Intro, and am I over-thinking?

Hi everyone!  I'm sooo happy I found this group.  I'm Jen, and I've been approved by my insurance, but no date set.  I'm slowing the process down, not sure if it's cold feet or indecision or just plain scared.  Maybe you all can help with some "been there" insight.

My chronic illness is what brought me to see the the bariatric surgeon.  I have Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension... basically too much spinal fluid, all the symptoms of a large brain tumor.  They don't know what causes it, and there is no cure.  They do know that weight is somehow related (chicken and egg question though).  So, after a 2 year headache and my life going down the tubes, I go to a neurosurgeon to get a shunt, and he suggested WLS first.  It's way less risky, it'll have other health benefits, but it MAY or MAY NOT help my symptoms.

So, my goal is to rid myself of these headaches, nausea, vertigo, and memory/cognition problems.  The skinny part is a side note.  But two years from now, I may be skinny, but the surgery would be unsuccessful because I may still be where I am now.  See the dilemma?

I decide to move forward, but now I have to pick which surgery I want.  Doc says I'm a good candidate for the three they offer, Lap Band, sleeve, and RNY.  I had originally told the doc RNY because I would lose faster.  But now, I'm thinking sleeve because I like the idea of removing that part of the stomach.  But I don't know.  I'm scared to pick wrong.

And every day I push back my decision, is another day I'm not getting any potential relief.

Am I worrying myself too much?  Does everyone do this to themselves?  Should I just go with my gut (pun... funny) and move forward?

Sorry that was long, but thanks!

DS not an option for your insurance??

 Not exactly.  I'm a Clarian employee, so I have to go through Clarian.  My surgeon explained they they offer sleeve, RNY, and lapband.

I am glad I had my RNY. but honestly your surgery needs to be suited to you and your medical problems. what will help you loose fastest, safest and get you ready for your next step in life.
Medication is a nightmare for me because I don't absorb most medications correctly. Can't take antinflamitories. My pain liquid has to be liquid.These are questions you will need answered on what type of surgery is best suited for you in the longrun...
Hope I have helped a little Continue questioning your Drs.

Linda Kay

 Thanks.

Do people worry like I do about if this is the right thing, or do you have the "I just know" feeling?

I am pretty sure we all worried ourselves sick. 

The first day I went to my surgeons office I was convinced I would be having a lap band.  After meeting with my surgeon and my surgeon's nurse and discussing some of my eating habits and what my goals were I changed my mind. 

This is a very personal decision and one you do not need to make alone.  Call you surgeons office and explain that you feel unsure.  Ask to meet with the nurse or dietitian to discuss which surgery will have the best outcome with your eating habits.  They will be glad to help you!

Jeannie

I was like Jeanne, I started with the Lap Band for consideration, then changed to the RNY.  DS and the Sleeve were not covered by my insurance at the time.  If they would have been I might have gone with the DS, but I love my RNY.  I am doing well and feel so much better than before.

Jen- I worried about my wife and daughter that is still in school. I was not afraid for myself i was afraid on how they would cope with everything. I knew 2 things, 1 was I was not going to get any better if I didn't do something quick. And 2, I put all my faith into the lord. I am not a go to church every week-end kinda guy, but I believe in the lord to know whats best.
I also had Dr. Ditslear and let me tell you in one word. OUTSTANDING surgeon. I had no complications at all no pain and he was excellent. He told me during liver reduction that he wanted me to lose some weight and maintain the reduction diet cause he had concerns of my liver being very large. I did just that. I lost 40 lbs. and when he was done he took a picture of my pouch and liver and said I had done a great job cause my liver was normal size....You need to do what is best for you but I am so happy with my decision. 72 lbs gone forever and I am 4 weeks and 2 days post op.

Good luck!!!!!!

Michael