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Last spring, it became apparent that I would have to do something to relive the pain in my hips & knees.  I struggled through last winter, but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to make it through another winter without making some drastic changes.  I was on the strongest anti-inflammatory available without going on steroids, and I was taking a prescribed opium-based pain medication six times a day.  The arthritis was already too advanced by the time it was diagnosed for me to get knee or hip replacements.  I’ve seen three top-notch orthopedic doctors (including one who was a physician for the Olympic gymnastic team) and they all agreed that I was too far gone & would tear up new joints too quickly.  They all refused to do replacements.  This was twelve years ago, when I was 150 lbs, and a size 12.   I've steadily had problems controlling my weight ever since my arthritis flared up.  I've dieted and lost, and the weight always comes back - usually bringing a few extra pounds with it. As of last fall, I had ballooned to 289 lbs - a size 24/26.  I was literally twice the size I should be.  Per the doctors’ warnings, I was doing everything I could to preserve my joints.  Unfortunately, the lack of activity presented its own issues in the form of excess pressure from the inevitable weight gain that goes with inactivity.  

The choices my doctors presented to me were (in recommended order): 

1. Spending the rest of my life in a motorized wheelchair. (Their best suggestion, but not an option that I could accept.)  

2. Going on steroids and heavy narcotic pain meds. (A temporary solution with permanent health ramifications.

3. Losing weight through bariatric surgery. (A close third choice for the doctors, as it was both temporary and invasive.)  

I went with option #3.  No one knows how much time this will buy me, but the results have already been miraculous!  Since a week after the surgery I have been walking daily – and without meds!!!!!!

I had been researching the Lap Band and I got very serious about it in late summer 2007.  I was somewhat reluctant based on negative comments I’ve overheard about people with little or no health issues and minimal weight to lose, taking the “easy way out”.  I’ve never been one to take the easy way, and yet this was the comment I heard most frequently about weight loss surgery (WLS).  Since then, I have endured psych evaluations, meetings with dieticians, physicians, bariatric specialists, attended numerous group support meetings and info seminars, and spent hours doing research.  I had to undergo an exploratory ENG (which revealed a hiatal hernia) and compile a huge list of medical records, diet histories, illnesses and surgical history, along with the previously mentioned evaluations, and send them all to my insurance provider.  I met all of the requirements 12/07 and planned to have the surgery 1/08 – but the insurance company changed the rules for the new plan year.  So I met the new requirements by 3/08 and scheduled surgery for 4/08 – and although they agreed to pay for the surgery, they denied approval for the procedure without an explanation as to why.  After a quick appeal, I was approved for surgery & scheduled late in April of 2008.  The doctor repaired my hernia when he placed the band, and I have already lost close to 30 pounds.

Is it a blessing? Absolutely. 
Does it come without some negatives?  Absolutely not. 
Easy?  You’ve got to be joking!!!

The Lap Band is NOT an easy way out.  It is a tool, and an opportunity for me to regain my mobility and my self-confidence, preserve my health, and be proactive in my life.  The band does not work on its own.  I must still follow a very strict diet and exercise plan.  I will be the one at the Thanksgiving table who gets just a few bites while everyone continues to eat.  I may never be able to tolerate bread, rice, pasta or meat....MEAT!  Believe me, I am not a vegetarian.  Many who have been banded can tolerate some of these foods but still some do not.

I will get frequent fills to inflate the band, causing more restriction and limiting my intake even more.  This involves injecting saline with a syringe, through a port that has been implanted under the skin of my abdomen - Definitely not pleasant or easy. While relearning to eat, I may have episodes of food getting stuck, extreme nausea or chest pain, and even vomiting.  Vomiting is dangerous because it can cause the band to slip out of place requiring further surgery.  I will never be able to eat and drink at the same time. No liquids for 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after eating.  

I was on a liquid diet one week prior to surgery.  I was not allowed any medications during that time, so I was off work due to mobility issues.  I was on a clear liquid diet for 3 days post-op, and a full liquid diet for another week after that. YUCK!!  I was then allowed pureed foods, and will start on solid food soon.  I am scheduled to have my band filled for the first time on 5/20.  This will give me a week to adjust to my “maintenance” schedule before returning to work.  Some doctors allow their patients to go back to work a week after surgery – but then some doctors don’t do pre-op testing and aren’t as cautious regarding follow up care.  I’ve had a strict post-op regime that has included such things as sipping one ounce of water every fifteen minutes the first three days after surgery.  My doctor is very cautious – that’s one of the reasons I chose him. 

I know it sounds awful, the truth is that the many benefits far outweigh the negatives.  I just wanted to be sure that those folks who have been asking about me understand that there is nothing easy about this.  I'm not cheating…I am helping myself to be successful and like I said before, being proactive in my life and future health.

Weight is not lost as quickly with the band as gastric bypass...just 1-2 lbs a week.  I'm okay with that.  I am excited about this tool helping me to KEEP the weight off no matter how long it takes me to lose it.  It is the only option that will help keep me mobile without ruining my health…and I AM walking without pain now!

I was concerned about sharing this with everyone because I wasn’t in a place emotionally where I could deal with any negativity.  I didn't want to hear about somebody's neighbor's friend who had the surgery and didn't succeed.  I know some people don't succeed with the band and am terrified that I could be one of them.  I don't want to hear about somebody's friend’s aunt’s cousin who died in surgery or was miserable and wished they didn't get the band.  I also don’t need to hear your opinion as to whether I’m losing too quickly or too slowly – my doctors and dieticians are being well paid to make that call for me, and they have a lot more experience with this than you or I.  And I’ve already been subjected to criticisms that I’m doing this for the sake of vanity, or that I’m having a mid-life crisis and plan to dump my wonderful husband for a “newer model” as soon as I’m skinny.  Of course, anyone who knows Mike & I, or has even ever seen us together for a few moments, can attest to how absurd that last part is!  Especially our children, who are in the unfortunate position of trying to work through normal marital issues, in the shadow of their parents’ iconic fairy-tale relationship!   ;c)

Bottom line - My very informed & educated decision was made last fall, and I had my surgery on Friday, the 25th of April - The first day of the rest of my life. 

So please wish me well and respect my choice.  If you cannot support me, please don't say anything.  And most important, please do not discuss my very personal health issues with others.  I will likely overhear and may regret my choice to share & inform.  Negativity was the thing I feared most from the very beginning, but I respect your concern and the basic human need to satisfy curiosity.  I also deeply regret the position my friends were in by knowing about this, but unable to share - and I am touched that they respected my wishes regarding my personal information.  I only ask that you show the same respect by not gossiping with others about this. 

Thank you.