Lap Band Surgery - To Band Or Not To Band?

For the past 10 years I have been riding the weight loss roller coaster. The funny thing is, when I was in my teens and early 20s I used to vow to myself that I would never be one of those women who gain weight after they get marred. And then it happened to me. I gained 100 Lbs when I was pregnant! 100 lbs! That's a whole supermodel! I didn't change my eating habits, I didn't suddenly start eating all kinds of crazy stuff... I just inflated! I guess my hormones changed or my metabolism, or something... Anyway, I became the statistic.

Saw Band

In the beginning, I didn't even know who I was. My inner perception of what I looked like, and the way that the camera, the mirror, and everyone else saw me were completely different! People didn't react to me he same way. Until that point, I had no idea that people were nice to me because I was cute. But when I suddenly had to work 3 times as hard to get people to give me the same consideration- well, let's just say it was something of an identity crises.

Saw Band

I remember one incident in particular. I was out of gas, and the only gas station was a military one (close to a base). I didn't realize that as I pulled in and tried to go get some gas. When I got to the counter, I tried to give the girl my card, but she asked for my military id. Of course, not being military, I didn't have one. She wouldn't let me get gas. Behind me was a young guy, so I turned to him and asked if I could give him cash so that he could get the gas for me. Well, in my former life, I had never had a man turn me down for that sort of request, so you can imagine my surprise, shock and embarrassment when he said no! I wanted to cry. All this time I just thought people were nice and they were reacting to me based solely on my looks. If you've gained a lot of weight, or had something major happened to you that completely changed the way that you look, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If not, then you probably think that I'm exaggerating- that's what I would think. But it's really true- some people really are just that shallow.

Anyway, I spent the next several years on just about EVERY diet out there. I did low carb, I counted my points, I drank only liquids, I got shots in my butt, I ate pre-packaged food from a few different companies (none of them really taste like my favorite food...), I drank weird juices, I ate cabbage soup- well you get the picture. The most I would manage to lose was about 40-50 lbs, and then something would happen to break m momentum and I would instantly gain it all back!

So, that takes us back into present time. I've just come off of my last miracle diet- heavier than I was before, and I'm desperate. I want- no NEED this weight to come off!! So, I'm thinking about getting a lap band. Pretty extreme, I know.

So far, I have been interviewing doctors and learning about the process. It's a big step (and very expensive) and I want to make sure that I do my due diligence. I've never had surgery before... in fact the only two times that I have been in a hospital, they sent me home with a baby! Suffice it to say, the idea of being cut open and having something put inside me is a little scary!

I've talked to friends who've done the procedure, and they love it! They say that it was the best thing that they ever did for themself. I kept trying to tell myself that I just wasn't big enough to qualify, but I have a BMI of 36, and I'm 5'2" an 210 lbs. Guess what, I qualify. (Not to be covered by my insurance though, apparently they're only interested in preaching prevention, but not paying for it- but that's a different article).

Anyway, for those of you who are in my shoes, here is what I've learned so far... the lap band is a white plastic (of some sort) ribbon that sort of looks like an oversized tapeworm. There is a flat side and a puffy side. The puffy side has the ability to expand when filled with saline. The doctor makes some small incisions in your stomach area, and slides the band (as a ribbon) through it. Then somehow they close it over the top of your stomach- well the part of the stomach before the stomach really. (Sorry, I don't know all of the right words, so bear with me). This tapeworm ribbon thing is connected to a little wire. The doctor then connects the little wire to a pad that will sit under the skin just above the muscle. This pad thing is what has me thinking twice about the surgery. The pad will stay in your body forever (unless you specifically have it removed). So will the band, but since that's not at the surface level, I'm not as worried about that... Anyway, it's probably not a problem right now as there is plenty of stuff between the muscle layer and the skin, but what if I lose all the weight, won't the pad thing be visible? I asked the doctor and he said that there is a low profile one available, but that yes, once you lose all the weight, you might be able to feel the pad. He didn't seem to think that many people were really bothered by it though.

Anyway, they take a long needle and insert it through your skin into the pad thing. The needle is filled with saline, and the saline fills the band so that it constricts the opening of your stomach. This is how you lose weight. Once the band is properly filled, you will only be able to eat about 2 oz at a time. So, for someone like me who seems to have no control over controlling what I eat for long periods of time, this could work very well. Now, if you are the type to drink your calories, you ight still be in trouble. The restricted opening doesn't stop you from drinking as much as you like- it only controls how much solid stuff gets in. Since I don't really drink much other than water, I'm not so worried about that. The food has to be well chewed. Also, if you overeat and overfill the little opening you will have an incredible feeling of heartburn, or in worst cases may not really be able to swallow. I'm sure there's more to it, but I don't know all the rules yet, as that's not covered in the initial consultation.

Anyway, this is where I'm at so far, and what I've learned about it so far. I will be putting together a guide to the process to make it easier for others like me who want to learn about the product without the sales pitches. If you'd like a copy of the guide (once it's finished) visit my blog- San Diego Lap Band and fill out the opt-in form.

Lap Band Surgery - To Band Or Not To Band?
Saw Band

Cyber Monday DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit 2011 Deals

Dec 05, 2011 19:38:34

Cyber Monday DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit Deals
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DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

>> Click here to update Cyber Monday prices for DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit <<

Cyber Monday DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit Feature

  • Industry best 10 amp motor designed with controlled power to withstand any jobsite application
  • Industry best 5-inch deep cut capacity for round or rectangular stock
  • Serviceable steel shroud and rubber bumpers allow guards to withstand jobsite abuse without damage
  • LED sight light allows the user to see cut line in dark jobsite environment
  • Integrated hang hook allows user to hang the saw without damaging front handle or castings Variable speed dial allows user to vary speed for specific materials and various applications (100-350 spm)


Cyber Monday DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit Overview

Integrated hang hook; Variable speed dial; Superior balance and ergonomics; Blade tracking adjustment; Dual bearing blade guide rollers; Durable and adjustable material guide; Ergonomic soft grip back handle; Blade changing lever; Externally replaceable brushes; 10 Amps; 100-350 Ft per minute; 5” Max capacity (Round); 5” x 4 3/4” Max Capacity (Rectangular); Front handle style multi position bale; LED light; Rubber bumpers w/ serviceable shroud; Tool length 21”; Tool Weight 15.0 lbs; Includes: Hex wrench, standard 44-7/8”x1/2”x.020” blade, and kit box

Cyber Monday DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit Specifications

Durable and versatile, the DEWALT Deep-Cut Portable Band Saw Kit features a powerful 10 amp motor with variable speed control for material-specific and application-specific cutting performance. Also offering an LED sight that indicates the cut line, ergonomic grip options, and an integrated hanging hook, this work-horse saw is packed with little details that make your life easier.

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Deep-Cut Portable Band Saw Kit
At a Glance:
  • Powerful 10 amp motor handles tough applications

  • Variable speed control from 100 to 350 sfm for versatility

  • 5-inch deep-cut round-stock capacity; 5 by 4-3/4-inch rectangular-stock capacity

  • LED sight light makes cut line easy to see

  • Ergonomic handle design for improved control

  • Includes hex wrench, standard blade, and kit box

  • Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money back guarantee
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DEWALT Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

This kit features a portable band saw with a 10 amp motor and a sturdy kit box for safe keeping. View larger.

DEWALT Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

Make 5-inch cuts on round stock and 4-3/4-inch cuts on rectangular stock. View larger.
Powerful Motor with Variable Speed Control
Thanks to a 10 amp motor designed to withstand tough jobs, this portable band saw to make quick cuts without getting bogged down. It can perform at speeds ranging from 100 sfm to 350 sfm, and its variable-speed dial allows you to quickly and easily select the perfect speed for each application.

This versatile deep-cut DEWALT saw offers a 5-inch capacity when working with round stock and 5 by 4-3/4-inch capacity when working with rectangular stock.

LED Sight Light
LED sight
indicates cut line
Designed for Durability and Convenience
A durable and adjustable material guide allows you to set the saw for optimal performance when working with a variety of materials, while a convenient LED sight light allows you to see the cutting area clearly, even in poorly lit environments.

Other features that contribute to this saw's long life include an integrated hang hook that allows you to hang the saw without having to put it up and down. A serviceable steel shroud, and rubber bumpers that allow the saw's guards to withstand jobsite abuse.

Increased Blade Life and Easy Maintenance
This band saw's accurate blade tracking adjustment improves blade alignment and reduces wear, resulting in increased blade life, while dual bearing blade guide rollers increase durability in the blade support system for overall dependability. When it does come time to switch out your blade, the saw's blade changing lever loosens blade tension to make blade changes more convenient.

In addition, this saw features externally replaceable brushes, which allow you to make quick repairs whenever and wherever you need to.

Multi-position front handle
Multi-position
front handle
Ergonomic Features for Comfort and Accuracy
A comfortable grip is an integral part of any saw's performance. This band saw features an oversized, multi-position front handle that offers plenty of hand space and easy adjustability, so you can get a precise grip and achieve more accurate cuts. An ergonomic soft grip back handle and the saw's well balanced body also contribute to improved comfort and reduced user fatigue.

This Deep-Cut Portable Band Saw comes with a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money back guarantee.

What's in the Box
DWM120K DEWALT Deep-Cut Portable Band Saw, hex wrench, standard 44.875- by .500- by .020-inch blade, and kit box.


DEWALT Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit
This band saw is ideal for cutting a wide variety of materials, from rebar to metal framing stock.



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DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit

Limited Offer Today!! DEWALT DWM120K 10 Amp 5-Inch Deep Cut Portable Band Saw Kit Cyber Monday and Black Friday 2011 Deals

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