I need some advice about haveing a gastric band

[ZC72]

Hi
I have been struggleing with my weight since I was 14 before that I was slim. In 2006/07 I was diagnosed with PCOS which explained why I was over weight and why i found it difficult to keep losing weight.
I can try most diets and within the first month lose at least 14lbs, then the weight stops coming off and then I start gaining weight again.
I eat a healthy vegetarian diet with the occasional treat I don't over eat. I have now confused my dietician as she can't figure out why the weight won't come off. I have been seen by the surgeon and I am now on the waiting list for a gastric band but I'm not sure it will work for me and I'm worried about going for unnessesary surgery.
I have tried Metformin, Orlistat, Reductil, Rimonabant and none have worked, some actually made be gain weight fast.
Can any one offer some help or advice that has expereinced the same problems.
Thanks

[goddess819]

I sooooo know those shoes you're in. One thing to think about is how serious you are about your vegetarian diet. Protein is the main component in any form of WLS whether it be the band, RNY, VSG or DS. Your body can pull carbs from your body to make glucose but your body cannot pull protein to make 11 of the essential amino acids. Have you read the WLS FAQ at the top of the forum? Check it out. Hopefully some lapbanders here will reply as well. How long is the wait list? Good luck and if you have more questions feel free to ask!

BTW - I know that scared feeling of it not working and it being an unnecessary procedure but for me having my RNY surgery is the best decision I've ever made for myself. Anyway I'd love to type more but my baby's paging me!

[MikesHAPPYwife]

I agree with the protein statement above. WLS or not its very important for everyday life.

I had lapband & love it, however, the reason its working for me is I was a person that over ate & never felt full. Thats all that the band will help. If you dont feel that over-eatting is your issue then I dont think the band will work for you. I feel there is a different surgery or lifestyle change for everyone and what works for me may not work for you.

Good luck in journey. I think we have all been in your shoes. Deciding what surgery will work the best is the hardest part (besides the pre-op diet)

[ZC72]

Thank you both for getting back to me with some helpful advice. The average weighting time for the surgery in the UK is 3 months mine has been approved two weeks ago so I'll be at the bottom of the list.
My vegetarian diet is improortant as I can't eat meat, tried for 25 years and I hated it I have been a lot heathier since going vegetarian. I have recently changed my diet by gutting out food high in carbs and surgar, most of my food is now high in protein and natural surgar and I have managed t lose 8.5lbs and I'm really happy.
I have an appointment with my consultant on 21 April so I'm going to try and lose some more before then and see if they can offer anything else.
I am happy that the surgery has worked for the both of you and again I thank you for the friendly advice you have given