced to eat less.

rispergirl · March 2010

My cousin had it done. We don't keep in close touch, so I don't know a lot of details. She's been heavy her whole life, as have all her sisters. She's lost 100 lbs. so far in 2 years, I think. She has about 25 to go. It is slow, but don't they say that's the safest? I don't know about pain.

Want a personalized experience?

Known anyone with a lapband?

Re: Known anyone with a lapband?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards