How to even start?!?

Hi Cathy!  Welcome to the board!  This is our home.  We all let it out here.  And there is no judging.  Both surgeries are really good.  What you need to do is research, research, research.   I started out thinking i was getting the lap band.  But after talking with my surgeon and do to my health history, the bypass seems to be the best option for me.  Both are a terrific "tool" to help you lose weight and get into control with your eating.  The band is left inside with a port for fills which is nice because you can adjust it to you.  The gastric bypass is permanent and a one time thing, but it also has different advantages and risks.  That is why you really need to check everything thing out.  The seminars that the surgeons give are really essential (some won't even schedule an appt with you until you have been to one).  Let us know how it goes.  We have all been there.  We totally understand.    Good luck!  Eldy

HI Eldy, nice to meet you....all of you!

Ive considered the band, actually thought about doing it before the last time I did the weight loss clinic with Dr Pera, but decided I didnt want to have that inside me....dont know wy just my "thing".  Ive been researching the different surgical procedures for a while now and have definitely decided to....talk to my PCP about them.  I guess the one most people have is the one you had. 
Anyway, I'll letcha all know when my appt is and then what the outcome is  afterwards.  In the mean time i will stay here and take all the advice i can get!
thanks again
cathy

Hi Cathy,

Drs Pohl and Giovanni require you to attend a seminar in which they explain both procedures in great detail and answer all questions.  You must attend this seminar with them prior to being able to make the first appt with them.  During that seminar, they provide you with a list of all the tests you will need pre-op.  They both do their surgeries at Roger Williams Hospital in Providence.  Dr Pohl did my surgery.

As Eldy said, it would be best to reserve judgement on the type of surgery you want until you get all the facts and have all your questions answered.  This forum and the docs are the best places to get that info.

I had the band placed in Sept.  I love it.  I regularly hear people say they don't want something left in them, but when you have RNY, an entire row of staples is left in you....so for me, I don't see the difference with regards to the "foreign objects" thing.  If I needed a pacemaker, I would not worry about it being left in my body...we do what we need to do for medical reasons, right?   I do know that my band can be removed if need be, and my body will be back to what it was pre-surgery. But.... there are plenty of stories here, from people who have had all different weight loss surgeries, and will tell you why theirs was the best choice.  I can tell you that each person is different, has different needs along this journey, and we all have to choose what is best for ourselves, regardless of what everyone else has said or done.  Once you get the facts, you can make that choice for yourself, and you won't feel the need to explain why you chose one over the other, you will just be happy to have had the surgery done.  As everyone here will tell you, this is no magic bullet...it is a life changing experience, and it doesn't end the day you walk out of the hospital....instead, it is when everything begins. 

Best of luck on your journey!  I'm sure when the time comes, you will be happy you did your homework on the front end, and got all the info to make the decision that best suits you, your lifestyle, and your health goals.

Regards,

Hi Cara,
Thanks for your  post!  I guess youre right about the staples, I hadnt thought about it that way.  I will have to see if my PCP has had any experience in referrling to a specific doctor or what the story is, but I think either way, that seminar sounds like it would be good, even if I dont choose to go with Dr. P. 
Hopefdully I will have some kind of answer this week if and when I see my PCP. 
thanks for your help I so appreciate it!
Cathy

I go to see my PCP on Friday morning! YAY!   

Wish me luck!

Hi Cathy, I went to Dr V and had surgery at Miriam hospital. At the time he did not require a pre seminar but they may have changed now. I also have Harvard Pilgrim and got an approval within 48 hours after it was submitted. I have had no problems at all with insurance.
Good Luck.

Sue

Thanks Sue! 
Where is your doctor located also could you give me his phone number?  You've given me some excellent news!!!  thanks again!
Ive also left you a message on your My OH page.