Getting Ready...

Yay!! Some NB'ers!!

Been good to read some posts by pers who've had the surgery, by the dr who is will be doing mine.  Dr Beausoliel in Moncton.
I go the 4th of Aug for my day long Information session.  I don't know how long after that for my surgery.  I thought I was set for a lap-band, but I've heard varying stories of success, as I guess too many people find a way to get around it?  Now I'm not so sure that the lap-band will be what I need...I will decide for sure after the info session...
I've lost weight in the past, but have gained it again, I'm quite the yo-yo, and not just cause I live in hillbilly hickville...LOL.  I have will-power issues. 
My initial referral was in 2004, my first consult this past Apr. 
I'm so looking forward to it, but I'm also nervous.  Normal I guess. 
Everyone seems to be doing so well.  You're stories are inspiring.  Some very brave men and women out there.

Cheers All...
Laura

Although you do have input as to what kind of surgery is best for you the doctor will have the final say.  I think I might have gone with the bypass but I was too old, Dr. Beau will not do it on people over 55.  The information sessions are usually geared for the surgery you will be having so I would suggest you contact the clinic to make sure that you are going to be in the right session.  For example I was having band surgery and so it was only information about the band surgery.  Best make sure you will be in the right session.  If you think you want RNY surgery you had better make sure that the doctor is in agreement.  I have heard that some people had to convince him to do the RNY instead of the band. 

Ann

Congrats! The full day info session is great with a lot of good information. They will have a lapband and a bypass patient there so be sure to ask them lots of questions. I've spoke to the group twice ~ it's a true honour to be able to give back.

Re lap band success, I lost 100 lbs in a year (250 - 150). I am 2 years out now and about 167 lbs. II did gain some weight but all because (as you said) I found a way around it. I think you can eat your way around ANY surgery if you really try.

I was a yoyo dieter / loser / gainer for EONS and this lap band has been the answer for me. I can't say enough good about it. I do like to mention though to anyone that it takes a lot of work and committment on the peron's behalf but it is so much easier with the band. The key for me has been exercise, hands down and NOT starving myself (i.e. I eat 1600 calories / day).

I wish you well with whatever surgery you chose!

They had asked me over the phone what kind of surgery I wanted when she gave me my info session date, but said I could decide for sure when the day was done.  I was positive it was the lap band, as its the least invasive and I can go back to work in a week.  But I've lost weight before (the most recent, in 2004 I lost 85lbs in 7 mos, due to hard work and exercise and at the time, alot of life stress).  I had an injury about a year ago, and 40lbs has crept back on due to my inablility to be as active.  Now that I'm good to go, my weight has become an issue with getting back on track.  And I can lose my job if I can't get back into being active.  My contract is based on being able to complete an annual fitness test.  But 15 years of army life has killed my knees and feet, and the weight is not helping at all!! 

My biggest fear is that I would put it back on again.  Its getting harder to lose each time I put it on, and my blood pressure is high again.  My current weight is 255lbs, tho I carry it very well.  Most people guess I'm about 200.  My goal is to be 155.  All I want is something to help me stay on track, get back into life again.  To find ME again...LOL.  Which also leaves me wondering if maybe the RNY would be a better option.  Either one I know, is just a tool.  And I'm not afraid of exercise.  Normally, I love it.  Even did a half marathon in 2006.  Took me 2 hrs and 47 mins, but I did all 21.4 kms of it...

My husband, also military, has just left for 18 months across the country.  So its just me and my girl on this particular journey.  The 2 weeks liquid diet is kinda intimidating to think about...I wonder how long after the info session until surgery??

If I can do half as good as the ladies on here, I would be very happy!!

Welcome to the site Judy. I was also referred in 2004. I had my surgery in February- lapband.

I'm pretty sure the process is a LOT quicker now - my initial consult was back in summer of 2005 - RNY in April 2008. But - looking back  - the wait(weight) haha I'm too funny - was a good thing - cemented in my head that this was RIGHT for me - cheers! Mary

Mary, you've done so well in that year and a bit since your surgery...!!  You look wonderful!

How do you find "regular" life with now the RNY?  Did you have any complications?  Whats a typical meal day like?  I thought for sure I was going to go for lap band, but I was told you can't drink the same time as you eat (or is washes the food right through the band into your stomach...) and I've been trying to not drink with my meals and its darned near impossible!  LOL..I drink lots of fluids in the run of a day!  So I'm wondering if I shouldn't go the RNY route...??

Laura