Hello, Hello!!!  Just wanted to do a short post and let you all know that I am now below my goal of 140, weighing 136.  I have lost 192 lbs total and 144 since surgery day, 1 year ago from today.  More than anything my health problems are all resoloved and I am living the life I have never had before.  I want to thank all of you for helping me get this far, I know I have said it a million times but without OH and my friends, I would not have gotten as far as I have.  A big thank you to all of you for continuing to inspire me daily.  I ask that you all "pay it forward" with your postop success.  I myself love to do this and make a promise to keep paying it forward as much as I can. A good friend of mine (a 3 almost 4 year veteran to RNY "paid it forward" to me and I made a promise that I would also do the same to her - you know who you are!).  It is the least I can do.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your inspiration and friendship, it means so soooo much. ((((Hugs))))

Hi, Thressa!

You're in good hands with Dr. Eibes.  He used to work with Dr. Coster in Grinnell (my hometown) - they are both fabulous surgeons!

I would recommend this product for your hospital stay (and after):

http://www.amazon.com/Bottom-Buddy-Toilet-Tissue-Aid/dp/B000 RZNBTU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1196753333&sr=8-1 I didn't have one of these, but I should have!  A lot of post-ops recommend these to newbies - I guess they're great! Good luck! 

Just wanted to say "HI"!  I'm a supporter!  (and from Iowa - just not living there!)  Happy Holidays! 

Hi! 

I am from Iowa (Grinnell) and was wanting surgery with Dr. Coster - unfortunately, he doesn't do the DS, and that's the surgery I knew I wanted.  I ended up going to Ohio and had my DS with Dr. Brian Lane of Bowling Green (I was a self-payer, my insurance wouldn't cover me).  He had a good,straightforward payment plan and I was able to swing the initial cost he requested.

It is important to note, however, that if you go out of state, Dr. Lane requires you to remain in Bowling Green for two or more weeks - he wants to make sure that if you develop complications, you can get to him right away.  I think any surgeon worth his salt will require this of you.

Another close option for the DS is Gary Anthone in Omaha. 

Good luck!

Sarah

I also chose the RNY for many of the reasons people have already listed, especially sweet tooth and faster weight loss with larger weight loss longterm (even though there is some debate on that!) My insurance wouldn't cover the LapBand because of my BMI.  Quite honestly, I knew I wanted the RNY from the start.  I also think the LapBand is a great choice for those who are right at that borderline BMI of 35-40. I did consider the LapBand for about 30 seconds, but the upkeep with fills and everything seemed that it would be a pain in the butt.  The research I've found about LapBand and the revision rates also kinda freaked me out. I know the LapBand has improved a lot over the past couple years, but I know the RNY works.  AND I also think that if you want the LapBand, get the Lap Band.  The key is working which ever tool you choose.