Needing Some Info. Please

Hi All,
A few of you may remember me--although I've not been around these boards in a while. I hope everyone is well!
A bit about my current situation... The weight is not getting any better. I seem to have ZERO willpower in the area of food and it frustrates me. Since I've not been working (for a while now) I find myself eating "mindlessly." I'm also not doing as good with portions as I used to. But it's mainly the snacking and junk food--not to mention my "companion" which is Dr. Pepper. I always have a glass with me.
I've considered WLS for some time now but never was quite ready to push for it. To be honest, I STILL have some concerns about things like whether or not it will make my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) worse and the "bigger stuff" such as blockages, leaks, and yes, even death. This is a MAJOR surgery that would forever change the way my insides were made and have functioned thus far.
But I believe I'm ready to take this on and change my life. I can't live in this body comfortably. I am noticing a LOT more body aches, I have high blood pressure, my weight depresses me, I am soooo LIMITED by it. I could go on and on about the ways in which it limits me and the things I want/need to do but can't because of weight. I am now at 255 lbs and I hate it!
I've called Dr. Loggins office two or three times in the past year. They've been very nice but the last I checked they STILL are having problems with Medicare and thus I've been on a waiting list for quite some time.
I'm ready to look elsewhere. I've heard Dr. Renee Woolf and Dr. Cobean are in the Portland area and are great?? If anyone could give me info on what number to call, where they are located, how to start this process I'd be grateful! I don't have a car (or drive) so it's going to be tricky if they require a lot of meetings and visits in Portland but I'm thinking perhaps I could do a lot of the lab work right here in Lewiston? Any thoughts or advice welcome!
And, happy mother's day to all you moms out there! Lori

Hey Lori, nice hearing from you, its been a while.  I totally understand what your going thru.  Don't feel it is only you, we've all gone thru this.  All a little different, all different issues, habits, but all the same, we understand.  I think it is great you are not giving up and moving on.  The Number 1 concern should be you.  If Medicare is the problem, then find someone who can help you.  You need to move on and make a decision.  If you ask all of us, we probably would all tell you the same.  "That we wish we would have done this sooner"  I think you should discuss your fears and concerns with your dr and maybe they can suggest an alternative.  The one thing you need to keep in mind is there is NO, perfect solution, no matter what you choose you will have to deal with issues.  As I'm sure you know, cause we've talked about this before, RNY problems, then we have the Band, which if you don't have willpower now, working with the band is just another diet.  I don't feel the band has done ALL that I thought it would.  all my success has been because of my food choices or calorie counting.  Its been a hard road, I have been far from perfect, but, am happy with my little loss, at this time I could be 50 lbs. heavier without the band.  If I had to choose again, I still would choose the band,  I feel I still have good health.  I"ve dealt with slight over fills which were truely uncomfortable, but was able to have it fixed and within a few mins. I was back to normal.  Have you looked into the sleeve or  other wls??  dont' give up, keep up your homework and keep up updated.  I'm here for you girl...  Hugs, Cheryl

Welcome back!!  I say go for it if you have to go elsewhere.  I had IBS and it got so much better when I fixed my eating habits and had the surgery.  I would not let that hold you back.

My IBS has totally changed since I had surgery and my diet.  I would highly recommend it.

Good luck to you. I think it will be difficult since you don't drive but not impossible. I think you need to go to a Bariatric Center of Excellence like EMMC or Portland to get it covered by Medicare.

Thanks, Kelly and everyone else *****sponded! I appreciate the support! I hope too that someone who has had either Dr. Woolf or Dr. Cobean will "chime in" with how they work things. I am SOMEWHAT familiar with Dr. Loggins and his pre-op requirements due to my friend Anne having had surgery with him back in 2007. But I'm guessing not every doctor is exactly the same with requirements? Hope you all have a good week! Lori

I had lap band surgery with Dr. Wollf in December.  I am so glad I did.  They are really good there and have been alot of help.  You can go to the Maine Medical Center site and look at the Bariatric surgery program it will give you all the info you need.  You can also look at the Casco Bay Surgery site which is the site for the Dr's.  Good luck in whatever you choose.

I hope more people with those surgeons chime in with info for you!  Good luck on whatever decision you make!  Know that we are here for you anytime!