There have been many advances in technology to help people lose weight. One of the most successful is the lap band procedure. A lap band is a silicone band that goes around the top of the stomach. It makes it to where you cant eat as much and fill full quicker. Therefore you lose weight by taking in fewer calories. Debbie Overton had this procedure and has lost over 100 pounds! She is going to share her thoughts on the surgery and her weight loss success with us today.
ANGEL: What made you decide to have the lap band procedure?
DEBBIE: I have had a food addiction for as long as I can remember and I never could conquer it. I felt the lap band would be a way for me to get some control over my eating.
ANGEL: Was there very much pain involved?
DEBBIE: There was absolutely no pain at all involved during or after the procedure.
ANGEL: Can you explain what they do during the procedure?
DEBBIE: Lap Band Surgery is performed laparoscopically. The Dr. made approximately 6 really small incisions, then he placed the band around the top portion of my stomach and he placed a port right under the skin close to my belly button. Approximately 2 weeks after surgery I went into his office and he inserted a needle into the port and put saline solution into the band to tighten up around my stomach. I only had to have 2 injections in mine. It all depends on the individual; some have to have more fills than I did.
ANGEL: How long was the recovery period after surgery?
DEBBIE: The Dr. told me to stay off work for a week, which I did, but I felt I could have gone back to work a couple of days after surgery. I felt fine.
ANGEL: Did you have any complications?
DEBBIE: There were no complications at all. That is one reason I chose the Lap Band, if there were any complications at all the band could be removed. Where as, if you have Gastric bypass, if there are any complications you are stuck with it!
ANGEL: Would you recommend the lap band procedure to others?
DEBBIE: I would definitely recommend the lap band to anyone. I just wish I it had been around a long time ago!
ANGEL: First, congratulations on loosing over 100 pounds. That is a huge victory. How has that amount of weight loss changed your life?
DEBBIE: This weight loss has impacted my life in so many ways...I have more confidence in myself. People do not understand the stigma of being overweight. There are people that are so prejudiced against overweight people. My body does not hurt anymore. It had gotten to where my knees were hurting me constantly carrying all that extra weight.
ANGEL: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DEBBIE: I am amazed at the Insurance Companies who will not approve people for weight loss surgery. It has been proven that people who have weight loss surgery have a high success rate as far as keeping their weight off which will alleviate many health issues due to obesity. I think Weight Loss surgery should be approved just as getting your tonsils or appendix out!
As you can see having the lap band procedure completely changed Debbies life. If you are thinking of having the surgery, do your research. The criteria for this procedure are the same as any other weight loss surgery. You doctor will be the one to guide you in your decision. If you do decide to do the surgery, I hope you reach your weight loss goals and have a long happy life.
I meet patients who have learned to beat \"Lap Band\". I will not use this space to promote beating the system. I believe that people who want to lose weight can do so without surgery.
Historically, most people were not fat.