New here...hello!!

Hi, I am new here and am considering WLS. I am also thinking of having a hysterectomy at the same time (I have endo and adhesions) since it will probably be an open procedure. My gyn and primary dr are all for it and we are just starting the process of trying to get started and I feel so lost!! I have an appt with my dr next week to talk more about what to do next. I would love to try the band, but not sure I qualify, I am guessing the surgeon has the final say? I would love to hear your experiences, etc. Nice to "meet" you all!! Kell

Welcome to the boards! Starting out the journey can be difficult (it's pretty much the stage my bf is in) but the best way to start is to research all of your options and go to one of the free meetings most bariatric surgeons hold. Dr. Chua is my bf's surgeon in Milwaukee-- I can't remember off the top of my head when the meetings are, but they're monthly. You can check out a schedule at aurorahealthcare.org under bariatric surgery. I found it to be very informative, and Dr. Chua has even assured us he can do it laparoscopically (which is amazing to us, my bf is 515 lbs and carries a lot of it around his waist). I hope that helps! ~Lauren

Hello Kell L. My name is Gala. I also live in Dodgeville. Feel free to email me. I'm 10 months post op. The dr. doesn't have the "final" say in regards to Lap Band or RNY. YOU decide. However, it depends on "why" you are overweight and what are some of the issues. Who is your surgeon? Rebchock in Platteville? Or are you going to Madison. There are only 2 surgeon's in the part of the state that are doing Lap Band's...Sunby/Huepenbecker in Madison at the Dean Clinic/St. Mary's. I HIGHLY reccomend them. My husbands surgeon was Rebchoock. Mine was Sunby/Hueps in Madison. Even my DH says that the Madison team is better. Regardless....feel free to contact me. I am right here in town. Good luck in your decsion. Gala

Hello neighbor I'm in Ridgeway right next door to you. I am a little over 2 years out and have lost 160 pounds. I think your next step would be to get an appointment with a surgeon. They will explain everything to you and you can ask them any questions you have. I know sometimes 2 different procedures can't be done at the same time due to cross contamination so you'd have to ask the surgeon about that. If you need someone to chat to or you just want to pick my brain feel free to email me! Ally allymoll.com

Welcome aboard.I am scheduled for my surgery Sept 20th at 730am in neenah.I have wanted this for so so long.I too have thought of the lap but i only want to go through this one time so i am doing the lap rhy.I too last year 04 had a abdominal hysterectomy.Everything is gone.I can only say with that make sure you really think about it.I am only 32 was 31 when i had it done due to endo,adhisions,varicous vains on my uterus and chronic inflamation.We are happy we where able to even have 2 beautiful girls.My brother and sister both have had this surgery and now i will soon.I chose sept as i need to be at my job for 1 year so i don't have to worry about losing it.Make sure you do alot of research and really think if its what u want to do.I have no choice i have to my health has gone down hill since Oct.Been in the hospital 5 times since then for heart and everything else.But I don't have high bp,cholesteral or diabeties.(sp) I wish i could have it done sooner but i can wait 3 more months.Good Luck email me if you want. sharon

Welcome.... I am in Milwaukee and the insurance is going to be a demon. I shouldn't say that it depends on your insurance and such. Whatever happens stay tough and keep supporting him. I have my surgery on 8/15/05 and looking forward to this. Good luck. Terri