Re: Lap Band Surgery or Gastric Bypass

[Guest guest]

Everyone that I know that has had this type of surgery, has ended up with some

kind of problem including a weight gain with in three years........A friend of

mine that had it done her advice i don't! And she wished she wouldn't have!

Geri

[Guest guest]

,

I havn't had it, but I did loose 40 lbs from Aquatic exercise 6 days a week.

Just walking in the pool to start with, then working my way up to cardio and

all. It IS possible to do, it is easy to move in water, plus the warm water is

good for muscles. Of course during this time I cut my calories in 1/2 - at 1300

per day. I lost 6 dress sizes and have maintained 116 lbs for several years. I

got so hooked on exercise and Aquatics, I still work out 3-4 days a week. No

high cholesterol, no high blood pressure here. Along with the calorie cut, I

added more whole grains, fruit and vegetables.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

,

Five years ago my neurologist told me to get off the weight or I would not be

walking, I had gastric by-pass surgery.  Now five years later I have kept off

most of my initial weight loss (I gained back 20 pounds, which is fantastic) and

I have to tell you one thing, any gastric surgery is not a cure, it is an aid

and you must be willing to completely change your lifestyle.

Today I have a 1 cup stomach which means many small meals, but I will not go

back. I carry a picture of me holding up my " old " pants with me everywhere as a

reminder.  Your whole family must be willing to help you because I know of

people who have had surgery and regained all of their weight.  I am blessed with

a husband who has stood by me and helped me.

I wish you well.

.

[Guest guest]

, I am considering it. I have just spent the last few months doing a lot of

research on it. I have pretty much the same reasons as you, high cholesterol,

high BP, family history of diabetes and breast cancer (the estrogens made by

your own fat reserves can accelerate tumor growth in estrogen sensitive tumors!

Ack!). I'm also having trouble excercising enough to make a difference. I so

often end up injuring myself and being MORE sedentary for the effort.

So far I'm liking what I've found out. The thing that concerned me the most was

the possibility of malabsorbtion, especially of B12. B12 deficiencies are a

major cause of peripheral neuropathy. I don't need to add THAT to CMT! That is a

problem for some with gastric bypass. The lap band doesn't re-route the food so

the recepters in the bottom of the stomach can still pick up vitamins from you

diet. The other thing that I really like is that it is completely reversable. If

it turns out this was a bad idea, I can always go back, not so with bypass. It

is minimally invasive, laparoscopic, no cutting of any major organs or

structures. Gastric bypass has better short term weight loss, but they are

equivalent in the long term.

Of course, as was pointed out in another response, it still is a committment to

a lifestyle change and it won't work if you fight against it.

BTW before I was diagnosed I took statins for my cholesterol and had a big jump

in symptoms which actually led to the diagnosis. Good for you for resisting.

There are other ways. Good luck, let us know if you do it and how it goes.

Holli

>

> Has anyone been thru this or considered it?

>

> Ok i'm considering possibly having the lap band surgery after having a huge

wake up call the other day when I was at the dr's. My blood pressure was up as

was my cholestrol. The fact that I am out walking every day almost is not

helping. And most other exercises are more then my body can handle and as it is

I'm lucky to make a half mile on a good day!

>

> So I go into the dr's my ankles are swelling. Not a good sign, been having

dizzy spells. Not good but my blood pressure was up So we are discussing meds

and know i can't do statins. Went around and around with my primary who I love

dearly.

>

> The subject of my health my weight, the Blood pressure the fact that I have

CMT and sleep apnea, and now my cholestrol is out of whack too boot ugh. Even

though I'm eating healthier then I have been in years it appears due to

hereditary issue i'm fighting a loosing battle.

>

> So the lap band/ gastric bypass surgery became a topic of discussion.

>

> Has anyone gone this route?

>

> I hate having surgery, but if this will help over all with my health, and take

some of the much needed weight off my arthritic knee's and my legs it's

something i'm definetly considering.

>

> Any input would be appreciated.

>

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