btradio

I am looking into WLS, specifically the Band, for my 18 year old son who is well over 300 lbs at about 6'3". Scoping it all out ahead of time, mother that I am, before I ask him his thoughts about it. I don't want to offend him by suggesting it - but I do want to learn all I can about it in advance, including the expenses - not one word of which I've seen specified on this site. I want to know that it is financially possible before I offer it to him. There are very few men on here and I really want to see this from a man's perspective, challenges and all. If my son wants to go for it I will support him completely - but I sure would like some inkling of the costs.

Call the OCC and talk to them. They will tell you all about the costs associated with the procedure. It is generally frowned upon to talk about price on the forums, but I will say that the cost was SIGNIFICANTLY less than it would have cost me here in the states. I also understand where you are coming from regarding men's opinions on lap band. It was hard to find the male perspective. It has been amazing so far for me. I can't say what your son will think, but if I would have known at 18 what I know now, I would have done damn near anything to shed that extra weight. Good luck!

Not sure how big you are at this point, so I will only speak to myself as I was probably bigger than you at the start. :-)

For the first 3 weeks, I kept my exercise to walking and exercise bike. After 3 weeks, I added a little swimming (which was awesome, sadly, pool membership expired so that is done for now). After 4 weeks, I started doing couch 2 5K. If you aren't familiar with that program, it takes someone from sedentary to being able to run a 5k in 9 weeks. Now, my previous attitude about running was that I would only do it if I was being chased and didn't think I could take the person chasing me. :-) But I started this program and it has been fantastic! I am starting week 3 of the program tomorrow and am actually looking forward to it. It's crazy.

I was told that I could start trying to introduce other exercises now (per the Dr. at my fill on Sat.) So I am hoping to start adding weights and other physical stuff like golf, etc.

Really though, just do as much physical stuff as you can. Yard work is great, cleaning the house, etc. Just keep moving. It all adds up.