New to the Oregon only site!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to post a hello on the Oregon only site (I am also on the main board) and make my presence known hehe. My name is Amy and I am 30 years old, married and hoping to have a bun in the oven soon! I have struggled with weight all my life and I am running out of options. I have heard about the Lap-Band surgery and think I may go that route as it is more adjustable to my needs and not permanent like gastric bypass. I have been reading some of your posts and viewing some before and after pictures and am amazed! I will be moving back to Portland in a month and can't wait to get a job with insurance so I can have this surgery. From what I have read, Keiser insurance is my best bet to cover the costs, right? I am just ready to make that big leap, I am not getting any younger! Currently, I am not sure what I weigh as I go over 350 lbs at the Doc's office and that has me really scared. I don't have any health problems other than all this flab and my biggest wish is to take my Husband to Six Flags and actually be able to go on a ride with him. I feel like my weight holds us both back from enjoying life to the fullest. Anyways, I would love to hear comments on what Docs are the best to see or where I can get financing for the surgery. I would also love the support of others as I make my way to hopefully weight loss! I am so glad there is a board out there to help me make this choice!

Welcome Amy! I am pretty sure Kaiser doesn't pay for lap band, but they do for RNY. I am not sure which insurances cover other than that. I normally don't get involved in the lap band pros and cons, but I feel like I need to just say that if you are over 350, I think you need to REALLY research your surgeries out thoroughly before choosing that route for sure. I know that it is very effective for those who are strong willed and determined, but even some who are can find it difficult at best to be strict enough to lose. I know there are great successes and great disappointments with each surgery for different people, but generally I think those who come in over 300 lbs are in for a higher chance of disappointment than those who just have the average 85-100 lbs to lose. As for your weight holding you back, boy do I know that one. I could have written it a year and a half ago. I only regret not having this done years ago! Good luck with whatever you decide to do....regardless of which surgery you choose, we'll be in your cheering section! Dina

Dina, I appreciate your reply, it really helps to inform me! There are so many pros and cons to each surgery that I don't really know what is best for me, guess that is what the doc is for. I like the band because it doesn't seem so permanent and less recovery time (so I hear). My current Doc thinks I have Ovarian Cysts and that is why I cannot shed the weight. I have been on a treatment of birth control and glucophauge (meds diabetics take) for over a year and no weight loss. I am off those now and am back to trying to eat healthy and walk as much as I can (summer humidity in Illinois is dreadful!). When I get back to Oregon, I hope to be able to handle exercise outside better as there is very little humidity compared to where I am now. I would love to hear from anyone who has debated the RNY vs Band, either via email or posting. With either I know it is a major lifestyle change. I think I would exercise more if I could exercise. With most my weight around my mid-section, a half mile is a challenge! I would also love to hear what foods are suggested for WL. I try to eat mostly chicken and have cut back on my starches. I could be better on the veggies! Thanks again!

Amy, Welcome! I also wanted to say I am in total agreement with Dina....RESEARCH! I believe the type of procedure selected is a personal choice, but I will tell you I have seen so many people do poorly with the lap band procedure. One story: A friend's daughter-in-law had her surgery 3 weeks prior to me, had lap band done. I was 316lbs, and I know she was heavier than that but not sure what her weight was. So, she just passed her 1 year anniversary and she has only lost 20.....yes 20lbs! It is heartbreaking to know this! I have not personally seen her since surgery, but I am of the belief that because it only limits the amount of food you can intake, you have to really be determined to eat right for this procedure to work. To have only lost 20 and having restricted intake, I can't help but think she's eating poorly....high fat, high carb, etc. I have seen or heard of a great many lap banders who do not have the success you can have with the other procedures and I do not personally know of one who's gotten within 50lbs of their goal. I had RNY and I am completely pleased with it. The "dumping" possibility keeps me away from the unhealthier things. Without that, I am not 100% I'd have the success I've had so far. As I said, it's each person's difficult decision, but the more info you have, the better decision you can make. Take care, Michele

Michele, As I read more and more about different experiences people have had, I am beginning to see that the band may not be for me. I have self control to a point but not extreme control. My biggest concern was having the surgery and then not knowing what to do next but it sounds like Doctors guide you some. I am not sure what the "dumping" process is that you mentioned but it doesn't sound pretty hehe. Thanks for your input, makes my decisions much easier! Amy

Good Evening Amy, I don't check into the Oregon site everyday, so I just noticed your post. I am a post-op lap bander and very delighted with my results. I spent several months debating the band vs. bypass issue before actually meeting with my surgeon. He explained that the lap band procedure was 300 times safer than bypass surgery. Being a mom with 3 children that really need me and a husband that adores me, the decision was clear for us. The lap band does require more compliance and patience. Weight loss is slower(I've lost 55 lbs. since surgery 2/1/05). But I also enjoy the life long option of adjusting that little band to suit my needs. So far, for me, life with the band is grand. I still enjoy all the foods I did before, minus carbonated beverages, just everything in smaller portions. I think what was referred to in the previous post is known as "eating around the band"(typical of a snacker's habits). I have to be very aware that this could happen to me. Another reason I decided on the lap band is because I personally know two people who have had gastric bypass surgery, lost 100% of their excess weight and regained every bit of it back. There just is not a foolproof method out there yet. Aftercare seems to be one of the keys to success. Even though I live in Eugene, I attend my surgeon's support group in Portland. I think it will always be critical for me to have that educational component. Take your time in making this decision. I really think the time I spent before surgery mentally preparing for it made a huge difference for me. Best Wishes to You! Della