Healthy Living User Post of the Week: Lap Band for kids -- What is really going on???

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  Posted by Boss # 1 Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:22pm PDT

  Thank you, thank you, thank you! I agree 100%. Thank you for taking care of your health, taking control of your life, and encouraging others to do so as well.

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  Posted by Angela Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:16pm PDT

  If, like anyone else who writes here, you bothered to do any research before you got all up in arms, you would know that they don't just start cutting people's stomachs apart for the fun of it. There's a long process of getting approved for surgery. People have to meet with dieticians and weight loss counselors for weeks, often even months before they can have surgery. Most often times, people have to actually loose a certain percentage of weight on their own before they're approved for surgery. This proves that they will be able to comply with the restrictions that surgery enforces.

  Surgery is only approved for people who show that their health is threatened by their weight and have other co-morbidities affecting their health. These are people who are so obese that they can no longer exercise safely due to joint pain and heart risks. They must also prove that they have failed at multiple diet plans.

  Having surgery IS taking control of your life. Don't think for a minute all those people who have had surgery or are considering it haven't been right where you are now. The after effects of surgery are often very difficult, and many people go through a depression and physical illness. It takes hard work to be successful. It's not a quick fix. Good luck to you.

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  Posted by Habanero♥™ Tue Aug 12, 2008 4:25pm PDT

  Boss: ANGELA is a very angry confrontational pain-in-the -neck. Here is her opening line: "If, like anyone else who writes here, you bothered to do any research before you got all up in arms, you would know that they don't just start cutting people's stomachs apart for the fun of it". What is She the only one with an opinion or maybe an answer. No she just loves to spew and read and reread her ugly comments. Don't respond to this ugly person.

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  Posted by pops1076 Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:49pm PDT

  I AM 60 YRS OLD AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OVER WEIGHT. I DID ATHE LAPBAND IN 1994. IT DID NOT TAKE LONG FOR ME TO RELIZE THAT IT WAS NOT AND IS NOT THE CURE ALL FOR OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE. YOU STILL HAVE TO HAVE YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT ARE IT DOES NOT DO YOU ANY GOOD. I LOST ABOUT 50 POUNDS THE FIRST YEAR AND THEN I FIGURED HOW TO CHEAT THE SYSTEM-STILL HAVE THE BAND AND WEIGHT 350LBS--I DONT HAVE MY HEAD ON STRAIGHT--DONT DO IT!!!

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  Posted by Moonstruk Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:49pm PDT

  I just wanted to respond to Angela...

  First of all, I have done research. So, just as you pointed at me, you shouldn't be so quick to judge and assume. And, I think you are so interested in counter arguing that you missed my point entirely. I agree with you. People must undergo anywhere from 2 to 4 months of preparation that includes using a specific diet, losing a set amount of weight, and meeting with a psychiatrist to see if they are mentally able to handle the procedure. HOWEVER, the point is that if people are able to loose that weight and follow given procedures than they should be able to continue and lose weight--at a slower pace perhaps, but they should be able to without having to have surgery. MANY people choose this type of procedure as a "save all". They do not believe that they can accomplish the task in any other way. They never believe that the "problem" still exists...and it's in them! You must identify the issue to address the problem--not just put a band aid on it. As the last person that commented illustrates.

  To the rest of you...thanks for taking part in an honest discussion. Angela, I'd love to discuss other issues with you and I look forward to crossing topics again. =)

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  Posted by Angela Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:29pm PDT

  Moonstruck,

  If you've done your research, then you should know that morbid and super obesity are diseases. People who suffer from these diseases are, as a rule, only successful in losing about a quarter of their weight with modified diet alone. As I stated earlier, many of them are not able to exercise. Often times, these are also people who suffer from diseases that contribute to their weight gain and other co-morbidities. Sometimes, diseases that contribute to weight gain cause initial weight gain, other times they are brought on by weight gain itself. Either way, it doesn't matter because they cannot be controlled until significan't weight loss is achieved.

  I was quite clear when I stated that that weight loss surgery is in no way intended to be a cure all and comes with many complications. My issue with what you wrote is my same issue with what many people write here, it's the judgmental attitude with which you presented only your side of the story and left out the information that didn't jive with your opinion. I appreciate that you took the time to respond to my comment and add facts.

  While weight loss surgery certainly may not be right for you, it is the only choice for some people, and it is a difficult one at that. No one has the right to force such choices on anyone, and I think that was your real concern. Congratulations on the work you're doing for yourself, and I hope that you continue to be successful.

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  Posted by Laura Wed Aug 13, 2008 6:37am PDT

  I hope my husband decides to have the surgery. He is around 400 pounds and his knees and back are terrible. He is 44 and a police officer. I feel his health and his (and everyones elses) safety are at risk. I know it will be hard. For both of us. But I want him to feel well and to be able to participate in life. Having said that I'm not asking him to do it. I never even bring up the subject. I'm just hoping that one day he comes to me with good 'news'.

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  Posted by mnrawker Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:49am PDT

  wtf!! I would never let my kids have surgery to lose weight. How dangerous is that.

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  Posted by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance Wed Aug 13, 2008 9:58am PDT

  This is absurd. How about teaching kids how to be nutritionally healthy and physically active? Great post Moonstruck. For kids, it shouldn't be an option. You are developing as a kid and can help determine your metabolism and natural weight earlier on in life. Most people who are overweight as children, struggle with it the rest of their lives. Good habits at an early age are the best solution to ward off adult obesity.

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  Posted by Rowdygirl Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:49am PDT

  Never base what you think on "According to the Oprah Show"...

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