new here

Hi everyone!

I am fairly new to the forum and doing lots of research on lap band surgery in Ontario , Canada.

My bmi is 51.4. Boy was I shocked when I saw that number.  When I look in the mirror I guess I dont see the "fat" me. Just the unhappy me.

So now I am on a quest to a healthier life.

Looking forward to participating in the discussions.

Lynn

Welcome! you'll find a lot of support here and wonderful people.

I don't like to get involved in any surgery wars, but I really hope you will consider all of the surgery types and realize that the lap band is the very worst option, especially for those of us with higher BMIs. If you are looking for a restrictive only procedure, check out the sleeve. It has a much better track record and far less complications.

Good luck on your quest to health

Thanks for the welcome acbbbrown!

One of the reasons I was considering the lap band is because my pcp doesnt think I will qualify for anything else. I have a bmi of over 50 but other than high blood pressure, I dont have any other  major problems. Well my knee is starting to give me problems, and I cant walk any distance, and I take a pill for acid reflux but I dont have diabetes, sleep apnea or any of the other problems other obese people have.

Just my luck, I am  short - 5 ' 1" and about 270 lbs so thats what gives me the high bmi.

Lynn


edited to add, It doesnt look like I meet the criteria set out by health canada for any surgery they will cover.

Welcome to our wonderful board...though it's been pretty quiet as of late, we go in waves of activity it seems.

Are you sure that you only qualify for the band? I find that very hard to believe when most people (Canadians included)qualify for RnY (gastric bypass) with a BMI of only 40 without co-morbidity's , and you 11pts past that and the co-morbidity of high blood pressure!

I would ask more questions, because though any surgery can be successful- I have seen very few people with high BMI's lose the weight with the band. And I would wager that you would qualify for RNY.

Bonne Chance

:Danni

thanks for the welcome Danni!

I am continuing my research about RNY but am also leaning towards the band.  I have read so many pros and cons about both that my mind is boggled right now.!

Lynn

Why are you leaning towards the band?

Welcome!!!
I am also a fellow canuck.. I will be self paying and heading to Mexico for the VSG as SK only offers the RNY... Good Luck on your journey, and research as much as you can..
These Vets on here know soo much!

All the Best
Cher

Welcome to the board.

I don't like to give surgical advise, but I had a BMI of 61 (now 48) and I will relay what my surgeon told me.

I first asked about a band, and he stated it was not effective on high BMI patients.

In the end I chose RNY.

One resource I found very help full was my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond and did some research for me. In the end, he came to the same conclusion as the surgeon independent of the surgeons advise.

I am not saying RNY is better for you, it may have been for me, but each person is different.

What I am suggesting is you get your primary doc involved. He/She knows you and has access to medical journals and resources you may not. 

Finally I will say the only regret I have about WLS is not doing it years ago.

Welcome!!! I hope you loose many many pounds and make sure you research all of your options.
I thought I could only get the LapBand but found out later that it was not true.
I am seeing more and more research that the LabBand does not work as well for those of us with  higher BMIs...

I agree with the others. You need to ask for a referral I doubt very highly as well that you do not qualify, and I havnt heard any good things about bands with a high bmi. My husband only weighted 274 the day of surgery and he qualified...sore knees and knee pain is a co-morbidity, likely arthirtis or a worn joint, i wouldnt get discouraged that you wont qualify for rny i think it is just the opposite.