Hi Everyone ! New here !

I just wanted to introduce myself and hope to meet some new friends through this journey. As of now I am in the "thinking" process. Thinking as in, which surgery to have, Lap Band or Gastric. I originally choose the Lap Band due to it sounding so less invasive but I have heard that the Gastric would better suit me. If anyone has any suggestions or help, it would be greatly appreciated ! ! ! My main fear is the surgery itself and the after complications. I have never been "knocked out". And I am fearful of some of the complications that can occur after the surgery. Is this normal? Or does this mean i'm not ready? I'm just confused. I know I have to get this weight off, I am 33, 5'3 and 227. I have always been heavy and have tried every diet imaginable twice and gained it all back and more ! I have been fortunate not to have an comoribidites but it's just a matter of time. My entire family has diabetes, and others with heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, etc. My mom was my age when she was diagnosed with diabetes and she has suffered through so many things with it. I don't want my children to see that. I do have 3 kids that I can't do much with them because I am either 1. too tired (due to my weight), 2. can't breathe becuase they want to run or play on the trampoline, or 3. i can't fit into the seats or whatever they may be doing. It's humiliating ! I'm sorry for rambling. I am so thankful I found this site and am really looking forward to getting to know you all ! ! ! Oh btw, I have been to the seminar, I had my appt with my pcp and he gave me my reference letter, a-ok with that now I have an appt for my consult with the dr. and then the nutritionist and psychologist all on the same date (Dec 14th). (and I will be having this done in Traverse City, MI -- Dr. Nizzi) So I believe I am on the right track but any suggestions, concerns, HELP in any way will be so greatly appreciated ! ! THANK YOU ! Rona.

Welcome to the board Rona! There are a lot of very nice and informative ppl here, and you can talk to us anytime. I chose the rny because i had so much weight to lose, and with rny you lose it faster, as to where lap band takes longer. I went through a lot of complications, but it was all worth it and i am very thankful for this chance i've gotten. My best advice to you is for you to read profiles, get as much info as possible so you know what you're in for. You need to see the good and the bad. If there is anything i can do for you just let me know. Hugs Linda

Rona, I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do. You'll find all the support and knowledge you need right here. Hugs from my heart! Take care, Janice

Hi, Rona! Welcome. I have a similar profile -- 5'3, 227 -- though am a few years older. After reading obsessively and doing the risk/benefit analysis with my pcp, weight loss specialist and surgeon, I chose lapband. I made that decision for a variety of reasons, though safety is primary among them. A couple thoughts: 1) Hang around on the lapband and bypass boards - each has a wealth of information to offer (good, bad and ugly ); 2) Lapband and bypass have very similar long range results. The major differences seem to be the rate of weight loss and the relative risk of catastrophic complications. My surgeon commented that "people like you [me] - younger, lower bmi women with children" are choosing lapband more and more often. 3) People on the boards are (generally) very committed to whichever process they chose -- as they should be! Your job is to figure out what you want to commit to! Good luck! Kari

I recommend RNY-X surgery. Dr. Gluck does it in Muskegon and he gets a lot of patients from Traverse. See www.weighok.com

I was wondering about Dr Gluck , heard of him ...is he good and how good is he with insurence and how quick do you get in for insurence? thanks Sherry

Hi Rona, I just want to let you know that i had the rny done last wed the 29th and feel wonderful i was in the hospital only 2 nights i came home fri morning---everything is going well with me---the people here are wonderful they those whom have had the surgery what ever type are the ones whom can really give the iformation along with your dr. and his staff just keep asking questions---everyone here will answer you and guide you with your thoughts--- don't have fear of surgery i work in an operation room and we put people to sleep 40-50 times a day and everyone does well---if your primary dr. whom knows you gives his ok you shouldn't worry---also you can request to meet with anest prior to surgery--thats what i had to do 2 days prior to surgery i meet with anest and had last blood draws anyway i feel great and will be here if you have questions!!! marie k 5'2 252/267 prior to surgery i have already lost 15lbs!!!!!

Welcome to the board Rona I had my surgery two years ago in Grand Rapids and live in Traverse city and working at Munson. I have heard great things about the surgeons in Traverse city, Wishing you well on your journey. Tricia

Thank you everyone for your kind welcoming here ! You all are so sweet and have such great advice ! I am definitely going to keep looking into both the LapBand and the RNY. I will also talk extensively with my surgeon of course. One side wants to be thin so bad since I never have been so I want to lose it fast and I don't want that to be a factor in my decision. I want it to be the safest, healthiest and just the right decision for me. I hope that I can be here for any of you if you ever need it !