The right thing to do???????

I really want and need to have WLS and my first choice would be lap band. I agree with everyone that we where designed a certian way. My problem is i have Tri-care standard and they don't pay for lap band. I'm scared of re doing my stomach and I have heard all the scarry stories. I have even heard of a few people dying. But I also know a few people that are doing fine. I am diabtic, have high blood pressure, joint problems. I also have sleep apnea. I can't stop eatting lately. I have my letter for WLS. My doctor is behind me all the way. I guess im looking for some support as what to do.

What kind of WLS are you having? I had the laproscopic RNY on 01/09/07 and feel pretty good. I had no pain after surgery, only a little sore where they had to make their "puncture" wounds. I was up walking and using the bathroom 1 1/2 hours after surgery. Each person is different but like you, I had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesteral and severe arthritis. I went home from the hospital off of all these medications and for the first time in a LONG time I am able to look in stores without the use of an electric cart. You will have to make the final decision though, that is totally up to you. Good luck on whatever decision you make.

Joni, I'm Tricare Standard as well. At first I was hoping for lap bad, but when Tricare wouldn't cover it I began researching RNY. Long story short, I was quickly approved and had my surgery two weeks ago. I feel GREAT. All the scary stories got to me too, but I had to remind myself that you always hear about the complications - really there are few people who have complications. The vast majority of us have none....you just don't hear about us in the news!! My advice would be to read some books (WLS for dummies is a good one!), get informed, choose a surgeon, go to seminar, get educated, begin the process. You can always hold off surgery if you don't feel sure it is right for you. I will add that now, two weeks out, ALL my co-morbidities are gone. ALL of them. It's like a miracle to me! Margaret

Joni, I too had lap RNY a week ago wednesday and while I had some other stuff going on that was not know(inflammed gallbladder and a hernia from having my son c-section) my doc just went on ahead and took out the gallbladder and fixed my hernia. Now just to let you know I have fibromyalsia and my pain sensors are hightened. I am now 8 days post op and have no pain at all now. I have a slight pulling in one of the incisions but that too will go away I have lost 17 pounds since I came home from the hospital. I have walked the last 2 days outside going further everyday and just now realized I have not even notice my fibro or my Rheumatoid Arthritus flair up since I got home. I haven't had one migraine yet hopefully that too will be a benefit. I don't even feel like I had surgery one short week ago. Honestly I am doing and feeling great! I believe even my mood has improved due to no pain from my current conditions. Only time will tell but from 99% of the folks I have talked to that are 1 to 5 years out would do it all over again. I have to say I am nothing short of being amazed at my progress. When I started this journey I weighed 270 I am now at 242 woooohooo. How great is that. I felt like nothing was ever going to get better, I was depressed from being so fat I could not even enjoy a family outing. Please do your research but like Margaret said start the process now because it does take some time and you will have to jump through some hoops. Every day insurance is changing their stand of the band not being a proven surgery. Mine changed this year and I could have had it but had already had my mind up I want the full deal. So here I am today healthier and happy. I can go up my basement stairs without everything hurting and not feel winded. Did I say I am amazed!! Well there you have it. Please feel free to mail me with any questions. Good luck on you search for answers!!! Anna

Joni, I completely understand having mixed emotions about the bypass surgery. It's not for everyone, but at the same time, I am a firm believer that the practice of this surgery has come a looong way in recent years. Have you started to research surgeons and clinics? For me, when I first was introduced to the staff at the clinic I go to, I knew it was right for me. They were very reassuring, and they put me through a long series of tests to determine if I was a good candidate for the surgery. They made me a believer. So I think if you need a little bit of help deciding, maybe you could seek out professionals in your area. Most clinics offer a free seminar or consultation. Just a suggestion. As far as I know, you may already have one in mind. Tomorrow morning I will be 1 week out from surgery. I have not regretted having it done for one minute. It has been a blessing. I admit, I did have nausea a couple of nights, but I feel like that's over now. The pain has been little-to-none. Honestly. I had lots of good pain meds, and matter of fact, I even stopped taking them yesterday. Today, I've had no pain except for a slight tinge when I got out of my chair this morning. And let me tell ya - I'm a big girl. I started this journey at 422 lbs. Before my surgery I got down to 410, and this last week, I'm down to 397. I couldn't believe it! So I just wanted to say, that there are many people on here that understand where you're coming from. You're welcome to msg me on here, or e-mail me anytime ([email protected]). I check my mail once a day at least. Good luck with your decision. Keep posting and let us know how you're doing! -Cathryn

Hi Joni! I had the OPEN RNY January 22. My surgeon would not do the lap due to gullbladder issues with me. It was painful, but I am happy I did it. Check out all the information they have and weigh out your odds. Good luck and let us know what you decide! Laura