Help!

I have my last pre-op nutritionist visit on Nov. 2. My insurance company requires 6 months of medical weight loss - Nov. is month 6. During this time I have lost 15 pounds, gained it back and lost 3.5 again. I am worried that I may not be the best lap band candidate since I wasn't successful with the 6 month medical weight loss. I DO NOT want a gastric bypass though. I am getting frustrated and a bit nervous. I have no idea when my surgery will be scheduled so I don't know what to tell my work! How many days should I allow myself off from work? I have a fairly easy job with sitting and standing. I do have a small amount of lifting but I can forgo that for a while.

Hi there - Your surgeon or his staff ought to be able to give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of time off from work. My surgeon said he generally recommends that people who have "desk jobs" plan on a week off if they have the Lap Band done laproscopically, but has had many that go back much sooner. He had one guy who went back to work the same day - totally against Dr.'s orders, but he did it anyway. Doc called him nuts. I am having my surgery the day before Thanksgiving, with the plan that I'll report for work on the Monday after Thanksgiving. But I'm going to be flexible and if I don't feel up to going, I won't. I think my work will be ok with it as long as I let them know what to expect. I know that I'll at least be able to work from home for a couple of days if it's absolutely necessary. I don't think you have much to worry about with regard to losing 15 lbs and then gaining it back and losing again - that's what the surgery is supposed to fix - it's supposed to be a TOOL that you can use to effectively lose the weight and keep it off. A responsible surgeon will likely tell you that while the initial weight loss with RNY is faster than with the Lap Band, at five years out, the results between the two procedures are very similar. The fact that you've lost and gained weight should not be a determinant as to which surgery is appropriate for you. I think you need to have a nice long chat with your surgeon or his head nurse or his Physician's Assistant. That's what they are there for! Don't be in the dark - it's not necessary and it's causing you unnecessary worry!! Keep the faith and be your own best advocate. You can do this! Hugs, Stephanie