Experiences please

1st off, I would love to say that reading your posts have done wonders for me. You can learn so much through someone elses eyes. I have a few questions to any who can answer. How did you know the surgery was for you? I am thinking very serious of WLS but there are still a few things holding me back, and they be very silly or superficial to some. I have 4 children, from 2-8years old. The Dr in my area doesn't do it any more, so I would have to go to West Palm or Ocala, so that means arrangements for the kids. I don't think I will tell that many people till after the fact so I don't hear all the con's, ya know what I mean...lol So being I have 4 small kiddo's recovery time HAS to be as little as possible, LAP only, not open. And I am a SAHM with only hubby's income, which is enough to survive, but we don't have extra $ to toss around, and we are done with credit cards, trying to be debt free. How much did you have to pay out of pocket? I know insurances are different but just a jist...lol I am also apprehensive to talk to primary about it too, he has NEVER said anything about me being obese, ever, in fact the last time I saw him I asked him to do B/W since I gained 10# in a year, AFTER having a baby, all was fine. And what was the time frame from original appt to surgery. And I know I have horrid skin and I'm sure I will be a flapping away, will ins, cover the tummy? I have a thousand more ?'s to ask but I will stop the maddness right now...lol Any words of wisdom that you may have, please share your experiencec with me. Thank You very much!.......Jennifer

I researched the surgery for years...I started the process with a local doctor but that didn't work out. I said to myself I can do it on my own, I lost 65 pounds on WW in 3-4 months but my will power to do it stopped. I stopped doing it and slowly started to gain it back, I didn't want to gain it all back so I decided that WLS was really my answer. I have 3 kids and I had to drive to Ocala for my surgery. I didn't want the pain in my hips anymore, I wanted to see my kids grow up and I wanted to partcipate in their lives. I told my close family and my best friend, she wasn't positive about it and that wasn't going to stop me...she is no longer my friend now. I had open, I was back to my pre-fat self and running around in a matter of weeks. I understand about money too...I had to borrow my co-pay of 250 from my parents. I am out-of-pocket...about 1500 bucks total and that includes my stricture issue at 6 weeks. I was scared to talk to my PCP like most people...he was very supportive and still is. When I am sick he is very very careful of what he gives me...I have heard stories of doctors that aren't too careful. My time frame was exactly 2 months. I had my consult on 6-4-04 and surgery 8-4-04. I had great insurance that approved me same day and my doctor scheduled me for surgery a week later. About skin, everyone is different, I thought I would have tons of belly skin hanging after having 3 kids and carrying the fat in my belly area. But to my surprise I don't have much skin on my tummy, I still want a tummy tuck though. My insurance doesn't cover plastics unless from cancer. I am trying to get out of our debt now so I can get a body makeover. Good Luck and keep the questions coming we are here to support you. Tracey 5'9 327/169 below goal

How did you know the surgery was for you? How did I know. The night I got into my girlfriends car and my pants split from front to back. She had already had the surgery, and I swore I would never have it because I couldn't see spending all that money if you still had to diet and exercise. Hmph! I would do it again tomorrow. However, making this decision is a personal one. My husband fought me tooth and nail as he was totally and still is totally against it. Of course, he never had a weight problem until recently and at that he has never been more than 50 lbs overweight at his highest. You do not say how much overweight you are. 100# is the minimum and that is if you have no co-morbidities which you do not mention either. Lap versus open. Well I have heard the recovery time can be the same. I know several people who have had the lap and had the same amount of discomfort as those who had the open. So, research before making that decision. Also, research the surgeon. There are as many doctors out there doing this procedure as there are procedures. So, research. As far as insurance covering plastic surgery. That depends on how much skin you have hanging and how it is affecting your daily life. You will need to discuss that with your surgeon after you have WLS and have reached goal weight. Again, more research. Sorry if the research thing seems redundent. I belive in it. A well informed patient has less complications both physically and mentally. Hope this helps. Phyliss

I agree with what the others wrote. I would just add : Don't be afraid of what your primary will think, he will probably support you and if he doesn't find someone who will. You will need someone to help at home while you recover for 2 weeks post op. You can't life 15 lbs, and you had major surgery. Don't be idealistic and think you can go home to things as before. Give yourself tie to heal and you will be better in the long run. I thought I wouldn't tell people either, then 4 weeks pre op decided to and I am glad I did. What was I hiding. I needed their support and prayers, and that is what I got. So I'd encourage you to tell people. Those who are the naysayers, only care and are probably mis informed. Love them anyway. Time varies till surgery. You have to get psych eval to put in insurance application. Approval can come in days, then surgery 4-6 weeks after? You have to get several tests done during that time. Glad you are here, and hope we can be of help and encouragement. Blessings, Tami

Thank You all for your input!! I have 100% of my husband on my side, so that is a plus. I am 5'3" on a tall day and weigh 280, so I know I will qualify as far bmi goes, but besides parental history of ailments from diabeties and lung issues, there aren't many problems I have. I have never had gestational diabeties(while preggo), My weight really doesn't "restrict" me from much, overall I believe I am healthy, I have a touch of asthma, usually induced by allergies, and VERY minor, I would say my biggest complaint is my feet hurt all the time, I've had planter fassiutis for over a year and is not healing. Heart problems scare me, and my kids are my life, so I will do anything for them. I realize I woun't come home from the hospital fresh as a daisy and will need help. I hate to ask for help, but my church family is always willing...lol I suppose I will get on the ball with finding asurgen within my insurence and go from there... Again THANK YOU for the support and welcomes!

Hi Jennifer, If you would like to talk about the subject, email me and I will give you my number or you can give me yours. To many good things to say....and not enough space! Take care Terese -130 8-19-03

i am writing this and not reading what other people post but you have to ask yourself, are you really over weight to where you need this surgery. I know 2 people who had this surgery and think it is a cure all. ITS NOT. You still have to exercise and eat right and do what the doctor tells you. When this procedure is done you stomach will over time get a little larger then what it was right after surgery. I know because my best friend had it done did not do what she was suppose to and gained 50lbs back. Its a tool so you have to look at it that way. Use this tool to your advantage, if you decide to do it. And ASK your doctor, thats why he/she is there. If your afraid to say anything maybe you need a new doctor. Also make sure your inusrance covers it alot of them have exclusions. I know when my friend had it done, she paid out of pocket because the insurance would not cover it and it cost her over 40,000.00 but she had complications and its different for everyone. But what happend is her insurance will not cover anything related to the gastric bypass as far as meds, doc visits etc... so be careful with that. As far as the lap or open, i think its pretty much up to the doctor what he wants to do. As for the flappy skin, its cosmetic so i dont think insurance will cover that at all. Good luck on your journey and God bless.

No one but you can make this decision. I would do it again in a heart beat. But it is a tool. Which means you still need to eat right and walk alot. Best to you and this is the best place to ask questions. ttina

Well, Im still pre op..and fighting insurance as we speak. But I have to give my input. I had known about the surgery for 3 years, desperately started the process 8 mths to a year ago. Ive had many situations since that have told me Im making the right decision. Diet and Exercise are proven factors not to work alone...Since making the decision I have stopped the yo yo dieting and gained like 10 lbs. That last 10 has made me FEEL the pains at work, made me unable to bend and pick something up when it drops, made me cry when I didnt fit in the airplane seat, got me made fun of in public at disney when I didnt fit in the tourstile, made me upset when I didnt fit on the ride at disney, made me cry when I couldnt enjoy a Red Sox game at Fenway b/c the chairs bruise my hips, made me too sick to look in the mirror, and certainly made me realize the value of WLS. My PCP wasnt thrilled with the surgery b/c he was very ignorant and uneducated on it. I urge you to go to one of Dr. Jefferson Vaughan's lectures and hear what he has to say about the surgery and his qualifications. I along with Terese (above) can tell u he's a miracle worker. She more then I b/c shes 2 yrs post op - but I can tell u from recent talks with him alone - hes a WELL EDUCATED, very very TALENTED surgeon who truly cares about his patients...The surgery is your choice, and the surgeon is yours too - but if u want to talk feel free to email me anytime. [email protected]!

I had thought about the surgery before but it's not until you're READY to make a change in your life - that you'll decide to do it. There are many positive and negative changes that occur and you have to be somewhat ready for most - especially if you have kids. I traveled to Ocala to see Dr. Overcash. He did it Open and my recovery was only 2 weeks. Insurance paid everything except atotal of $500, 8 months later had to have gallbladder surgery since it was going bad. All okay - no complications - yet a changed life. I did mention it to my PCP - it's my life anyway but I wanted to see what he was gonna say. Was neither for nor against,but did provide my medical information and got approval in 14 days. I had my ori appt in July 16 and after approval I was ready to do it but do to work scheduling had to wait and had it on 9/29. Definately most insurance don't pay PS so it might be a matter of living with the flapping skin - I know I may have too. But it's better than living w/o being able to breathe well. good luck!