PRH Program - went to info meeting last night

Wow!  What an informational seminar!  I left there feeling a little better and a lot more scared about the risks of obesity over the long term.  I am now just waiting to hear back from my HR person about the insurance part of it and will move on from there.  I think I will call Nancy to get weighed tomorrow so I can start that, too. One thing that discouraged me about the lap-band was the fact that it is really easy to sabotage yourself.  I mean, I have done just that on previous diets.  I like the less invasive part of the lap-band and the adjustable-ness of it, but when they said it isn't as good for people that 'graze' or love sweets, I got discouraged.  All my overeating is focused on sweets and grazing.  Ugh!  Also the fact that they said some people plateau after 40 lbs or so... Um, I am still technically 'obese' if I only lose 40 lbs.... I really do not want RNY - it's just a little too radical for me!  But I am a little discouraged about things now. It was extremely informative though, and the doctors seem to really care.  I really liked the group approach to it.  And the explanation as to why you need to lose the weight before surgery was very interesting!  And helpful. So now I wait to hear from my HR person about the coverage.... Jenn

Before I started this program I was dead set on having lap band ONLY because it's reversable and because it could be adjusted. But then I went to the meeting and after going through everything and considering everything I eventually changed my mine. I know I'm a grazer and I like sweets more then any other "food" and I know that this option (RNY) is a better choice for me in the long run. I'm willing to risk more to be healthier. My suggestion would be to do even more research on it and really take the time to think aout the pro's and con's of each to decide for YOU.

Hi Jenn,     I found the meetings a bit overwhelming, too.  But I did appreciate the gravity of what these programs are trying to convery - the surgery isn't a cure and all surgery methods require major changes in eating and exercise habits over the long-term.      My experience is much like Jess's - I started out quite convinced I wanted the band and then found myself rethinking that entirely.  It takes time to process all of this information.  And it takes time to figure out what's really the best fit.  My primary reason for wanting the band was so I wouldn't be out of work for more than a week!  Now how's that for an idiotic reason?  I mean, would I really make such a huge decision, such a life-time decision simply in order to get back to work in a hurry?  No, I wouldn't.  Luckily, the programs take many weeks to get through no matter how fast you'd like to get to surgery.  That means we all have the time to reflect on these choices and consider just how important this aspect or that 'feature' is to our life and our obesity.  And I suppose the surgeon may just have an opinion, too!  Imagine that.  LOL  Whatever you decide, I wish you nothing but success.  Treading

It's a great practice.  I went to my information night last June was dead set that I was going to have lapband.  After hearing everything there, and doing some research, I decided lapband wasn't for me, for the reasons you cited for yourself.   Take the time to get all the information and ask questions.  Nancy is only too happy to answer them.  She's really great!

I know how you feel but no matter which surgery you do there are ways to sabotage yourself. Yes with the band you can drink liquid calories, so you have to avoid them... (Liquid calories being things like coffee with sugar, juices, hot cocoa, ice cream, etc.)  But, after avoiding them for a while you will hardly miss them. You have to learn to re-think about food with either surgery.  I am a grazer too but one thing you can do instead of eating is when you are tempted to "graze" - grab a bottle of water instead!   There are pros and cons to each surgery, and you have to decide which is a better fit for you, but there are ways to learn to work with the band so you won't fail.

I agree that there are pros and cons with any WLS that you choose.  I chose the Lap band because liek many people, I wanted the less invasive procedure and the ability to have it adjusted if necessary.   I am also a grazer but have found tha****er can be your best friend when it comes to that.  Just like Cindy, I grab a bottle of water and sip, sip, sip away. Good luck with whatever you choose.   Just so that you know, I have lost 85 pounds sicne my surgery in July 2007 so it is possible to lose a lot of weight, you just have to work you tool.

Hi Jenn,

Welcome !! Like the others have said do a lot of research. I know it is all scary and confusing at first. I did RNY. I was a crab addict and a sweet eater. I knew the Lap Band wasn't for me. Everyone is different. Either one will help you .. Just remember it is a tool and you will need to work with it. Good Luck and keep us posted. Roxanne 

Wow, thanks ladies!  Definitely lots to digest. Anyway, I got my health insurance part squared away and have sent in my application.  I am nervous and excited at the same time.  I know it's going to be a journey and not happen overnight, but I am looking forward to it. I am still thinking of lap band - like many of you said, it's a TOOL, not a fix all. :)  Now I think I just wait for a call back from Nancy.  I probably should go get weighed in at some point too.