Getting WLS referal from Primary Dr. Tomorrow

Hello To All! I have just subscribed to OH and am so pleased to see a CT message board! I am going for my WLS referal tomorrow from my Physician. My BMI is 46. This is a surgery/procedure that I have been considering now for 3 years. I have finally made the choice to go through with it due to having many medical issues/problems, which would be drastically improved with weight loss. Also, I am a Mom to our Son 5 yrs old and our Daughter who is 2.5 years old. I am still undecided whether to have the lap band procedure done or the gastric bypass. I am hoping to hear primarily from those who have had the lap procedure. I have many friends who have gone through the gastric bypass, but know not one person who has had lap band. I am leaning more toward the band, but would love to hear from those who have had it done and could tell me more about it, as well as their experience, weight loss, any possible issues or concerns etc. My Husband is active duty military and is away from home quite often. I like the fact of the 1 day (of course without any complications) hospitalization and in most cases faster recovery period. I am very active with our children and they certainly need a Mom who won't be down for the count for a few weeks. Congratualtions to all you "losers" LOL.....I look forward to charting my journey on my personal page once it begins. I also look forward to getting involved with a local WL support group in my area once the procedure is performed. Thank you in advance! Andrea

Hi Andrea, and welcome! Have you gone to any surgeon's seminars to "feel out" and pick a surgeon? I think you will be better to make a decision on what procedure you want after you attend some seminars. I know that if you call Dr Aranow's office, they'll tell you when the next one is. He is having one tomorrow night (Tuesday the 23rd) but I don't know if there's any room left. You have to call and ask. I had a high BMI (49) and had a bad history of gastric reflux, so the Dr told me that I wouldn't be a good candidate for banding because of the reflux. Plus, I had a LOT of weight to lose, so I opted for the bypass in order to lose weight faster. I do not or haven't regretted having it one bit. Do a lot of research. The more informed you are, the better off you will be in making all decisions and there will be no surprises in the meantime. I live in Westerly, RI, but chose to drive the hour west to Middletown instead of east to Providence because I believed I chose the perfect surgeon for me. I had my surgery in Sept and am down 100 pounds so far. No complications at all. Go with your gut instincts in making all decisions, if something doesn't feel "right", speak up and make it known. You're in charge! Good luck and post often. paula

When you are making your decision, try to compare recovery time from the LapBand with the recovery time for laparoscopic gastric bypass. Most laparoscopic RNY's have a two night hospital stay and many people return to work in about 10 days. Of course, those of us who are full-time caregivers to our kids (I was a stay-at-home dad to two girls aged 4 and 5 when I had my surgery), tend to need just a few days of rest before returning to the full grind. In making your ultimate decision for weight loss surgery, try to address the reasons why you now have a problem with obesity-- both the Lap Band and the RNY are effective means of helping people control their over-eating, but each method works differently in controlling portions and helping you make better food choices. Good luck in making the best decision for you.

Just to give you a heads up Andrea, I had Tricare Healthnet, and they won't approve the lap band. Only the gastric bypass. I had my surgery Oct 2004, with Dr Bell. Loved him. Am down over 100 lbs. Feel better than I ever have before. Am wearing size 8-10 tops, jeans in a loose 12. I have about 20 lbs to go, but people don't believe it!. Maybe things have changed, but if your going thru the Navy Base, I tend to doubt it. I live in Pawcatuck, feel free to email me. Robin