Lap Band - Denton,TX

Hi C., I have lap-band, I had it done in September of 2010. Not sure the exact amount you have to be over, but at 375 pounds I more than qualified! I went to Dr. Richard Carter in Arlington, Texas. The surgery was relatively easy, and I took two days off to recover, then I was back to work.

I've lost almost 100 pounds, but I"ve had to work my booty off for every pound! The lap-band is NOT quick fix of any sort. It is a tool only, the real work comes from you. You can eat junk food with the lap-band just like you could before. You can over-eat with the lap-band just like you could before. You can make bad choices just like you did before. Lots of people ask, "Why not just diet and exercise?" and that's actually a good question. For me, the lap-band gave me a sense of hope that I had never had, and I think that's what led to the good choices and weight loss. I don't regret my decision to do it at all.

Only choose lap-band if you are willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle and do that work that comes with it.

I have not had it done, but I know a friend and a sister who had it done and did not follow the rules and had poor results. I suggest you go to YouTube and watch the vlogs by people about their lapbands. Your insurance will tell you your requirements, they vary as well as the required steps you will have to take.

I had the Gastric By-pass 6/2010. NO REGRETS!!!! (I got rid of that extra person I was carrying around : ) 130 lbs gone!). I chose that "tool" after much research. I needed a perminent fix because I was tired of being fat! The lap band to me was more of a hassle, as you have to keep going back & having the band adjusted as you lose & when you do reach your desired weight it can be removed & I felt that I would be back up again on my weight. I needed something that made me stop eating so much, which it does, cause it hurts if you overeat, but like anything else it is still work, but to me it is easier to start off thin (at my desired weight) & keep the weight off then get discouraged after dieting & not being able to lose. As far as what you have to be in order for insurance to pay for it or rather be a good candidate, you need to be at least a 40% BMI. The best way to know for sure though is to check with your insurance company. Good luck in your decision!

C.:

I have not had the lap band. My best friend has. She had it done on 27 Jan 12. She has lost 42 lbs to date. The first six weeks were hard - broth, jell-o, yogurt, clear fluids...then when the saline solution got put in at 8 weeks, she was able to start on "solid" foods...

She can eat anything she wants. She has to watch QUANTITY and QUALITY. She loves salads, but can't eat them any more because they "fill her up" - she orders off the kid menu and that is the RIGHT amount...proteins and good carbs...talk with a nutritionist so that you understand what you need to eat.

Exercise is important in the weight loss as well.

DO NOT drink out of a straw anymore - why? because it causes more air in the stomach...

She had it done because other diets were failing her..she would lose the weight and gain it back...and according to her doctor and insurance - she met the guidelines and has 75lbs to lose....she doesn't regret it. It has its ups and downs like everything in life...