How long..........

Did you think about having the surgery before you actually took the first step?

Did you rely solely on what you'd heard, or did you do research?

Did you attend any info seminars?

I kicked the idea around for about 2 years before I went to an info session with a surgeon other than DVR.  I didn't like him, got an immediate bad vibe, and then waited 3 months and went to a DVR seminar, which really helped me make up my mind.

I did TONS of research on my own - books, etc., but didn't actually come across OH until I was MUCH closer to surgery.

NEXT!!!

Tia

I asked my Dr. probably a year before I actually started taking the steps for the surgery.  I had pretty much decided that I was not going to have it done.  Well all it took was for me to go to my doc and she mention that my weight was fluctuating too much and told me to look into it.  She wanted to see me back in 2 months.  When I went back I had done the seminar, Called my insurance to find out the requirements, and met with the surgeon and nutritionist.  I prolonged the whole process but all and all I had my surgery within 6 months of getting started with all of the appointments. 

I did so much research online and reading it was rediculous. 

Hey Tia,
It took me at least 5 years: The first couple I spent telling myself there was no way I'd be able to afford the procedure and, of course, doing my homework (listening to some people, not listening to others). Year 3 and - a good part of 4, I spent "convincing" myself that I could lose the weight on my own (I'm sure NOBODY else has been there, done that). Year 5 I spent alternately in agony and escasy going to the information seminar @ GBMC, choosing Dr. Moe, going through the supervised weight loss, various tests and waiting for approval from my insurance company.   -Antoinette

I talked to my PCP about a year ago and she told me she has some people who have done good and then others with problems. I have been reading books from library and getting info from anyone here that will help. One day it seems like its a good decision and then other days I am not sure. I guess once I go to an info session I might have a more solid direction. I know I ask alot of questions but I am on the fence. I think the lap band may be my choice as if I fail I will have the bypass to fall back on..How do you all feel about this? Did anyone ever feel like I do?

 

                                                                        Julie

My friend who had the surgery almost a year before me started working with mein Aug/Sept 2006. I started tlaking to her about it then. I went to a seminar up 95 somewhere far far away from me and didn't like the doctor. I waited months and then wet to see Dr. Roe in March 08, I think. I loved him and his staff and started applying for insurance approvals right away.

Did you think about having the surgery before you actually took the first step?
it took me about 2 yrs


Did you rely solely on what you'd heard, or did you do research?
oh i did a bunch of research!!! i watch dicovery health all the time when it talked about it, i looked online and i requested all kinds of stuff to be mailed to me!


Did you attend any info seminars?
i attended 1 seminar and that was for DVR!!!!! i knew right then and there that i had picked the right doctor!

It was about a year and a half for me - when I saw the commerical for Lapband, and then went online to read more about it because I knew hunger was my issue - I ate healthy food and seconds and thirds of more healthy foods. 

Then, I went to a seminar in August of 2007 where Dr. Averbach was conducting it - and it explained the different types of surgeries they performed. 

I learned that I didn't meet the BMI criteria and didn't have any comorbidities.  So I gained another 15 pounds just to get to the BMI.  I started my 6 month diet program in February of 2008.

I was approved sometime in August/September after the 6 months supervised diet was up and the psych evaluation.  I requested that the surgery be done in December when the Fall semester was over with.

Did you think about having the surgery before you actually took the first step?

It took about 3 years or so.  I was originally researching lapband and I kept going back and forth with whether or not I wanted to pursue it.  Each time I learned a little more and would chicken out...I didn't think I could do the liquid and pureed phases....I didn't know if I wanted a foreign body inside of me...never mind, I can lose weight with weigh****chers if I stick to it for longer than 4 months this time.

Did you rely solely on what you'd heard, or did you do research?

It was all research for me, I didn't meet anyone who'd actually had the surgery until I'd already begun the process.  I did mostly online research and found some message boards and yahoo groups which I joined and quit a couple of times before making my final decision.  And it changed my mind from lapband to RNY.

Did you attend any info seminars?

I attended the mandatory information seminar at Johns Hopkins Bayview and got a few more questions answered.  Dr. S was the doctor speaking that night and hearing him go through all of the options, statistics, pros, cons, etc.  I was convinced he knew his stuff even if he's not a completely warm and fuzzy person.

I joined OH in 2001 and finally had my seminar November 2006

Then of course I wanted it done the next day LOL

8 months later I finally had surgury.

My best friend had it 5 years before I did:  she wanted us to do it together but
I just wasn't ready yet. 

I went to only one seminar 

I've been thinking about it for years and years but finally something kicked in last year and I decide to REALLY pursue it.  I think finding out my neighbor had RNY was the last step in pushing me - she and I were about the same weight, the other 2 people I personally know with RNY were SSMO.  I've tried WW off and on too many times to count on both hands and I just couldn't stick with it anymore.  I had a heart to heart with myself and KNOW without a doubt that I cannot loose and keep the weight off without assistance. 

I started my  research 'interviewing' the folks I know and then coming online to find more info. During that time I found OH and even more surgical options than I originally knew of.  I didn't like the lap band idea, wasn't fond of RNY because I rely on NSAIDS, so I was extremely interested in the DS - but at the same time scared because it's the 'granddaddy' of WLS in my opinion.  I think for me the DS would be like shooting a rabbit with an elephant gun and just not necessary so I am proceeding with the VSG

I had my info session in December and backed out of my surgery consult (hey, had to give WW one more chance cuz I just *knew* I could do it on my own.)  Well, after 2 months of that this year, I'm now scheduled for my consult on 4/6.  I'm not sure what all is involved after that?  But I do pray I don't have to wait too long for surgery because although I'm terrified, I'm even more terrified of what quality of life I'll have in 5 years if I don't do something now.  I'm ready to begin the next chapter of my life!