Karen's Lap-Band® Success Story - Lap-Band®
Karen’s Story

Karen Lost 145 lbs.

“Was everyday worth it? You bet!
Do I regret my decision to have Lap-Band Surgery?
Not for a single second.”

Karen's Lap-Band® Success Story

Karen’s ‘Take Control’ Moment

“In early 2000, my weight crept to an all-time high of over 300 pounds. I found myself going through the motions in a lifestyle I didn’t love, living in a body that was weighing me down mentally and physically. There were several indications that helped me realize that if I didn’t make some drastic changes, my future would never match what I had dreamed.”

In 2004, I had Lap-Band® Surgery and it drastically changed my life for the better in ways I could never have imagined.

It’s Never Too Late

I recently authored a book titled ‘It’s Never Too Late’ A Ten-Year Journey With Weight-Loss Surgery that shares my battle with obesity and how I overcame it with the help of my Lap-Band. My journey includes a weight loss of over 145 lbs. and a new outlook on life, which I still maintain to this day. I invite others to join me on my quest for living large after weight-loss surgery on my blog www.karengillman.com and my social sites www.facebook.com/aftertheband and www.twitter.com/aftertheband. The transformation of my mind and body is a direct result of Lap-Band Surgery. I am thankful for the lifestyle changes it has afforded me and for the people I have met throughout the process. As a wife, mother of two small children and busy executive, I am glad to finally be off of the yo-yo dieting Ferris wheel and onto a lifestyle I love.

Was every day easy? No way. Was every day worth it? You bet! Do I regret my decision to have Lap-Band surgery? Not for a single second.

Are you ready to transform your life with Lap-Band Program too?

Speaking with a Lap-Band Surgeon can help you resolve any questions or concerns you might have. If you are wondering if the Lap-Band Program is right for you, find a local surgeon today. Your weight-loss journey is right around the corner.

Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The ReShape Lap-Band Systems are approved for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of at least 30 with health conditions related to obesity, who have not seen success with other weight loss methods, like supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs. Choosing this surgery means committing to changes in eating habits for the long term.

The Lap-Band procedure is not approved for individuals under 18 yo, those with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or lead to poor results, such as inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, problems with the stomach and digestion, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, scarring of the liver, individuals unable or unwilling to follow the necessary dietary restrictions, individuals with alcohol or drug addictions, or those currently pregnant. Individuals who become pregnant after band placement may require deflation of their bands.

The ReShape Lap-Band Systems, a long-term tool, may need to be adjusted if you get pregnant, sick, or malnourished. Be careful with anti-inflammatory drugs as they could make the band wear away. Like any surgery, placement of the Lap-Band may have complications such as risks from drugs and methods used, general surgery risks, how well your body handles a foreign object, or in rare cases, risk of death.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with metabolic and bariatric surgery that you and your doctor should discuss. Potential risks associated with the Lap-Band include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach blockage, constipation, swallowing difficulty, diarrhea, abnormal stools, abdominal pain, weakness, incision pain, infection, fever, hernia, chest pain, band movement, stomach pouch expansion, unusual healing, pain at the port site, port movement, and/or hair loss. Additional surgery might be needed. Losing weight quickly could lead to complications requiring more surgery. 

Talk to your doctor, and/or visit our website at www.lapband.com/safety/ for more information on its benefits and risks.

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