There are several if not a lot of myths about the Lap-Band and what it can do for you. These may have been some things you have also thought about but now you will surely have the answers you need to see if Lap-Band is right for you.
1. I am very obese with a BMI over 50 so I cannot have the Lap-Band surgery.
Many doctors will try to tell you that because you are morbidly obese you can not possibly have the Lap-Band and be successful. That is a lie (as Maury would say). While having a BMI over 50 may take you longer to lose weight than someone who has a BMI of 40 it is not impossible with the Lap-Band. The gastric banding has no part in the absorption process of your digestion making it less likely to become deficient in vital nutrients that your body needs.
2. Because I am having Lap-Band surgery I will never be able to have a baby.
That is also a lie. When you have weight loss surgery and lose weight, your body becomes a healthy weight therefore making you become fertile again. Sometimes doctors will just tell you not to get pregnant until you have reached a stable weight. The best part about the Lap-Band and becoming pregnant is you don’t have to worry about your baby not getting enough nutrients like with the By Pass. It is also adjustable so you may get unfilled to meet the nutritional needs of your baby.
3. My health conditions will not be resolved with Lap-Band Surgery.
Not only is being obese putting you at risk for high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, but it is also causing you to have no quality of life. Having the Lap-Band surgery will lessen your health conditions if not take them away completely meaning less medications or none at all. Studies have proven that people with type II diabetes in over 73% of cases it was resolved. People with respiratory conditions have easier time breathing. High blood pressure is reduced with weight reduction in most cases.
4. I will not get proper nutrition if I have Lap-Band surgery.
Really? Who can prove that one? Nutrition has always been a concern with people who have the gastric by pass because of the way the surgery is performed. With the Lap-Band nothing is surgically removed, nothing is rerouted like with the by pass so everything you take in will be absorbed. Of course it is recommended to take a multi vitamin but as time goes on and you are able to eat normal portions, it is highly unlikely you will not get enough nutrition. If anything you will be getting better nutrition than you did before you had surgery.
5. Weight loss is going to be fast so therefore it will not keep me healthy.
Wrong wrong wrong. Weight loss with the Lap-Band initially can be quick, however over time it becomes 2-3 pounds a week just like a regular diet. Slow and steady wins the race. Getting adjustments keeps you feeling fuller longer so that you will not want to eat in between meals.
6. I will be on a liquid diet forever.
How can you or anyone else live on liquids FOREVER. No one. You may or may not be placed on a liquid diet a few weeks before surgery and then a few weeks after. This helps you to lose fat in your liver before surgery and after surgery so that you may have time to heal.
7. I don’t have to follow up with my doctor or follow his directions.
Again this is wrong. The first two years after surgery is crucial to obtaining your goal. Good after care helps in your success and is something you should research thoroughly when looking for a surgeon.
8. I don’t have to change my way of eating or lifestyle
This is definitely wrong. You surely do have to change everything about your eating habits if you want to succeed. You can’t eat ice cream and think you’re still going to lose weight. Anything that slides down easy is usually not part of our diet. If you are not ready or willing to commit yourself to eating healthy foods then you can not be successful. It is also helpful to join a support group so that you may have others to fall back on when you are going through a tough time.
9. I am giving up my life for the Lap-Band.
What you are really giving up is the old body that can not do the things it wants to do and giving you a new lease on life. You will be able to move better, sleep better, and control your illnesses. Out with the old and in with the new you.
10. I am putting myself through a dangerous surgery with the Lap-Band.
With every surgery there is a risk. Even with toe surgery there is always a risk but people confuse the Lap-band surgery with the by pass and all the complications that go with it. You will have 1 to 5 incisions that are small and the biggest one where your port is placed. The band is place around the upper portion of the stomach. There is nothing being disturbed inside. Your port will be sewn in the muscle. The By Pass is much more risky than the Lap-Band.