This is the Lab-Band

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is a simple yet advanced gastric banding system that helps you gradually lose and control your weight by reducing the amount of food that your stomach can hold at one time. Allergan is the pioneer of adjustable gastric banding in the United States - this is a constantly evolving technology, involving a great deal of research and development.


The name "LAP-BAND" comes from the minimally invasive surgical technique used (laparoscopy) and the silicone gastric band placed around the top of the upper part of your stomach. The LAP-BAND® System works by helping you control your food intake and supporting long term, sustainable weight loss.

The LAP-BAND® System Advantages at a Glance


Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical approach
No intestinal re-routing, cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel as with gastric bypass
Often performed on an out-patient basis
Small incisions and minimal scarring
Reduced post-surgical pain, shorter hospital stay and recovery time
Return to work/normal activities typically within a week
Fewer Risks and Side Effects
Ten times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass1
Low risk of post-surgical nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
Reduced risk of hair loss
No "dumping syndrome" (food passes through the system too fast resulting in severe cramping/digestive disruption) related to dietary intake restrictions
Adjustable
Allows for personalized steady, healthy rate of weight loss
No additional surgery for adjustments
Supports pregnancy by allowing for increased nutritional needs
Surgical weight loss option specifically designed for long term weight maintenance
Effective Long Term Weight Loss
More than 500,000 LAP-BAND® System devices distributed worldwide
#1 selling adjustable gastric band for weight loss worldwide
Over ten years of medical studies and academic publications follow-up
Sets the "gold standard" of care for obesity treatment for hundreds of surgeons world-wide
Reversible
While it is intended to be a long-term treatment, the LAP-BAND® System can be removed at any time, in some cases laparoscopically
Stomach and other anatomy typically return to their original state/functions

The Journey

What needs to be done:
-3 Surgeon consults
-6 Weight loss classes
-1 Psych consult
-1 Dietition consult - Will happen during 5th class
-1 Pulmonary consult
-1 Cardiology consult
-1 Support group meeting
-Testing and BW

What is done:
1- weight loss class
2- Surgeon consults
All BW
1- Pulmonary consult in progress

What is scheduled:
Cardiology in Jan 2010
2nd meeting Feb 2010
Psych Eval Feb 2010

The Begining

How did I decide? About a month ago after failing at many fad weight loss diets I decided that I need to make a change. My mother previously went through the gastric bypass and she had her ups and downs. The problem with her is that she has no control and is a chronic lier.  Most of her recovery she spent sick and depressed. After telling her what my plans were she seemed to become defensive about the whole issue. Often asking why I wanted to do it, and updating me on her weight loss/gain which she never did before. She out of the blue would say when you see my surgeon dont say anything about me (we have the same surgeon), then days later she said to tell him Im doing fine. It is rather weird so more often then not I do not talk to her about the subject. My main source of encouragment is my boyfriend. Although he hasnt come to an appt with me yet I have asked him to join me during my next support meeting. He agreed and I was surprised he would come with me but extremely happy.
Since I have made the decision to get this weight loss procedure done I seem to be eatting more. I am scared to loose all the food that I loved and loved me back in a sense. I know in the back of my head that I will eat I guess im just getting scared a little now.
In the end I knew I needed to be healthier, I needed to exercise and eat right. From past expreience I knew I couldnt do it alone. Hence my decision to get the lap-band