The journey has offically started... Sort of...

So I went to see Nancy yesterday to get weighed so I can start losing my 10%.  Just to clarify, it's 10% of your EXCESS body weight, right?  I suppose I'll find all that out next week w/ my first appointment with Nancy.  I am excited and nervous at the same time.  What happens at this appointment? I am torn with what I want to do - I am really set on Lap-Band, but am really worried about my weaknesses with sweets and grazing.  On the other hand, I am very skeptical about the RNY because of the invasiveness - however I am not sure I should be because I have already had a total knee replacement - talk about invasiveness.... Oh I don't know.  More research to be had....

Yes the amount you have to lose is 10% of your excess body weight.  If I remember correctly they take a mid point of the "normal BMI" and use that as your medically healthy body weight.  Then do the math.   At the first appointment you will normally find out what your 10% loss will be so that step is done.  Nancy will go over both procedures with you and answer any questions you have.  She will also give you the "blue book" that goes over the entire program with you.  She will go through the next steps of the program with you.  Usually you will get your initial referral to see Dr. Wagner for your psych eval, Jacquie for nutrition, and to physical therapy.  Then you will schedule your next appointment with Nancy.  She will put you through most of the program.  A lot will depend on  how fast you lose your 10%.  Then when you are ready she will, give you the okay to schedule your initial appoinment with your surgeon. Best wishes as you start your journey.  Do the research on both procedures.  The dr will recommend what they think is the best way for you to go, but ultimately the decision will be yours.  Both are great tools.

Thanks Terrisa. :) Okay - I understand the nutritionist and the psychologist.  But WHY do they have you do PT?  Seems so odd?  Really looking forward to my next appointment!

I think it's because after surgery you lose a lot of muscle mass along with fat so they will evaluate you and go through some strength training excersices that will be good to do before and after surgery.

Good luck on your journey! Part of the reason for the PT is also to help you get an exercise routine before surgery to help with the 10% and to do it safely based on your health issues.  You can also talk to the PT about activities after.  I got info about how to start running after surgery (I started running in August 07 and my surgery was Dec 06.  Exercise, activity, moving (whatever you want to call it) is just as important as the other things in being successful long term.  And like me, you'll hopefully actually enjoy it!!

First appointment tomorrow!  Excited and nervous!  Looking forward to making progress!