Third Time Is The Charm?

Hi all. My name is Kathy and I live in Eugene. I was scheduled for an RNY almost 3 years ago with a surgeon in Southern California. I developed some very serious medical problems and it was decided to wait for awhile on my surgery. In the meantime, I had all my pre-surgery work done and ready. My medical problems got under control and earlier this year I consulted the new bariatric surgeons here in Eugene. I was very impressed and ready to go. Because of my previous health problems (colon issues) I decided that the lap band procedure would be the best way for me to go. The weight loss surgeon agreed and talked with my general surgeon and both were in agreement that lap band was the best route for me. I did all the necessary paperwork and pre-surgery workup and went into the MD's office for an exam and to schedule a date for surgery. At that time I found out that the new MD's in Eugene were not yet certified with my insurance carrier and it could take over a year before it was complete. My Eugene doctor referred me to Dr. Emma Patterson. I went up for their orientation and took all my paperwork with me. I was impressed with her and again was ready for the surgery but I sure didn't want to have a 3rd set of testing done. I got a call from Dr. Patterson's office on Tuesday telling me I have been approved for surgery and can bypass all the pre surgery testing as they found my records to be very complete. I will see the doctor on Oct 11th and my surgery will be scheduled that date. They told me last week in October or first week in November. Not only am I excited now, I am starting to get fearful. My main concern is that this procedure will not work for me, as nothing else has, and I will be overweight forever. I know weight loss is slower with the lap band but will I lose enough weight to make a difference in how I feel. Only my husband knows about my surgery as I am afraid to tell anyone for fear it won't work for me. Are these normal thoughts and am I being unrealistic? Anyway wiith experience in having lap band surgery is welcome to re[ly. I would love to connect with others who have been there or who are on about the same timetable as I am. Hoping to hear from a member. Kathy

Hey! Emma's great -- as are the other members of her surgery team. My surgeon was Dr. Jan. I'm almost a year out of surgery and have lost only 25 pounds (started out at 425). Although I'm a bit disappointed in my slow weight loss, I'd still have lap band if I were going to do it again. Why? Well, I've got other medical issues of my own. I have hypopituitarism which means I don't make much of my own hormones so I'm on a few replacements (and should be on more). There's no guarantee that RNY would have had me lose much more (I would have probably lost 50 pounds or so but I'm pretty sure that would be it -- at least with the band I have the ability to try and continue to lose). I prefer the less invasive surgery. Its been an incredible "test". I do follow the rules that their clinic gives us (protien first, lots of water, etc.). I've frustrated Kelly, their nutritionist.

Lori, thanks for the encouragement. My current medical problems make lap banding the only sensible way to go. I've had so much trouble with abdominal surgeries and almost died 5 years ago when a simple routine procedure went bad. I agree with you I prefer the less invasive surgery. Doesn't mean I'm not scared because I am really scared about any type of surgery but after meeting Dr. Patterson I feel a lot more secure and ready to proceed. I know my weight loss will be slower than those who have the RNY but in my current medical condition there isn't a doctor around that wants to mess with cutting my colon and I don't know any doctor around that I would trust with cutting my colon. My husband had the RNY. He needed 110 lbs off and he did it within a year. He has gained about 10 poounds back but looks and feels great. I just want to lose some weight so I can feel as good as he does and I'd sure like to be able to keep up with him. LOL Again, thanks for the encouragement. Kathy

Kathy, Good luck with your lap band surgery. I had my band surgery on 4/7/06 - will be 6 months this week................and I'm down from 234 to 185 (-49 lbs). It is great, wonderful, and everything else I can think of! I'm off high blood pressure meds, anti-inflamatories and my PROZAC! I exercise at least 4 or 5 times a week (and look forward to doing it)!!!! You won't be sorry - it's a wonderful invention..........I'm a 66 year young grammy of 8......just wish I would have known about this years ago! Betty from Lake Oswego, OR Dr. Neal in Olympia, WA on 4/7/06