New here, just getting testing started

Hi,

I just wanted to introduce myself.  I am Debbie, I turned 40 this year and am just getting WLS testing started.  My DH had his lapband done last December.

Dr Gornichec is awesome, he has actually done 2 surgeries already for me this year.

I am a little nervous about this, plus it will be my 4th surgery in 2008.  I am planning on the lapband, mainly because I am a chicken about the bypass surgery. 

I haven't actually talked to him about my fear of the bypass one yet, I will in a couple of weeks, my last visit for my thyroid surgery, latest surgery, he asked where we stand on testing for WLS, I hadn't even started yet, he told me to get with Kim and get going.  I guess I won't be dragging my feet anymore.

Anyone have regrets on the method they chose, wish they had went with the other one?

I have watched my DH struggle with his lapband for almost a year, he is so non compliant, but it seems the safest to have.

I look forward to meeting everyone.

Debbie

I am very pleased with my choice of WLS procedure.  I researched all the available options and made the decision that was best for ME.  I have rheumatoid arthritis so I was prohibited from even considering the lap band (FDA black box warning prohibiting people with an autoimmune disorder from getting one.)  Research all your options and then go for it.  My only regret is that I didn't do this for myself many years earlier.

Good luck!

Hello Debbie!

Congrats on taking this step. I myself chose the bypass as I have a large amount to lose and from the years plus research I have done I felt this was teh best choice for me. One thing is if you do the lap band it can be revised to a bypass at a later date if needed. So if later you do regret the lap band it can be changed.

I look forward to getting to know you!
Sarah

Hello!
Congrats on your decision to have WLS!  I am pre-op and using Dr. Gornichec also!  I haven't had my meeting with him I go on the 19th.  I take it you like Dr. G or you wouldn't have had so many surgeries with him?  He seems very professional and capable.  I like Kim also.

I was submitted to insurance last week.  All of my tests are complete.  It seemed like it took a long time while I was doing it, but now that its over It really didn't take long at all. You know the Hindsight thing!  LOL!

I am doing RNY.  I would prefer to have the sleeve, only becasue my stuff wouldn't have to be re-routed and thats a little scarey for me.  Unfortunatly my insurance won't pay for that.  So, I am doing RNY!  I think it will be a good surgery for me because I tend to eat lots of sweets.  Right now I say that I think it will be good for me to NOT be able to eat them, however ask me again in a couple of months...I hope I don't crave.  My hope is that I won't miss what I'm not shoving in my mouth all the time...You know not crave because my body is so addicted to sugar.

Maybe you getting WLS will encourage your DH also.  I hate the thought of going through surgery and not sticking to the program.  I worry about that for myself.  My DH is a little overweight but not by much.  He is worried about me getting skinny and him still being overweight. Heck, he lived with me all these years.  I think he's perfect anyway! He is my biggest supporter!  He's behind me all the way.  Hopefully it will work that way for you.

I'm glad you are here and stick around there are an amazing bunch of people on this forum.  You can get advice and support all in one stop shopping!  LOL!

Hugs and best of luck on your journey!
Kim 

Hi Debbie~  Congrats on getting started on your WLS journey!  It's a wild, but wonderful ride and one that I have never regretted being on.  My name is Renae and I'm 4 1/2 years post-op RNY.  I had the RNY because it was what my insurance covered and my surgeon performed (he now also does the lapband, but didn't at that time).  I am one who ate a lot of sweets so RNY was a good choice for me, in that respect.  I've never wished I went a different route with my WLS as I've lost almost 170 lbs as well as several co-morbidities and medications.  I also had 2 beautiful babies I never would have had prior to my surgery due to PCOS and fertility issues.  I think each surgery is what you make of it and the "safeness" of them all is also dependant on how you treat yourself post-op in many cases.  Complications and issues can arise from any of the WL surgeries.  Good luck in your decision!   I know you're in good hands with any of our wonderful surgeons and I look forward to knowing you better.

Thanks everyone, I look forward to getting to know everybody.

debbie