MGB in Illinois

I am 5'5 and approx 340lbs and considering WLS. I have always been very leary and honestly, scared of gastric bypas because of the complications and mortality rate. Finding the Mini has been a thrill. I am trying to find info about it and have gone to the clos.net set, but it seems like mostly an ad site. I have an appt for a seminar at Alexian Bros in Illinois and am hoping that they offer this surgery. Has anyone had a MGB in Illinois? I have to admit, I am kinda excited.

Excitment deflated. No insurance coverage for this procedure and no prospects of a loan or other way to get the money. Back over to the RNY forum. /sigh. Good luck to you all. =)

Paula,

At your BMI, you may want to look into a duodenal switch (DS). For more info, check out www.dsfacts.com and the DS forum here on OH. The complications and mortality rate are similar to that of a RNY, but the results are better long-term, and you can take NSAIDS, have zero risk of marginal ulcers and have a wider variety of food available to you.

I am 5'6" and I started at 344 pounds. Today, just 18 months after my DS, I weigh 144 pounds. I eat what I want, as long as I get my protein and vitamins in. For example, tonight I ate steak, parmesan butter, veggies, 2 desserts and a Diet Coke. My labs are good and I have no bowel issues whatsoever.

We have a monthly support group meeting in Chicago. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

Best of luck to you, no matter what you decide!

Nicolle, Chicago