Has anybody had a gastric/lap band?

wilkies5

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had real and recent experiences of this procedure.
I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE, AS I KNOW THIS IS PROHIBITED ON THIS SITE

I am unable to lose weight via conventional means (permanently) and am considering this option.
Any comments/tips/struggles/advice ?

many thanks

mynameistallulah

You will get very mixed views - it is extremely effective for some, and a complete nightmare for others. The most important question for you is, if you cannot lose weight by conventional means, what makes you think this will be different?

wilkies5

Because the procedure physically restricts the amount I can eat. It takes away the ability to keep stuffing food in at each sitting. I have a healthy diet (yes I know everyone says that) but I eat too much. I grew up abhoring waste and when my kids leave food I feel it's better to hoover that up that throw it away!!
I eat when I am happy or sad....makes no difference!!

Thanks for your reply

coinxoperated

Its therapy you need not a gastric band. Your attitude to food needs to change before you start having drastic surgery.

Tygermoth

My best mate had a band done via a very reputable company/surgeon.

her main issue was binging. She has gained weight as now she just liquidises food, eats little but all the time and just fights the band.

It's causes her discomfort and she wishes she had just kept her 7k.

As the poster above noted its more an issue with her head rather than the band. She thankfully has now been ref to an eating disorder clinc

SHEILA54

Hi

I weighed 19 stone and was offered this. Personally I would not have it done as there are too many reports of problems but I have now lost 5 and a half stone in the past year through sticking to a low carbohydrate diet. I have been trying to lose for 30+ years but nothing else worked and I found out about it purely by chance. This really has worked for me and I can honestly say that I am not hungry as you can eat lots. Maybe give it a try?

Nat1977

I have got a gastric band. Got it 2 years ago privately in Belgium. I have to date lost 6 stone. It is not a magic cure and you have to work with the band for it to be effective. As others have said, you do need to work on the mind as well as with the band. I am extremely happy with my band, even though the weight didnt come off as quick as expected, but everyone is different. If you have any questions, let me know x

amyloofoo

wilkies5 wrote: »

Because the procedure physically restricts the amount I can eat. It takes away the ability to keep stuffing food in at each sitting. I have a healthy diet (yes I know everyone says that) but I eat too much. I grew up abhoring waste and when my kids leave food I feel it's better to hoover that up that throw it away!!
I eat when I am happy or sad....makes no difference!!

Thanks for your reply

Unfortunately for many people this simply isn't true. It's still possible to take in waaay too many calories even with a band fitted, especially if the foods you're eating are high in fat and calories anyway (and therefore even a small portion can lead to weight gain). It's also possible (and dangerous) to stretch your band. As others have said, surgery should really be a last-ditch effort and is nowhere near as effective as having a talking therapy (i.e. CBT) in conjuction with a low-calorie diet and gently increasingly activity levels. Have you tried joining MyFitnessPal? Quite a few of us on here are members and it's a really useful way of counting calories in / calories burnt and offering support in losing weight in a safe and healthy way.

raven83

wilkies5 wrote: »

Because the procedure physically restricts the amount I can eat. It takes away the ability to keep stuffing food in at each sitting. I have a healthy diet (yes I know everyone says that) but I eat too much. I grew up abhoring waste and when my kids leave food I feel it's better to hoover that up that throw it away!!
I eat when I am happy or sad....makes no difference!!

Thanks for your reply

This is exactly like me!

lijaloo

I had considered a gastric band. I was told my GP that I did not qualify for the op on the NHS as my BMI was not high enough nor did I have any secondary health problems. He told me about a surgeon in Belgium who would do the op for me. I decided against the operation and thought I'd try hypnotherapy. It was the best thing I ever did. After years of yo-yo dieting, I now look at food in a different way. I stop eating when I am full. I enjoy food in a different way. I have lost more than three stone in just over a year and am still losing weight all without dieting!!

wilkies5

I found the sessions relaxing but it didn't change my appetite! I would be interested to hear from those who have tried Hypno-Band as there is a hypnotherapist who does this locally....but he won't reveal any testimonies of success (even though I have told him I am happy for them to be anonymous).
Media reports over the last few years tell me the five or so sessions 'simulate' the medical sensations....but I don't believe it unless I see evidence.

Thank you all for your comments and replies