New to the boards, trying to figure things out...

Hello All, first off I would like to say that I think you are all amazing for making the choices you have and for sticking by them. From what I can tell from research, reading and my own struggles I know it can be an incredibly hard road, and is for most. I am at a point in my life where I am more than fed up with being overweight and to the extent that I am. But beyond that I am at a point where I am determined to do something about it. I had gotten to the point where I wanted to do something about it, and wa**** head on in an accident in 2008. Since then my left leg has swollen from damage to my lymph nodes in the accident (lymphedema due to trauma). Because my leg is 2-3 times its natural size due to fluid swelling, I am unable to do most exercises and walking very far. I am currently receiving in home health services including physical therapy. After two and half years of physical therapy and a number of things we do to lose some of the fluid and decrease the size of the leg, it has been minimally affected. I realize my weight is only hindering our efforts. It is difficult to exercise because of the combination of my weight and the weight and size of my left leg. I am very scared about having surgery but am at the point where I know it must be done, so I can continue to have a life and have a better quality of life than I do know. If I were to get my weight under control, it would help with my pre-diabetes, and my lymphedema, in addition to just being healthier as a whole. I am only 28 years old, I would like to do many things, that I have not been able to do pretty much whole life, as I have been heavily overweight since I was a child. But I am have trouble determing which surgery I think is best. Of course I know many questions can be answered after I meet with the physician. But I just feel really lost. I liked the lap band to start with because it was minimally invasive and could be reveresed or filled/unfilled depending on needs. However I also know that I have a large amount of weight to lose to be considered healthy and at my "goal" weight (about 400 pounds to lose). After having several infections with my lymphedema, I am very scared about gastric bypass because of the risk of infections. I didnt know much about the DS or the sleeve, until recently. The DS seems like it may be a good option but thought I would ask you all for some opinions/advice

I will start with a disclaimer that I'm not knocking the band and everything stated here is my personal opinion and observation of people I know who have had various forms of surgery.

While all surgeies report the same amount of weight loss 3-5 years out, the band is definitely the slowest.

With the amount of weight you stated you needed to loase (400 lbs.)  I wouldn't trust (in my own personal opinion) a doctor that pushes the band on you - for that much to lose, I feel the band is for people who are lighter weight.

Also you have to look at your eating?  The Band will not keep you from eating "junk"  You'll still be able to eat evrything that helped get you to where you are - if the a good thing?  To be successful, i don't think so.

Remember this - they operate on our guts, not our heads.  So getting counseling and support before AND after surgery is a VERY HIGH priority (especially after).  You need to work on the ghosts and deamons that brought you to where you are.  being thin will not solve all your "issues"

RNY - The is the "standard"  There are MANY succesful people who have lost and maintatined it.  there are also people who have learned to "eat around it" and gained some, a significant amount, or all the weight back.

Sleeve - This is basically the 1st half od a DS procedure.  or a "permanant band"  They remove a large section of your stomach to reduce capacity  no rerouting of intestines like an RNY.  Again, you can easily eat around this.  To be successful here (again, in my opinion and my personal maintance), if you follow the RNY diet, you will succeed.

DS - This surgery has the most "hardcore" supporters.  So I will preface this be saying I know a couple DS'ers and my knowledge is not vast, nor am I supporting or knocking this surgery.  DS is a sleeve, with a large portion of your intestines bypassed.  Again, you can eat nearly anything.  The vitamin regimin is hardcore - since much of the digestive tract is bypassed, the amount of vitamin intake is increased tremendously.  Also, there is a significant increase in back-end gas release - and to be nice - it's DEFINITELY not roses!

That all being said, you need to talk to your surgeon.  Ask LOTS of questions.  Ask him how many of these procedures he's done.  Ask him his opinion for your needs.  Ask him if he's done anyone with your risk level.  Ask, Ask, Ask....

Also, find another bariatric doc in a different practice and ask the same things.

Bring medical records for them to review - don't rely on memory.  Write down your questions.  Write the answers.  Compare.

I'd also start no with finding a therapist and start right now.  You're going to have issues and need to address them...start now!

I wish you luck in your journey - this is the EASY part !  (beleive it or not)

Thank you so much for your response! You managed to take each procedure I had researched and put it in terms I was able to easily understand. (I had researched all of them, but in terms of DS and the sleeve, most of what I could find, was in such technical terms it was hard to understand completely what was being said, and I believe myself to be a fairy intelligent person LOL) I have a much better understanding thanks to you. I totally agree with you, I need to ask many questions and am starting a list LOL. And I fully intend to ask the doctor what he thinks would be the best route for me and how many procedures he has done and done on people of my size. I myself, am already starting to work out (as best I can, between my weight and the swelling in my leg) with my physical therapist twice a week, and find it to be an okay regimen enough that I dont mind do it on my own on our off days. Also I am currently dieting, limiting my calorie intake and portions, but trying to get in a sufficient amount of protein and necessary elements. As hard as it was to come to this decision, after many hours hemming and hawing, tears, laughter, I know you are right. This has been the easiest part. That's hard to think about, but I also know if I dont proceed, I am basically living a death sentence. My body is my own prison :( So I know I have to do this :) Thank you again for responding and being such a wonderful help :) 

Hello funngy girl:  First of all I wish you the best of luck in whatever surgery type you decide on.  It is a huge decision but one that for me anyway (I weighed 450+ # at my highest recorded weight) it was a life saver.  I am still not at ideal goal weight (I am 240#) with probably almost a good 40# of skin to have taken off) but I digress:   I, too suffer with lymphedema in both of my lower legs and just above the knees also.
I read that you are seeing a physical therapist and that is good.  Is he/she a lymphedema specialist also?  I know that they had/have a lymphedema clinic at Upstate in Syracuse if you were interested.  I have special stockings that I wear.  Do you do leg wraps, etc.?  I'm not trying to sound like an expert or anything because I am far from it.   I did find tha****er therapy exercise in combination with my lymph therapy was a huge help.  The water exercise just seemed to reduce the amount of swelling in my legs.  I could do that, then go for my session and then put my leg socks back on.
There is a girl on the main forum: I believe her name is saralicious who is very knowledgeable about lymphedema and was also very SMO at one time.  I found her to be very helpful to me.
  Again, best of luck to you and hang in there.  Drink alot of water, too, as I believe they told me it helped to move the lymph (fluid) out.  Take care, Mary

I agree with Father Don.  I had interviewed 4 surgeons over a 2 year period before deciding on the gastric bypass surgery.  If there is a way to cheat anything, I will attempt it at some point as I have with many many many diets.  With as much weight as you state you need to lose, do not go with the band.  The slow weight loss will frustrate you and you need faster immediate relief from this bondage.  I am 5 years out, have experienced some weight regain and I know that the surgery is only the beginning.  You cannot think of it as the ultimate cure and as Fr. Don states, get a counselor/therapist now.  Do not rely on any surgeon's office to provide you with the post-op care you will require.  They often behave like new car salesmen, after the sale you are no longer their priority.  I have this situation currently with my surgeon's office and I've been frequently told this in specific terms at post op meetings (to my horror!!).  You are making the right decision to pursue this for you at this rate.  I have no regrets other than possibly choosing a different staff for my post-op maintenance.  Connect with as many post-ops as possible for advice and reassurance.  While your fears are warranted, if you don't do this, you will have more to be fearful of.  It is worth the risk.  I'd be happy to answer any question from my personal journey with you.  Please feel free to msg me at any time.  Good luck to you!!  Be proud of yourself for having considered this solution to get you on your way.