More questions!

Hello alI!  am currently still investigating the lapband surgery and have a few questions...(can you see my previous posts for me information about me?) Everyone was so helpful after my last posts I thought I'd start asking here...thank you!  So, I guess my biggest question now is, how can you be really sure this is the right option? I'm 5'3" tall and currently weigh 220 pounds. That doesn't qualify me as morbidly obese. (my current BMI is about 38) However, I am obviously carrying around close to 100 extra pounds. I have a few issues that are directly or indirectly related to my weight, such as glucose intolerance and low HDL, intermittent low back and joint pain. But really, I am in pretty good health other than that. I eat a well-balanced diet. My problem areas are sweets and too large portions. I also tend to turn to food for comfort I think. I exercise fairly regularly...I tend to go in spurts where I exercise every day for a few months, then slack off. I decided a few weeks ago to participate in the Irongirl triathlon next summer and have been doing biking, swimming or walking/running for 45 minutes or so every day since then. (I figure I can get ready in a year of training!)  I started Weigh****chers (again) at the end of March. I lost 23 pounds, then gradually started gaining it back when I stopped being vigilant about writing everything down. At my weigh-in this week, I am starting to go down again. (I was 239 when I started).  I have done this more times than I can count on various programs. I'm 41 years old, and I've lost and gained the same 40 pounds more times than I can count in the past 25 years.  I know you guys can't tell me what to do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts...I vacillate so much in my thinking. Sometimes I get so excited thinking that if I go ahead with the surgery, this will be IT! That this will be the help I need to finally get this weight off once and for all. Then I think about all the lifestyle changes I'll need to make, changes that will be a part of me for the rest of my life and I get nervous. Then I think that maybe I'll give WeEigh****chers this one more good try and that along with the intense exercise (and suport of my friends who are also doing the triathlon) I'll be doing will do it. Then I think that no matter which way I go, I'll need to make permanent lifestyle changes...having the band will just give me more immediate consequences as well as a pretty much guaranteed positive outcome if I follow the guidelines I'm given. Sigh. I know this is long. Thank you for taking the time to read it all. I know it probably sounds all over the place, but honestly, that's kind of where my mind is right now. One minute I'm sure I want to pursue the surgery, the next minute I'm scared and doubtful. Is this normal? i guess in my mind I'm wondering if I'm really qualified to have the surgery? But if I don't have the surgery, will it just be one more wasted year trying to do it alone? I look at my mom who has basically the same story as me, only she's 20 years ahead of me....she's got diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, and just had a angioplasty for blocked coronary arteries. Although I'm fairly healthy right now, the signs are starting and if I don't really commit to doing something NOW, I will end up in the same place she is. I don't want that.  All that said...I plan on attending the support group put on by St. Agnes on 9/5, and made a consultation appointment with Dr.Averbach/Singh for the 18th. Thanks again! Michelle

Hi Michelle,

I'm an RNY-er, so I really have no experience with the band at all but I did want to say that you don't have to be a WLS patient to participate here if you chose to NOT have surgery.   You can be an 'NS' (non-surgical) and still use the resources here for support so don't feel pressured that you have to make a decision.

Good luck with your journey where ever it takes you.   You have nothing (but weight) to lose by exploring all your options.

Best wishes,

Hugs, Mo

I agree with Mo. There is a forum on OH for Non-surgical weight loss. Between the MD forum and that forum you will get incredible support. Weight loss surgery is an incredibly huge step and from reading your post it seems you have enough questions that lots more research on your part is necessary. Good luck and know we will support you whatever your decision is. Jo

We are all here for you. We have been in the same boat at one point or another so support each other is the name of the game. You surgeon will most likely let you know which option is best for you. I had wanted the lapband, but DVR told me that the RNY was my best option. That was due to my diabetes and some other co-morbidities. Ask questions. Weigh you answers. then you will know which is best.  Good luck!!!

Thank you all for your replies. Yesterday morning I sent an email to my family and close friends letting them know I was considering this option and asking for their prayers and support as I gathered information and did my research. Most of the responses I receieved were supportive of the surgical path should that be the way I decide to go. Both of my sisters, however, responded with lots of questions about my motivations for surgery. They both have struggles with weight, one more than the other, but neither of them is as large as I am. (I'm the oldest of four). Initially, I got really defensive, but since it was email, I didn't have to respond right away. As I've had some time to think, I'm actually very grateful to them for having the courage to ask me the hard questions. It's funny, though....my brother, who lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise and has managed to keep it off for almost four years now was completely supportive of the surgical option! I really thought he would be the one to recommend continuing WW.  Michelle

fortunity I didn't have the stuggle  with should I or shouldn't I. One year I went to Germany to see my family. while I was there I saw my neice that had the lap band and she did so well with it that I thought HUM , This is what I want to do. Being at 240 at 5'4" diabetic. High Chol. Thyroid problems. When I came back to the states I called a surgeon and got the ball rolling. My family, My friends and my PCP was all for it. My insurance would not pay for the lapband so I went for the laperscopic Bypass. I started in Oct. and had surgery the end of January 2006. Best thing I ever did for myself. Have not had to TAKE  and any meds for diabetes since the day of surgery. I have also been lowered on my zocor and thyroid meds. If I could do it again I would. In a heart beat. So that is my story. I'm down 80 pounds and would like to loose 20 more. I hope that it helps reading others stories. You will make the right choice for yourself. Stick around and I'm sure you will hear good experiences and bad ones. Mine was text book. Of course I had the worlds best doctor.... Good luck to you .  Ellie