Lots to think about after seminar!

I went to a seminar last night at St Agnes - Dr. Averbach. It was very interesting and informative. It gave me a lot to think about, so much so that I came home and sat up until 1:00 am reading online about procedures. pros and cons of WLS, insurance issues ( United Healthcare Choice plus here), eating changes and all of the rest that goes along with this major life choice.

When I finally went to sleep I found myself dreaming about it. Needless to say it wasn't a restful night’s sleep.

One very positive thing about yesterday - I found this web site here. It has been very helpful with information so far. I am hoping to read a lot more and ask lots of questions to help me truly decided if this is the right choice for me.

Of course it was a bit daunting trying to get my picture upload for my profile. I had to keep shrinking it - if it was only so easy in real life.

Any suggestions or thoughts about how you made your decision would be helpful. I think I am leaning towards the gastric bypass.

Thanks!

Hi Victor!!  Welcome to the Maryland Board.  You'll put yourself in good hands should you elect to choose Dr. A as your surgeon.  He wasn't mine, but I've heard nothing but stellar things about the man.

As you've probably guessed, it's a huge, life-altering process you're embarking on.  And IMHO, you're doing it the right way, by learning, listening and researching.  There's nothing better than a well-informed patient.

My personal story - I'd been overweight all of my life, but it wasn't until I hit 30 that my health started to decline because of it - high blood pressure, sleep apnea, the inability to do simple things, etc.  I researched wls for about two years, and finally, in the summer of 2004, when I couldn't ride an amusement ride with my niece and nephew, I knew the time had come to make a decision.  I attended another surgeon's seminar, didn't get a good feeling, and then attended one for Dr. David Von Rueden (DVR) at GBMC - he's now at St. Agnes, also.  I walked away impressed, and at that point, set up a consultant.

I'm not going to lie - the road you've chosen is not an easy one, and sometimes, just the battle to accomplish everything pre-op is a daunting one.  However, it is the best thing I've done for myself, and my only regret is that I didn't do it much earlier.  I waited until I was 38 - if only I had done it a decade earlier!!  But it took something heartrending to make me see what I needed to do.

My advice to you is to continue reading and exploring the different types of surgery and surgeons.  Once you pick a surgeon, put yourself in his/her hands as far as the type of surgery - depending upon your BMI, they may tell you that RNY is better for you as opposed to lap-band, for instance. 

The most important thing to remember is that ANY wls is just a tool and its success depends mainly on you. 

Welcome to the Maryland Board.  Please jump in with any questions or concerns you may have.  We're a wonderful group of people and always happy to welcome newcomers!

Tia

Hi Victor and Welcome! Tia is right about all she said. Be a sponge and absorb as much info as you can from all sources, boards like this one, support groups, your MD, and reading material.

I remember walking out of the seminar with total fear of the reality of it all. My insides were shivering. I took a friend with me because I knew I would not remember everything and would need someone to discuss it all with. The bottom line for me is that I knew I had to do something. My basket of meds was growing every year and I was increasing becoming limited in the things that I could do. In fact I could not do much of anything. I could always diet for a while. But I could never seem to keep it going long enough to get to where I needed to be. The way I saw it, I was not really living any more and I WANTED to LIVE.

So I started this process. I kept putting one foot in front of the other. Life is terrific now! I feel like I have been liberated!

No matter what you decide for yourself, I wish you all the best.

Debbie

P.S. My Dad's name was Victor. I do not run into many people with that name. Thank you for making me think of him.

Victor,

Welcome to the Maryland Board!  WLS is a difficult decision, but I would do it all over again if I had to.  I'm almost at my 6 month surgiversary and have lost 76 lbs so far.  I am much healthier, and happier with all of the opportunities I have now that I didn't have previously.  My breathing was affected, I slept horribly (sleep apnea), I had Type II Diabetes... notice that is all written in past tense!

Like Tia, my regret is that I didn't take care of myself at an earlier age.  Once you have decided on your surgeon, put his knowledge and skill to good use and allow him to make the best surgical choice for you. 

Oh... yes it is definitely a long process to get to the surgery with all the appointments you'll need... but if you decide to have wls, set the appointments up as soon as possible and get them out of the way (it's a bit overwhelming).

Again, welcome to the board... read everything you can get your hands on regarding weight loss surgery... weigh your options carefully... and put your trust in your surgeon's hands.

Good luck to you!
Ren

Hi Victor.  I like you was very concerned over my choice on which surgery to have as I did my research and talked to the Dr's assistant that I had talked to I leaned towards the Lapband.  I chose the Lapband because I was afraid to have my organs re-routed.  I am a big baby when it comes to something like having surgery.  The other thing was I liked the fact that the band could be removed if need be.  

I think that the route you choose should be carefully considered.  I have a couple of friends that have done the gastric bypass and they are doing great!!  I also have a couple of friends that have had the Lapband and they are doing great as well.  

My suggestion to you is keep asking questions (because these people on this site are the greatest).  Never hesitate to contact the doctors office when you have questions that you feel more comfortable with them answering.  

I had my surgery at Washington Hospital Center by Dr Frederick Finelli and I love him as well as his staff.  They were great!!  I also wish I had chosen to do this earlier.      

Hi Victor,

Welcome to the MD Board.  I agree with Tia - do as much reading and researching as possible as the decision as to WHAT procedure to have is yours personally and something YOU have to decide.

I suggest visiting each of the surgical boards here to familiarize yourself with each procedure and listen to pros and cons. 

Good luck with your journey!

Angie

Hello and like everyone said welcome to the MD board. I have not had any surgery yet and am trying to decide whats best for me. There are alot of great people here and I have learned alot. The support here is the best. I feel as if this is my 2nd family. We talk about everything good bad and ugly. I am glad you went to a seminar as I have not got the nerve to do that yet. I have been reading any book I can and researching my options. It is a big decision but I am tired of fat. I think about when I have grandkids I wont be able to keep up. I dont want that. I am alos tired of being made fun of. I have been made funof since middle school. I wish that I had took this step years ago as it would have saved me a ton of pain. I wish you luck and I will support you as much as possible...I know everyone here will too...

                                                                                                        Julie

Hi Victor!!! Welcome to the MD board. Do you research. This board is the best thing I found since I decided to have WLS. Everyone is so informative and supportive. I have heard great things about Dr. Averbach. Your journey has just begun!!!!

hey Victor!!! I went to TWO seminars. The first one not only scared me, I hated the surgeon and her nure. They were abrasive and cracking jokes about people being fat. It took me 8 months after that to look into it again and I loved this surgeon. He was empathetic, honest and straight forward.

I had no health issues with my weight; but I knew if I waited too long, they would start. I chose the RNY gastric bypass because after all the research, I felt this was the best choice for me. And, it has been.

Read some more, and come back and ask questions. you have people from all stages of the surgery on here.

BTW I had United Health CAre too so if you have any insurance related questions, lemme know.

Be sure to check out the DS boards here on OH. A lot of people don't even know it a surgery choice and overlook it. I would decide what surgery you want then find the best surgeon you possibly can and proceed from there.