“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.
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.
The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.
The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.
The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.
Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.
Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor.
CAUTION: Rx only.
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