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Where to start when choosing your surgery?

clawrence
on 9/22/08 3:59 pm, edited 9/22/08 4:10 pm - Fredericton, Canada
Hi All,
I know for me the hardest decision was choosing the surgery I wanted to live with for the rest of my life.   So, I understand that in NB there are two options on Medicare... Band and RNY and the DS would be an option that would have to be self paid outside province.  And my second big decision was do I take what was on offer with Medicare, or do I choose something else, and self pay.

I have put down below some of my considerations...and this is to just put out there some ideas for those doing the research.  It is not meant to put down anyone elses choices and I hope this does not step on any toes.  :)

So, how do you know you are choosing the right surgery?
So, to help new people starting their research into what surgery they want... I see some sites on obesityhelp which are often mentioned.   You can do a search above saying "which surgery" and some come up.  Do research on specifics of RNy and Lapband...but as well, you may want to review as well the DS if you do find that you are considering self pay.

Read medical reports and statistics.
For me I was keen on the statistics of amount of weight loss and type of eating that one would do for the rest of their life.  This site seems to be referenced quite a bit on Obesityhelp forums and gives a good overview.  I am not sure if I agree with all the details...but generally it give a good idea of the different ones.

http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html

Email Surgeons who do the 2 or 3 surgeries you are considering and get 2nd and 3rd opinions.
As a newbie doing research, you can also send emails to surgeons anywhere, they often will send you a questionnaire asking about your eating habits and you fill it in and send it back and when this Dr can give you an email second opinion based on your eating habits.  I found this very helpful.

You choose your surgery! 
As you will live forever with your surgery, it has to fit your needs.  How much weight you want to loose, how old you are, how you usually eat,  do you have a huge sweet tooth,  are you an emotional eater, all kinds of things can point you to the different surgeries.  Then when you go to see your surgeon, how does more then one kind of surgery, you can get his opinion about which surgery he feels would be right for you, and you will have all your information to really find out why he feels the way he does.  If you feel a band is best for you and he feels RNY...you can be ready to have a very constructive conversation on why you both have your differing opinions.

Email people
It is all about research research and more research.  Email people who have had different surgeries and get specifics on how it is working.

Understand the medicare system
Make the calls to the Drs or to the Medicare office to really understand how things are working in NB.   So as you make the right steps...you know firmly you are moving in the right direction in order to have the shortest time. 

Decide how long you are willing to wait for a paid surgery.
Have a good look at your options.  Are you 25 or 45, does this affect how long you are willing to wait?  Where will you be in 5 or 6 years if you dont get the surgery?  Are you willing to take that chance?
Do some research on your other options.  I know for many this is not an option because the cost is so high for surgery...but just take some time to consider if you get a bank loan for your surgery and have it at the end of next month...what will your life during this 5 or 6 years be like.  Just something that I would suggest newbies consider...but DO not jump at.  The medicare system is there....try to use this as the first attack...but all I want to say is don't let your life deteriorate while waiting. 

Take Care,



clawrence
on 9/22/08 4:09 pm - Fredericton, Canada
and of course...another determining factor in deciding on the surgery....do you have type 2 Diabetes?

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/risks-and-rewards-of-bariatric-surgery.html


and I should have put this at the top....the review on this webpage of the different options and what to consider.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/wlsurgery.html

any other ideas out there for people do their research into whether WLS is a good option for them, and if it is...which surgery?


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