More Questions-Newbie

Hi,

I am new here - considering surgery.  Thanks to all the previous responses to my other post.

I am going to the Clarian seminar Saturday, and am going to set up an app't at St V's to see where I like best.

My questions are - since my bmi is less than 40, (38) do they automatically do a lap band?  Also, if I have the surgery is the loose skin from the rapid weight loss, if I lost 80# without surgery wouldn't I still have the loose skin?  Has anyone had surgery to remove loose skin, and if so, what were the results.  Can't the loose skin be given to burn units?

I am wanting it for combination of health (painful joints, recent heart problems), and would love to look better and feel lighter. 

Any advice on getting surgery approved quickly with my bmi less than 40?

Thanks again.  Everyone on this site seems so friendly and helpful.  Thank you.

A lower BMI does not dictate the type of surgery.  That is a choice you make with the advice of your surgeon.

Loose skin varies from person to person and depends a lot on your age, skin type, number of years the skin has been stretched, etc.  Skin, once stretched beyond "recovery" (the point where it will snap back) will not respond to diet or exercise.  It's like clothing that had become stretched out of shape or is too big.  It can only be removed surgically.  Unfortunately this skin is usually not eligible for donation to burn patients.

Getting approval with a lower BMI is not impossible.  However, you will need to make a strong case for surgery due to co-morbidities like diabetes, heart problems, etc.

Best wishes.

I just went to one of the Clarian Baratrics seminar yesterday, it was very helpful/informative. I went in there thinking that I wanted the lapband, but maybe I'd like to have the RNY instead. When you get there, they'll have you fill out some information, there will be a powerpoint with someone talking and educating you about the different options, one of the surgeons will also talk to the group; after all that, you can choose weather or not you want to set up a consultation with a surgeon. Dr. Inman seemed great (she talked to the group), so I decided to set up a consultation with her...I was supprised how fast I got an appointment to see her! January 15th! Whoa. On that date, I'll meet with Dr. Inman and also a nutritionist to discuss what needs to be done. I am excited and yet happy that I am taking a step to a better life. I hope you succeed in finding the information you are needing at the seminar, one of the surgeons will be able to answer any questions that you have. Have fun and be safe in the snow.

I get excited for others when I know they are beginning their journey.  I hope you get all the answers you are looking for and you have great success with your surgery.

The difference between lap band and RNY is usually decided by the amount of weight you need to lose and the overall health of the patient.  It is a decision made most often by you and your surgeon.  Some insurances wont cover fills for the lap band so RNY is the better option.  I have heard that lap band fills are around $300 each time and can be done a few times a year.  I dont really know as much about them as I would like to know.  But there are banders on this board that will answer questions about it if you post them.

I have seen success with both types of surgery and think it is a very personal decision.  Either way, its great that you are trying to regain your health and make your quality of life better.

Please keep us informed about your journey.

PS  Dr. Inman is pretty awesome from what I have heard.    She would be a great choice.

Huge hugz,
Tracy