First timer here.

Hi everyone! I'm Michelle. I'm 47-years-old .  I live in Louisiana.  I am just now beginning to learn about WLS and making plans to have banding later this year (hopefully).  I'm planning to see Dr. Borland in New Iberia, LA.  From what I've been able to find on the Internet, he does lap banding for $9800, all inconclusive.  If anyone has any information to share or can shed some light onto what I've been able to learn about him, please do.  I don't have insurance, SSI, Medicaid, etc. I plan to save and pay cash for my surgery. I am pretty sure I can have the full amount saved by the end of October.  Fingers crossed!

I have about 200 pounds that I need to lose.  I work from my home about 14 hours a day, 7 days a week so it will be a challenge to get enough exercises, especially when I already hate to do exercise.  My main problem is that I find everything quite painful due to my size.  I'm sure as I lose weight the process of getting exercise will be easier and might even become something that I enjoy doing.  A girl can hope and dream, right? 

I'm sure as time goes on, I will have tons of questions for you guys, the lucky professionals as I refer to you in my mind.  My first question relates to a post I read this morning where a gentleman stated that he weighed 400+ and someone told him to consider another type of surgery, not banding.  Why is that?  Secondly, I've never had a protein shake in my life.  I generally don't like drinks that are mixed from powder.  Must I drink them or is there an alternative to them after my surgery? 

Lastly, how in the world do you put in a signature here? I know HOW to do it, I just don't know where to find the page where I need to do it from.  

Thanks! I look forward to getting to know you all.

 I'm just about to run out the door, but - WELCOME, MICHELLE! 

Michelle,

 Anyone who is self pay I would recommend the sleeve rather than the band as the upkeep on a band can get expensive.  You need to ask if the all inclusive includes lifetime fills and unfills.  or something else.  I have heard the cost of fills from $50-$500 depending on the dr.   If you can find someone to do the fills for you that is near you if you go to mexico for the surgery it would be cheaper that way.

Whatevery you decide good luck WLS is a great decision no matter what way you go.

Welcome,

Believe me these people on this site are extemely helpful. Full of encouragement..

Sandy

I was self pay, and I had to get the band... The sleeve really wasn't one of the options at the time... But If I could go back... I would definately get the sleeve... Plus, My fills cost $300.00 a pop.. Just remember, with the band, you have to be very deciplined.. But, we are always here to help..

BTW, welcome!!!

Hello welcome

I wish you lots of luck with your journey.

You mentioned the pain you experience due to your size.  I have to tell you the pain will be reduced as you lose weight.  I was 350+ lbs and I couldn't walk up stairs without being out of breath and ly legs hurting...which is not good when you live in a second floor apartment.  As you lose you will feel lighter and lighter.  There are exercises you can do that don't put a strain on your joints.  I would Google exercises for people with joint pain...see what you get. 

Another thing I Googled was desk exercises...since you mentioned you work at home 14 hours a day.  There are some exercises you can do right from your desk chair that looked low impact so they shouldn't hurt that much.  I do want to say anyone starting up exercise for the first time you will feel some pain.  My first month was the worst.  My legs hurt almost every day...then I even got hemorrhoids from straining with the weights....hahaha  That was worse than the muscle pain.  Then I got a ganglion cyst on my wrist..again from lifting weights.  Ugh...I was a mess.  Just take it easy and find exercises that won't stress your joints out. 

Good luck.

Based on the little bit of information that I have currently, my inclination is to have the lap band procedure for a number of reasons.  I promised my mother that I would not have an invasive procedure that would alter my stomach in anyway.  She's my best friend and very afraid of me having a surgical procedure beyond lap band, actually she and my husband are both freaking out about lap band surgery.  Ha!  I don't mind paying for the fills if that's required.  I figure I'd either be paying for fills or medical care due to bad health so it basically equals out in the end.  Nothing is set in stone though. I'm open to eveything right now despite what I told my mama.  

 
But least invasive does not mean safer!!  It means the surgery itself has less than 1% less risk than safer procedures long term.

Your Mom doesn't have to live with the surgery type, you do.  Choose wisely and please don't depend on what others feel you should do, do what YOU feel you should do.

I'd go with the safer and more effective surgery over what my family wants.  Revision surgery is very expensive and not fun.

Take your Mom and husband with you when you go to the surgeon's overview class. They present pros and cons of each of the surgeries they perform.

 
Wow.... I would think long and hard about self pay for banding.

Banding provides the slowest weight loss, the least weight loss, the highest regain, and the most mechanical complications.  Even the band makers don't give it great reviews in the studies they post on their website.

Did you know that 50% of people need a 2nd surgery in the first 5 years?  Half to fix a mechanical complication and half to have the band removed.  You are talking self pay for the 2nd surgery as well.

It really isn't a matter of just working hard and following the rules.  If that was the case I'd still be banded.  Check out the other WLS types, MANY were previously banded and had to revise and since you are self pay you'll be self pay for this as well.

Sleeves are restrictive only and long term they are far safer than banding.  Many people believe that because the band is the least invasive it is the safest and this is NOT TRUE!  Slips, erosion, port flips, port infections, disconnected tubing, esophageal damage, reflux, band intolerance, the works.

Then you will also be self pay for aftercare and you will need a lifetime of aftercare.

Do you realize that you could go to Mexico, get a sleeve with three nights in the hospital, NO aftercare AT ALL, for less money than you will pay in the US for a band?  In the long run sleeves are cheaper, safer, farrrr better weight loss, and did I mention safer? ;o)

Please know ALL the surgery types and know why you are choosing one over the others.