I am finally ready to start this journey..

In Toledo - I have contacted 3 practices - Toledo hospital, Wood county and a Dr who does Lap Bands out of St. Lukes...

Any of you have experiences with these places?  What do I ask?  How do I know what kind of surgery I want?  Do I want to ask about a lap band. I have lots to lose - and have arthritis and asthma that make it hard to move much right now. I have 2 young kids - and I can not be "Handicapped" like I feel right now and be the Mom of this family. 

Sorry - kind of babbling -but looking forward to hearing from folks who have BTDT.

Welcome!!!!!!!!!! I can't answer a lot of your questions I'm near Dayton, OH but what I can answer is on how to chose what TYPE of WLS to have. REASEARCH, REASEARCH, REASEARCH then REASEARCH some more.  Go to all the different boards here at OH, lap band, RNY, DS, and what ever else is out there. Post/ask lots of questions. Read different peoples bio's. See wht their story is like. (click on their name). Start making a list of PROS and CONS on EACH TYPE. Most all WLS can be done LAP now also.  Call you insurance and find out whay types of WLS the cover. (Back in 2003 the band was not covered by my insurance.) Go to several different info sessions and hear what each doctor has to say.  How long have they been doing WLS, how many LAP how many LAP that turned in to OPEN. (I had open, just a longer scar and a little more recovery time).  What is there after care program like. Do they charge a program fee, how much.   In the end only YOU can chose which one is RIGHT FOR YOU and your life style.  Good Luck,  Robin

I would suggest you do as the other poster suggested, research the different choices you have - pros and cons.  Then, attend a seminar given by a doctor who routinely does all the main ones: RNY, DS, Lap and others if you are interested.  He/she will give you the most accurate information.  You will especially want to consider any medications you take when you decide on a surgery.  I believe that RNY and Lap patients cannot take NSAIDs, so if you need to take them for your arthritis that could be an issue.  The only surgery I know that allows those meds is the DS.  If I am wrong about that, please correct me.

If you are in the Toledo area, Dr. Brian Lane is a good choice.  I have seen a number of his patients posting.

Good luck in your research,

Caroline