Lots of Questions!

Hello all, I'm new to all this and have several questions . . . 1- Is there a threshold BMI that physicians/insurers look at? I'm around 39-40 (BMI) & have been told (not by a doctor, by a friend who was looking into this) that I may not be obese enough to qualify for surgery. I have very good blood pressure, a high cholesterol level & my knees are starting to really bother me. Also, there is a HORRIBLE streak of depression in my family. I've fought it fairly successfully for the last couple years due, in large part I'm certain, to my ability to stay very active. I'm very concerned that my weight is affecting my knees & if I have to slow down I am very concerned that I will become very depressed. 2- I've done some research and am very interested in learning more about the Lap Band method. I think I have a pretty good handle on its pros & cons but do any of you have some additional advice or insight you would like to share? 3- I do not have children but my husband and I would like to start a family at some point. I'm 33 & the clock is ticking. I can't fathom getting pregnant this heavy & don't think I have the time to lose the weight safely on my own (I think I need to lose close to 100lbs). . . however, I understand that they don't recommend getting pregnant for some time after surgery- how long do they typically encourage people to wait? 4- Regarding post-surgery, if you have the Lap Band procedure, how long until you're back to work? Able to exercise comfortably? Thank you so much for your help!!! I am so glad I found this resource & so appreciate everyone's willingness to share their experiences!

As long as you are over weight by at least 100 lbs with heath issues such as your high cholestrol then you are more than likely a canidate for WLS. I strongly suggest that you find a seminar near you to attend and then also attend a support group and talk with all the people there that have actually gone through the surgery. As for the lap band, one of my friends/co-workers had it done in October and she came to work the next day. It's really about how you feel and if your doctor will release you to return to work. If you are in the Atlanta area you can attend a seminar and supprt group at North Fulton regional Hospital, they have a bariactric center they offer a great deal of support and I highly recommend them. I am scheduled to have my Lap RNY on May 23. Hope this helps you... Take care and don't give up!!! Jamie

I just had the lap band. My only regret is not having it done sooner. I'm almost one week out and will return to work tomorrow. I'm a little sore at the site where my port is attached. I stayed one night in the hospital. I would highly recommend this surgery to someone in your situation. I am 5'7" tall and weighed between 250 and 260. By national standards, I was 100 lbs overweight. I had elevated cholesterol and joint problems. I had to have 2 discs replaced in 2002 and recently started having knee problems. I've been walking every day since the day of my surgery. I walk a little more each day. It will probably be weeks before I can start doing heavy exercise, but for now the walking is doing just fine. The weight loss with the lap band is a little slower than with the RNY, but I feel this is a good solution for me. It took me 10 years to put this weight on, so it it takes me more than a year to get it off, then that's fine with me. Like any WLS, this requires changes in your lifestyle. If you continue to eat foods that are not healthy for you, you will not succeed at any of the surgeries. With the band, once you are healed, the rules are protien, non-starchy vegetables, and then good carbs if there is enough room. You must drink at least 64 oz of water a day and should stay away from sugary drinks. There is a great group of folks on the lap band forum. Feel free to drop in there and ask all the questions you can think of. There are folks from all over the place there and from every level of the journey. Everyone is very supportive. Good luck and feel free to email me if you have any other questions. I know I had tons of them and still do. I'm so thrilled with my choice.