I don't know what to think.

 I went to my final Cardiologist appt. yesterday, and they weighed me. I weigh 375 pounds & I'm only 21 years old. He did clear me for surgery though, which is a good thing.  I've had a couple drawbacks as far as my many many appointments go.. transportation being the main one.  My appointment with the Psycologist, Nurse & Physician are all pretty far away, so I don't know how I'm going to make it to them, but I'm determined. Another drawback I had was.. my consult was in August & I was so excited... then my father passed away in September. I don't know, maybe I'm just looking for things to blame my stupidity on. I have zero support when it comes to getting WLS. My mother doesn't take me seriously. She hasn't been to any appointments, nothing. I'm kind of jealous because my best friend is going through the exact same thing as me at almost the same time & not only do his parents want to be involved.. so do his aunts, uncles & grandparents. I've never felt so alone before. I have an uncle that had the gastric bypass, and he keeps trying to talk me into getting that instead of the lap band. He seems to think I'll eat past the band. Sorry for all this, I probably should have put it in a blog instead of here, I didn't realize I was going to write all this. 

Well good news that the cardiologists cleared you for surgery. I am sorry your Mom is not supporting you more but you have to do the most of it your self. Talk it over with the doctor as to which he would recommend the band or the RNY. Good luck in your journey !!!

Pam

I`m very sorry that you`re not getting support from your family. Good that you came to OH! You`ll get a lot of support and learn a lot here.

I checked your BMI on your profile and I`d agree with your uncle that you`re not a good candidate for the lapband.. if anyone is a good lapband candidate, hu. After reading tons of info about all surgeries, I am very sceptical about lapbands, too many coplications that can happen in the years after surgery, reoperation rate too high, and weight loss, especially for those with a BMI of 50+ is not good. It cn cause all kind of ugly scarring and damage to the esophagus so that I wouldn`t even agree that it is not invasive. I know many are sucessful with the lapband, but at least as many are not if you look at those who are a bit further out.

I`d go as far and say that with your BMI, you aren`t even a good candidate for the RNY. According to the statists, the RNY has a failure rate of 40-50 % for those with a BMI of 50+:
http://bariatrictimes.com/2007/09/10/revision-procedures-for-failed-gastric-bypass/

The surgery that gives you the best chance of loosing the weight you need to loose and keep it off long-term is the DS. Many with your BMI do exeptionally well with the RNY and some do well with the lapband, but you should check the other surgery types, just to make sure that the lapband is really the best choice for you if you decide to really get surgery.

All the best!!

Goodness gracious darling! Well good news is that you’re cleared for surgery. As far as being a good candidate for a surgery it’s all up to you and your surgeon and what they feel is right. I have a BMI greater than 50 and I am doing Open RNY. It’s a personal choice. I am in my 20’s as well. If you need anything or even to chit chat let me know. Sorry about your mommy not being as supportive as you would like. She might just be scared for you!

Hi!

Sorry to hear that your family is not very supportive...Can you attend a local support group?  Do you have a friend you can count on?  You must be very mature since you have made it this far thru the WLS process... that tells me you can do this on your own if you have to..

I would seriously talk with your surgeon about other WLS also besides the lap band.  You are young, with a hi BMI, you might do better with the RNY or DS.  You have to make the decision that is right for you, but if your going to go thru surgery, you should pick the best one for you!!

I started out at 344#, so I know what your going thru.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Good luck to you

Caroline

Sweetie
I am sorry for the loss of your dad,and the fact your mom doesnt support you hopefully if she finds out she is helping you she will come around.
Find a support group close to you and share your story with your friends maybe they will support you.
Hope all goes well sweetie

If you're having problems getting to preop appointments, going for fills on the lapband will be just as difficult.

I started out at 388. I initiallly thought I wanted a lapband. But then my doctor said it wouldn't work for someone having to lose as much weight as I have to lose (200+ pounds).

Then I read up a bunch on all the procedures available. Lapband is a lot scarier than it looks for us big folks. And I decided I wanted a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Unfortunately, my insurance wouldn't cover it.

So, I got the RNY.

Tomorrow is three weeks out from my surgery, and I'm down 46 pounds from where I started. I already feel lighter and my clothes are getting loose.

I have my moments where I get a twinge of regret - usually in the presence of a muffin or something else I can't eat. But then I remember why I wanted to do this.

Honey, I wish I had done it I was 21! I'm 39 now. Apart from a year of Shangri-La that I had when I lost 140 pounds in 2002, I've been pretty miserable because of the weight. It held me back at work, and I had zero for a social life for a long, long time.

If you are squeamish about getting your guts rearranged, go to Weigh****chers. You can lose weight there if you stick to the program, especially at your age. And you need to make a life style change and EXERCISE. Don't wait until your body and your metabolism are worn out.

Best of luck Sweetie!!!

Patti

I am another one here saying that the band is not usually a great option for people over 50 BMI.  Have you read the entire booklet from your doctor (put out by the company that makes the bands?)  The stats for BMI over 50 are abysmal.  I can't recall the exact figure but go over that booklet with a fine-tooth comb.  I was very disappointed when I realized just how ineffective the band is for heavier people, but I'm glad I really read up on it because I found the surgery that gives me a great quality of life and is helping me lose the weight painlessly. 

Hooray for surgical approval!!!! I am sorry about your Dad. Maybe your Mom has a little depression with the loss of  your Dad and is having a hard time reaching out right now. What ever the case may be I hope that when your surgery comes around that she will be ready to be supportive for you. :-)

Please remember that you have all of us here at OH! This is an awesome family of folks *****ally do care for each other and understand the ups and downs of it all.

I appreciate the encouragement and support that I have received over the last few months from before my surgery to post op and to now. 

I researched the lap band and was convinced that I was only having the lap band because I was stuck on the "reversible" idea..... well it really isn't and I ran into many people who had to go back and have the full bypass after having the lap band. I decided one operation was enough and so far so good.  I have had my share of struggles but I realized that with a BMI at 60 my best option for successful weight loss was the Laprascopic RNY. 5 little incisions and really speedy recovery!

Two of the places are fading away already!

I wish you the best and keep coming back! We are your OH Family

Marcia