Just starting out ... I need some help.

Hello everyone! I'm just getting started on my mission to a healthier life. I'm a 27 year old female from Parma. I have been heavy my whole entire life, I have two wonderful children! Trust me when I say this, There are no more babies coming out of this woman! I made sure of that! :) I'm sick of this roller coaster, I cannot take it any longer. After I had my son, who is 7 I managed to lose about 90 lbs. and managed to keep it off for about 3 months (good work huh?) I've always been on diets where I lose about 20 lbs. or so and gain about 50 lbs. back. I had my daughter 3 years ago and I weigh more now than I did when I delivered her. This past year I have been diagnosed with Bi polar disorder, which is totally under control (thank god for psychiatrists!) and also ADHD. I have high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis and just got the blood pressure under control (due to not being so high strung before medication for the bi polar disorder). Bad genes run ramped in my family, My father is about 475 lbs. high blood pressure and not to mention a slue of other things wrong with him. Diabetes and heart issues also run in the family. I am deathly afraid I am not going to make it to see my children have children at the rate I'm going.  I have done some research for about a year now, I am now ready to get the ball rolling. Can someone please guide me in the way I should be going ... I contacted the Cleveland Clinic, they are mailing me out some info. and forms to fill out which should be here in the next day or so. I am also attending a lap band seminar at Parma Hospital on 5/19. My insurance will not be covering this, so it will be out of pocket. I'm looking for a great doctor that won't cost me a million dollars :) I cannot begin to tell you guys how desperately I want to play with my children the way I should be able to. My son asks me daily if I'm going to ride roller coasters with him this summer, It breaks my heart to know there is no way I can even fit on the ride considering last year I couldn't and I've gained about 35 lbs. since then. I want to be healthy and lead a productive life and see exactly what kind of life I've been missing out on. I am 5'7 and weigh 270 lbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated ... Thank you all so much.

Just a few things to think about.
If you are sefl pay you and get the band you will also have all your follow up cost to think about. You might wnat to look into the other types of WLS also RNY, Sleeve, DS/BP. There is less follow up no fills and such.  Now you do still have to go back to WLS but for the most part just once a year after that first year.
I wish I could type more but i have to get to work.
Keep researching
Robin

Hi Melissa!
I went to Mexico and paid $12,000 cash for the DS with Dr. Ungson.  The surgeon and his team were wonderful, the hospital was spotlessly clean, the nursing staff was attentive, and Dr. Ungson sent a private nurse to my hotel after my hospital release, to daily check the incision and give me a heparin shot, in preparing me for my flight back home.
I've not had one regret about going this route.  The most miserable part about it was the flight there and back in a 310 pound body.  But I kept telling myself that this would be the last time I'd have to fly fat, and it sure was!
I'd be happy to share info with you, if you wish.  PM me.
I would strongly encourage you to visit the forum dealing with revisions/regrets.  See how many people you find with the DS that want to switch to something else.
It certainly isn't for everybody, and there are many folks who are perfectly happy with their RNY, and I'm happy for them.  But I wouldn't have been happy with it.  If you're paying anyway, get what will serve you the best.
I wish you all the best in your research and journey....

Hi,
I had RNY at the Cleveland Clinic and I was very happy with my care and Dr. Schauer.   After you fill out the paperwork, you will be scheduled for the seminar.
You might want to see if you qualify for any of the studies that they are doing on WLS.  If you were part of the study, you would get your surgery and all your care paid for by the hospital
Good Luck,
Susan

Hi Melissa,  You are already on the right track by posting messages and asking questions.

The most important thing is to make an informed decision.  Don't settle for one surgery just because you can get it done closest to home.  Each type of surgery (RNY, Duodenal Switch/DS, Lap Band, etc.) all have their own message boards here.  Be sure to post messages in each area to ask for pros and cons about each one.  For me, the DS was my best choice, but I've heard of many who have had the RNY and others the Lap Band who are very happy too.

As someone else suggested, visit the revision board too to read about problems people have had.

I'm excited for you because you are 27 and having some kind of weight loss surgery will most likely change your life (but you still need to be aware of the risks).  But you have so much of life still to live and your kids deserve to have you there.

I remember reading on the main board about a lady who was also just diagnosed as Bi polar, so you won't be alone in that aspect.

I am 54 yrs. old and was just diagnosed as ADD (inattentive, not hyperactive) about 2 months ago.  I started meds and have seen a huge difference in my thought processes.  I think through all choices in my life now instead of just acting on a way to satsify my immediate gratification.  I consider the consequences of my actions (whether it's food choices, or exercising or cleaning or anything).  I can't say I always make the best choice, but the difference has been incredible for me.

I had the DS surgery in 2005 and lost 130 lbs.  I have had a rough past year and gained some back, but it wasn't failure of the surgery, it was me and choices.  I'm once again making good choices and I'm losing again.

Weight loss surgery isn't the easy way out, but most people who have it know it's the best chance for them after trying everything else.

Best of luck and be sure to let us know what you decide to do. 

Denise

 

 

 

Thank you guys so very much for all the help! Information is the key to success! I got my packet from Cleveland Clinic today, filled it all out and will be mailing it tomorrow morning :) Money is an issue here so my husband told me to go ahead and browse around for cheaper rates but still highly trained surgeons. My safety is my #1 concern here, My kiddo's still need me around for a little while longer :) lol I'm doing research on different types, price ranges and safety ratings and not to mention success rates! I am looking forward to the workshop that the Clinic offers, And also looking forward to hear what they think. I will keep you guys posted ... thank you :)

Just to add a lapband perspective, the surgery is less expensive up front if that is a factor in your decision of how soon you can afford to proceed and then the follow up visits for fills is something that you can spread over time.  For example, I have heard lapband (self-pay) quoted around $12,000 in Cincinnati and $20,000 in Columbus and I believe the RNY surgery in Columbus at around $40-50,000. I still believe that our surgeons where I go in Columbus want to see their RNY or Lapband patients on a regular follow up basis the first year and probably 2x in a second year, etc. so I'm not sure why the perception is out there that lapband has more follow ups. I'm in year #2 now and I go see the surgeon as needed for additional fills now that I am at a good restriction level. I'm down about 108 lbs now and still working it.

I have heard that self-pay patients who went to Mexico for surgery can get a follow up care physician in Columbus and he initially charges something like $500 for the first visit to get established with you and then about $100 per fill appt. For me, I just have a $25 copay when I have a surgeon follow up appt regardless of whether I get a fill or just consult with him.

Thanks.