bec7

Hi has any one had this done - how do you find loosing all the weight - in regards to floopy skin - any side effects/problems - things you wish you had known - results - any info wouldbe great - thanks

Smoz

I can't help you personally Bec, but my mum is having the surgury next week and will let you know how it goes

kerri

I did not have lap band, but had a permanent solution in high gastic stomach stapling. I had this done five years ago on April 13th this year. It was the best thing I ever did. I waddled into the hospital tipping the scales at around 142kg. Size 26-28 and I thought I was ok. My knees were cactus, I could not do up a seat belt on a plane, and the sides of the seat left an in print on my thighs. I could not do anything. My kids even though they loved me, well, my daughter was embarassed. She did not take the news of my impending surgery well, and told me I was cheating.

I will say this. After 4 Caesars, 2 ectopics, it was painful, but worthwhile. If I had not had it done I would probably be dead today. Today I weigh in at 67kg. It is not smooth sailing. You have to commit to changing your life. YOU must change the entire way you eat and dine. I have not eaten bread, rice, pasta and fizzy drinks for five years. I still have coffee, the occasional chocolate and potato chips. But, I have never been healthier physically. I can run, walk, jump up and down and my old friends have walked past me in the street. My skin is ok, but I would love to be a little less flabby, but hell, I will roll up my boobs and stick them in my bra as long as I can now live life.

My recommendation is go for it. Don't go on dieting without a solution. If you are obese it is an illness, an addiction. It is NOT cured by Jenny Craig (sorry Magda) but it has to be a life change and to do this you need less of a stomach. I describe it to friends as a handbag. Before the surgery I carried around a huge handbag that I stuffed full of rubbish all the time. It was never full, I just kept wanting to add more. Now I carry a little clutch bag, I still stuff it but with quality and it is much more stylish!

If you need any more information or if anyone wants help after they have it done just pm me or post here.

Smoz

Kerri your daughter sounds a bit like me.....as someone who has struggled with food on the opposite end and have been underweight until i had kids. I have struggled to understand why mum can't just diet, she hasn't even tried a diet in th last 10 years!

But i also see that this is the only thing that will be permanent enough to get her to change! she needs something this drastic to MAKE her do it so i am supporting her as best i can

kerri

Smoz, all I can say is be supportive. For me it was a hard decision and one that I was even debating in my mind right up to the operating theatre! Help her and encourage her. One big problem is being able to get people to accept the decision and to see it as a hard way to go and not an easy way. It is hard work.

Smoz

Yes i know Kerri and im being as supportive as possible for her. I realise that its her decision and it won't be easy i just hope to hell that it works for her as i don't know what else will.

I guess i was just hestitant as she is not a BIG eater as oppose to eats the WRONG foods....but im sooo nervous/excited for her, OP is this tuesday

bec7

Kerri - thanks so much for your input - gotta ask - were you scared isnt the mortality rate for the bypass realllllly high? - i would consider it instead but i am to scared that something will go wrong?