i just recently returned back to therapy. i wished i would of continued right after surgery instead of allowing stuff to pile up.

Hello everyone, my name is Quintaneda but everyone calls me Q (for obvious reasons). Just a little about me, I am 25 single black female no children and I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Now to the real reason I'm here....I have decided that I want to have WLS and I have been leaning toward having the VSG. Wednesday Oct 30 ,2013 I have my first consultation, I'm so nervous you would think it was the day of surgery. I have been lurking on here reading updates, NSV's (my favorite posts), and pretty much anything that you all post. You all are the most supportive individuals I've never met. I really don't have much of a support system but when I get on here and read all of your inspiring words it makes me feel like we are one giant family looking out for each other and I am thankful for you guys being here. That's all I really have for now if you have any questions for me feel free to ask.

I called my insurance company again today and my approval is still pending!  I really hope I get approval by the end of the week.

Thanks @dstgirl2000!  I am scheduling an appointment with my surgeon.  I am absolutely nervous but I am moving forward with my plans to have the surgery.  I no longer can think in the moment but for a lifetime. 

Hi Terria,

You are on the right track in conducting your research.  It's crucial to making a decision that is right for you.  Read...read...and read some more.  It's also essential to have this conversation with your intended surgeon for them to weigh in on which procedure would best suit your needs and desired outcomes.

I'm 4 years RNY post op.  I'm totally pleased with my decision and the outcome.  I met and exceed my goals in about 8 months, and have maintained my desired weight since.  I lost a little over 130 lbs.  I bounced back ten pounds, but that was well within my wiggle room I gave myself. At my lowest I did have that extreme bobble head look and in my face, so I'm good with the ten pounds.  I did also experience extreme hair loss for a couple of years.  Though I had another illness that may have contributed to the hair loss as well.  But as of today, my hair has grown back in and is doing well.

I have no experience with any of the other procedures, so I can only speak from others I have observed.  A close male friend of mine had RNY also and lost about 250 lbs about 6 years ago, and has regained all.  There are two ladies I work with that had the band, and neither reached anywhere near their goals.  They are about 3 and 6 years out, and both lost about 50 lbs each.  Another acquaintance had the switch and lost well over 225 lbs about 6-7 years ago, and has gained all back plus more.

So you see there are varying stories and outcomes from all procedures.  My take and belief is that none of the procedures will get you to your goal and maintain you unless you are committed totally for a lifetime!  It's not a magic save all, but it is a great tool that will certainly afford you the opportunity of a lifetime to reclaim your health!  It's up to us to make it happen and keep it working for us.

I wish you well on your journey to better health!

Keep it moving!!

JJ