Confused

I have been saying for the last couple of years, that if I ever get the chance to have this surgery.. I would not hesitate. Well, now my "greatest dad in the world" has offered to pay for my surgery. My older sister had it 18 months ago and looks great!! No problems at all. Now I'm having all these thoughts about complications.. what if?? no insurance!! Also, is this really worth the drastic steps.. I'm also questioning if I should keep trying to do this myself?? I am 48.. been a BIG GIRL since jr high school, gained and lost, gained and lost.. quit smoking over 2 years ago and gained more. Now i'm 275 lbs.. 5'5.. no medical problems yet, just sore knee's and left hip. One more thing, should I do open and save my dad 4000? or ortho?? I need advice.. support, anything at this point. Scared in Farmington Utah

When you've "tried" yourself, what were the results? Do you plan on doing that for the rest of your 'short' life? "IF YOU DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE, YOU'LL GET WHAT YOU ALWAYS GOT" Yes, right after I had It done, I was regreting it. I thought "What have I done to my body?" The being scared and depressed is part of the healing. Now, I am so glad I did this. I added more than 30 yrs onto my life. My Diabetes is in complete remission. No pills since surgery. My clothes are FALLING off me!! By the way, I just turned 49. I'm visiting UT right now and have to go to D.I. 2X a week to get clothes. Not even three months out and I'm down about 65 lbs. WOW!!! There are off days but the good outweigh the bad by far. Good Luck and keep us informed on your progress. Carol

Carol, Thanks for writing back.. I feel pretty alone in this right now. Could you please give me any details you feel comfortable with about your weight, surgery, doctor.. complications..etc.. Thanks Julie

Hi Julie, I really understand how you feel. Now that it's actually within reach, it's scary. Have you talked to your father? I think he would rather pay for your surgery then pay for your funeral. What kind of surgery are you looking to have? I had lap band surgery and it's done open and it only cost me $12,900. I am soooo happy with my band that I shudder every time I think how close I came to getting RNY. For me personally it would of been a disaster. Others have had RNY and had a great experiance. That and the cheaper price of lap band was another factor. Talk to your father, do more research, and take your time. When the time is right you will know. Best of Luck. Tammy Shaw Clinton, UT

I think it's a very personal decision. Keep talking to people and researching until you have the surgery. I am going to have open just to reduce the risk of a bad anastamosis. I would rather the surgeon have a wide open view. I know people who have had both and it's not that big of a deal to have open as compared to lap. I have more weight than you to lose and just want to feel good and not have to be in pain all the time. I'm pushing for surgery in June (if my insurance pays).

I am having Lap RNY. Why? The docs say RNY gives faster weight loss with less chance to regain. There is no going back with RNY. I am having my RNY laproscopically. Also, the band needs constant adjustment. My doc will only RNY if you have insurance. Otherwise, she only does banding. It runs about $15,000. Whatever doc you go with, look at the total picture to see if they have support groups, nutritionist, excercise consultants--in other words, a support team. I looked at a couple of options, but found out there was only surgical group that my insurance would pay for. My GP doc said don't switch insurance, just do it as fast as I can with the insurance I have. My surgery is on Monday, May 9.