Inquiring Minds

Hi!  I'm a new 52 year oldmember considering lapband surgery.  I really don't even know where to begin.  I look at myself in the mirror and while I'm not happy with what I see I really don't see myself as grossly obese; but, according to all the charts and BMI test I am.  I've tried dieting most of my adult life.  When I was younger I was much more successful at keeping my weight down but anymore I just can't get a handle on it.  If I did this I would like to use a surgeon in my area (Ft Smith AR); but,  I would definitely want to a have a reputable surgeon--my health is my first priority, that's why I'm doing this.  Does anyone have any recommendation.  I understand there are two surgeons in Ft Smith-Dr Janes and Dr Coleman....any input or suggestions would be welcomed.  Thanks!

I don't know anything about either of those surgeons,  but I wanted to say hi & let you know that you've come to an excellent place!

Thanks for the welcome.  I hope to find out lots of helpful information from everyone.  Best of luck to you!

Sorry, I can't help on the Dr front either, but wanted to welcome you to our little corner of the world! It's a great place to learn about WLS and to make new friends. What is your BMI, if you don't mind me asking?  I think all you can do is to go meet with each of the doctors in your area who do WLS. Do they have seminars? There's so much information available here and on line, I suggest you do as much research as possible to make sure what you want to do.  You'll know who the right doctor is when you meet him/her. We're the same age!   It is harder as we get older to keep the weight off, isn't it?  I was never any good at it, and got even worse at it as I got older. Finally, I pretty much gave up and decided to live with it. Then DH went to work for a company that offered really good insurance that covered WLS, and before you knew it, I'd done it!  I don't have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, sore knees, or acid reflux anymore. And believe me, life in "size 4 land" is wonderful  I also would like to invite you to come visit the Over Fifty Forum while you're browsing around. Take care, let us know if there's anything else we might be able to help with

Hi Susan,  Thanks for the welcome....the reason I joined this forum is to help gather information.  My husband is not very keen on me having surgery.  He's heard all the horror stories and of course they're certainly things to consider.  He keeps telling me he loves me just the way I am and that makes me very happy;  but, I also need his support to be a better me.   My foremost reason for doing this is health.  I'm 5'1" and around 215lbs-which makes my BMI about 40-41.  I've tried dieting, I've tried exercising but neither ever last long.  I have so many aches and pains that keep me from being very active at this time.  High blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, prolasped bladder, spinal stenosis, acid reflux, etc. etc. etc.  I would be lying if I said part of the reason is not for vanity-I would love to look attractive.  But, most of all I want to feel good again and to be able to spend many years being a part of my family's life and to actually feel like doing things with them.  I have a lot of research and a lot of praying to do before I decide this it the right thing for me to do.  I think this WLS will help me make some of those decisions. 

Hi,  I myself live in Fort Smith Ar. I had surgery on 11-12-07 with Dr.Josh Roller in Springdale. It is about an hours drive but well worth. He and his staff are very helpful and nice. He has seminars that you attend and get all the information you need. They will answer all your quetions. When you decide you want surgery thre are several test that you must go thru. My husband was very nervous at first also. He loved me just the way I was. But I wasn't happy. So reluctantly he went with me to the seminar and all of my pre-op appointments. After he saw the care and detail that they take before surgery he became more relaxed and very supportive of my surgery.  I have lost 41 pounds already and am very please with how well everything went. My husband is also very pleased. Good Luck Carla

I can't help with doctors in your area, only mine and I have been  MOST impressed with Dr. Gibbs.  It might be worth the drive if you can't find one by you.  I had my band put in on Oct 10 of this year and have lost 21 pounds.  When looking at your options, realize that the band is a tool.  I still have to be very watchful about what I put in my mouth.  My new little stomach (don't like calling it a pouch) can tolerate anything, so I really have to watch it.  I love my band and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself.  Good luck in your quest.

Thanks for the suggestion-I will certainly keep him in mind.  I have to admit I am a little discouraged; after making a few phone calls I don't think we have any doctors in the Fort Smith area that does the lap band procedure.   I've prayed about this- whether it's the right thing to do and kind of wonder if this is God's way of telling me this is not the right thing for me to do since I really do not want to have to go out of town to have this procedure done.  I do realize the band is only a tool and that it still takes willpower and self-control---maybe that's what I should be praying for. 

You don't need to give up. I too had prayed for about 2 years to be able to afford it. Finally between my husband and my inusrance I could afford it. I started the process for insurance and was going pretty well than hit a block.I couldn't find any record of my weight 5 years back. This was a requirement for inurance. The Doctors office told me with out it I would not be approved. I was very upset and cried. I talked to my mom and she said not to give up, Sometimes Satan likes to thourh curves in Gods plan for us.  Pray again. She said things had gone to smoothly up till now. SO I prayed about and the next moring I found a doctor who had the record from 5 years back.. After that everythng was smooth sailing. I was approved by insurance, had all my tests and surgery done in less than 3 months. Everything has been great. I am barely over a month out and have lost 41 pounds. Of course I had the Ryn not the lap band. But I know that Dr. Roller does both surgeries. Also the drive isn't bad it is interstate all the way. Good luck>>>

Carla,  thanks for the support and encouragement.  I appreciate your input and Springdale is really not that far away---it's something to consider.  I want this so bad; not only to look better.  But I have so many medical problems that weight loss would improve-which is my main concern.  What's that old saying "I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired!!!"  Best of luck on your journey-sounds like you doing great.