Newbie needs friends :)

Hi all, I am new to the OH site.  I live in North Central Oklahoma.  I am married and have 2 boys.  I went to the seminar this weekend and made my first appointment with Dr. Walton. I am really excited about the chance to have WLS.  I am trying to decide between the sleeve and the rny, so any advice would be great.  I was also wondering how long it took everyone to get approved from their ins.  I know my ins company pays for the surgery....many of my co-workers have had the surgery......I just pray it don't take them forever to make a decision.  I am so ready to have the surgery!!!!!!! 

Welcome to the board!  I'm Renae and I live in way Southwest Oklahoma (Altus Air Force Base).  I'm almost 5 years post-op RNY.  I think the type of WLS you have is a very personal choice that only you can make, but I will offer up my opinion.  I LOVE my RNY!  I have had much success with my surgery, but I know many who have had great success with the sleeve and lap band, also.  I have Tricare Prime insurance and they vary from person to person on approval times, but I was approved fairly quickly.  I had a lot of health problems, however, especially for the age I was at that time (26) and there was much documentation to back up everything.  I hope that helps and best of luck on your decision!  I look forward to getting to know you better :)

*hugs*

~ Renae

Welcome! This is a great, supportive forum. In my humble opinion, you have chosen the best bariatric surgeon in the United States, possibly the world! I just LOVE Dr. Walton. :) 
     Which surgery you decide on is up to you, of course, but I will share why I chose the VSG over the RNY. I liked that the Sleeve surgery does not re-route one's insides. I didn't care for the malabsorption issues that come with RNY. The symptoms of dumping syndrome sound a lot like anxiety and panic attacks, and I've been there, done that, have the t-shirt but never wish to wear it again! Also, in reading posts on the Main forum and the VSG forum, here at OH.com, there sure seem to be way fewer complictions (over all) with the Sleeve. The Sleeve gives me great portion control, without the other issues. Now, if you are a major sweets person, the RNY will help you more. If you have a lot of weight to lose (as I do), the RNY will help you get the weight off faster, over all, but it's still possible to lose all your weight with the Sleeve.
     I can't help with the insurance issue, as I was self-pay, but if your insurance covers the Sleeve, you're way ahead of the game. You'll need to find out if there are any requirements, like a 6-month monitored diet, etc.
     Good luck making the decision that's right for you. If you have any questions that I might be able to answer (just from my experience, as I'm not a doctor), PM me. Other than that, just enjoy the journey!
Blessings,
Mary

Welcome to the OK forum. I am in NE OK. I had the RNY on Mar 2, 2003 and have had great success so far. I have had no complications from the surgery. I have already lost half of my excess weight and I am half way to my goal weight. My insurance (Medicare) did not require pre approval. they just require that you meet their guidelines. BMI over 35 and 2 comorbidities. Whatevery surgery you decide to have I am sure it will be the right one for you. Ask lots of questions and be well informed on both before you make your decision.
emily

Hello and I am right smack down town OKC for at least a couple more weeks. I have to agree the choose is very personal I myself chose the RYN as I felt that for me personally it was the best fit. I will say that mine has been great. I was 6 months out yesterday and I as you can see by my ticker I am going great. We are always here to help and yak when you need us. Everyone says the OK board is the friendliest on the boards so welcome to a great group of friends and new family.

Hi JoJo!  Welcome to our board.  We will love to support and follow you on your journey.  I personally chose the lap RNY after doing much research.  Dr. Walton and I chose the best procedure for me personally.  I did not have insurance coverage for any kind of WLS procedures.  It was worth every penny of it and would do it again in a heartbeat.  It has totally been the tool that I needed to be successful and get my life and health back.  Virtually all of my co-morbities have been resolved from diabetes to high blood pressure.  My sleep apnea is resolved, no more acid reflux or collesterol issues.  I can also now participate in life and not just sit by and watch life go by me.  Good luck with whatever decision you make and you will not be sorry.  You are in wonderful hands with Dr. Walton!!!

Hi and congrats on taking the steps to become a healthier you.
In my case from the initial visit with my PCM for WLS to the day I had surgery was almost 5 months to the date. Not too bad all things considered. Picking a surgery is a very personal decision like the others have said. I started out wanting lap band & quickly realized it was not for me. My surgeon offered lap band, sleeve & RNY, after much studying and discussion with the hubby, I decided on RNY for the simple fact it is both restrictive and malabsorptive. It is also proven to help diabetes go into remission because of the rearranging of the guts. So far after 6 days post~op my sugars are good and I am off meds for HBP & Diabetes.

good luck 2 u

Welcome to Oklahoma OH and Weight Wise. Just do your research on both of the surgeries and you will make the right decision. Best of luck to you on your new journey.

Rita

Hi!  Welcome to the board, and congratulations on making this decision.  I also live in North Central Oklahoma, up by Enid.  There are quite a few of us that live up here.  I had the sleeve, but the decision is up to you.  Most insurance won't pay for the sleeve because it is still considered experimental, but hopefully yours will pay for whatever surgery you decide on.  Good luck and we are happy to have you join us.  Rosielocks 

Welcome to OH and Weight Wise!  You have found the right place to ask questions.  As for the type of surgery to choose- that is a very personal decision you should base on your own situation and discussion with your surgeon.  I personally chose the sleeve due to my need to be able to take NSAIDS post-op for my rheumatoid arthritis.  You can't make a wrong decision as long as you are willing to work the program you are given.