Hey Sharni,

Just saw this. I was totally anti-weight loss surgery for ages...until I had a series of friends go through exactly this proceedure. Now I'm at least on the fence about it. The first has had amazing results with it...she's a walking advertisement. Lost over 100lbs in the first year after it, adapted extremely well to the lifestyle changes it required, is now much healthier, much more active and extremely happy with her decision. The others have been less dynamic, and one is really struggling to reach even her 1 year goal. That said, if you have specific questions you want me to pass on...let me know. They're the sort to be totally honest about the highs and lows of the proceedure. I think one of them was even talking about putting together a website about her experiences...she may have gotten it up.

G

Last night after I lost my connection, I was thinking about this thread and I did remember one side affect of the old procedure that this reminds me of..... it was mal-nutrition......and now that i think about it, i do remember our office treating patients that suffered from mal-nutrition....particularly one that almost went completely bald because of it......are there those kinds of side-affects with the lap-band???? Is that sumpin that's monitored??? Seems like the mal-nutrition could be a problem with it too.

My best wishes to you Sharni!

Sharni, It sounds as though you are taking the "right" approach to this. And by that I mean you are doing the research and being very aware. I think this will serve you well. When kathy1 mentioned malnutrition, my first thought was of my dad (had bypass and I know they are very different) and through his difficulties has to take daily iron pills and a monthly b-12 shot. For him his system has a hard time keeping enough of the necessary vitamins and minerals inside his body. But so long as you listen to your body and stay aware it shouldn't be a problem, only that you may have to get some of these things from other sources as my Dad has. I hope you find answers to all your questions and that you make the best choice for you. As I truly believe this is a very personal decision.

Yeah, I know about the malnutrition. You have to take vitamins for sure if you have any procedure where you're forced to eat dramatically less. My sister had the bypass surgery and she lost every tooth in her head...but I'm beginning to think it had more to do with the fact that after she got thin she went bum fucking insane and started doing crack and several other drugs and was completely irresponsible.

((hugs))

Best of luck to you, Sharni.

((((((((Sharni))))))))))

I cant wait to see the one year after pictures :D I will definately have to pass this procedures onto my fiancee as she has thought about the Bypass surgery.

good luck, sharni! happy penny pinching!

Haven't read this thread in a while. So glad you are satisfied with your research and all is go Shar! I wish you the best for this to be a life decision that makes all your hopes come true!