Well Hello

Just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Josh I'm 28 and I am looking into either lap band or RNY, not sure which yet. I'm 6'2" around 485, I've been big all of my life but in the last 3 years I have put on 150lbs. I was a courier and was always moving and working a physical job I stayed the same weight for a long time. I moved into a sales job and have just packed on the weight. It's starting to worry me because I notice the shortness of breath going up stairs and how bad my knees hurt. I figure I need to drop at least 235-250 lbs. Any advice in either direction is greatly appreciated. 

Dude you have very close to 300 lbs to lose, the band is completely inappropriate for you. The band (according to the statistics) will only help you lose 1/2 your excess weight, which is 150 lbs. Not saying you couldnt lose more, but the statistics would be stacked against ya.

I'm 6'1" and started at 492 (at 33), I went to a few consults and was told the band would be the "wrong surgery" for me. I was given the option of having the RNY or the DS. After extensive research, I realized I wouldn't have been happy with the restrictions of the RNY, and I knew I wouldn't be able to stick with the lifestyle changes required to keep the weight off long term. SO i had the DS. You might want to consider it.

Either way...welcome to the forum, and good luck to you.

Scott

Welcome to the boards Josh.  I hope you'll find answers to all your questions through others posts and profiles.  My advice is that you find a surgeon through referrals, then visit with him/her and together, you can decide on the course of treatment.  Don't diagnose yourself, you will limit your options.  I'd agree with the previous poster that the band is probably not for you with the amount of excess weight you have, but you have other options. 

If you havent' already, join a local support group to meet other men and women both pre and post op.  You will find the "reminder" posts here the day/week of the meeting.  Local support is the best!  This will arm you with the right amount of information for your surgical consult. 

Good luck! 

Hello Everyone, Josh I am new as well and would like to introduce myself. I am scheduled for the bypass 11/9/09 and scared to death.

Josh,

Welcome to OH and the Texas Message Board (TMB)!  I have the Lap Band and I am happy with my choice.  If you have any questions about the Lap Band, I will be happy to attempt to answer them for you. I am no expert but can only tell you how my experiences have been.  Good luck with your decision.

I agree that a visit with doctors to discuss your options is a vital part of the decision making process, but don't go in there without lots of information so that you know what questions to ask.  I went to the library and checked out a ton of books.  My favorite was Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies.  It was easy to read, defined the terminology and made it easier to explain to my family. 

Good luck and congratulations on your decision to take control of your health!! 

Hi Josh,

Glad your here, I'm pre-op as well.....I am scheduled for surgery Dec. 3rd.
Please do your research, I have the weight loss for dummies book and I re-read it all the time.

I am having a revision, I had stomach stapling around 2001, I was a self pay and all I could afford was VBG, I wanted RNY, but didn't have enough money so I settled.......Now I'm doing it all over, this time is my time, I'm more educated, wiser (older) and more dedicated to my life...

My Neurologist told me last week, "this is a ME world" and he is glad to see ME finally a part of it...I'm puttin myself on the list for once.........I'm glad you are doing the same. We hafta take care of us.......no one else can.....

I'm right there with ya on the short of breath, just taking a shower it sounds like Ive run a foot race, when I'm towelling off.....whew and the back pain, I'm so ready for my surgery....You'll be glad you did after your surgery too.

Good luck and come back often, ask the "stupid" questions, give updates, just get to know us...there are no stupid questions by the way....And you cant shock us either, however we may shock you.....lol

Welcome to the board.  I applaud you for doing this at an early age.  The one thing most of us regret is that we waited too long to have the surgery.  It truly was the BEST decision I've ever made.  I had a lapband that didn't work for ME (they do work for a lot of people) then I had a revision to a RNY.  I reached goal in less than one year and I'm now 2.5 years out and maintaining.  There's NOTHING I can't eat (at least in small portions) so I have no long term restrictions.  I DO have to take vitamins for the rest of my life but heck, that's easy. 

I agree with the others...attend seminars, find a GREAT EXPERIENCED doctor and allow him/her to help you make the decision that's right for YOU.  We're here if you have questions.

Welcome Josh.  you are so right to have this surgery before you health deteriorates.  I went in expecting to get a lapband but after much research and realizing that my issues were health related and the band wasn't going to work for me.  I chose the RNY and have been happy with that choice.  You have to do what is right for you. 

Hi Josh,

I'm just over a week past my surgery.  So far the experience has been great.

Good luck to you.  My best advice is what everyone has already said.  Find a surgeon you jell with and reasearch reasearch reasearch.  I live in S. Arlington and went all the way to N Plano for mine just because I think a good rapport with a surgeon is better than location.

Good luck!