Finally

Finally I got a period after 4months I have lost about 25 pounds but i have 9 more pound to go for insurance requirements. I have struggled to get them 25 pounds off  with perscription Meridia. I'm still in limbo about what surgery im going to do. i know a few people who has the R.N.Y that dont look to hot. I heard the DS patients have a bbo. the lap is out of the question now because i dont like the thought of  being stuck some many times. The sleeve is not cover by BCBS of TN. 


Im currently 252lbs

P. S. Congrats on your weight loss so far! Good job!

P.P.S. I think that with my RNY, I look pretty good! But you can decide for yourself by clicking HERE to check out some before and after pics.

I had an RNY 5 1/2 month ago and I am so far pleased with my decision. Some of the positive things I've experienced so far:

I no longer take metformin
I've had a menstrual cycle each month since surgery (no meds for this)
My carb cravings are under control
No more carb "foggy brain"
No more "deparate" food cravings
Fasting insulin level is normal
Cholesterol level is falling, LDL is down, triglycerides are down
I still enjoy food but it doesn't control me as much as it used to
I'm happier/less depressed/much easier to be around (according to my mom) since surgery
I've lost about 1/2 of my excess weight so far
I was a size 22 and now I'm in too big for a 12 and almost fit in a 10

Personally I wanted either RNY or VSG. I got RNY because I didn't have the stomach for an insurance fight, and ALSO because I felt that because I had a metabolic problem (insulin resistance/PCOS) that a combination of stomach restriction and mild malabsorption would be the most appropriate solution. (That 60 Minutes piece where a bunch of RNYers who all had type 2 diabetes pre-op and all had it resolve post-op really influenced me here--until then I've been considering a band and after seeing that I knew a band was no longer what I wanted).

Of course, I can't tell you what is best for you--you and your docs will have to do that together. Keep reading and researching. Also, each surgery has good points and bad points--they all have trade-offs. See which ones you think you can live with the most. And keep in mind that it is normal to be a little hesitant or unsure. It's major surgery and that should cause you to pause and thing things through!

Hi Tbeard, I have been lurking for the past couple of weeks. I orginally set up this account awhile ago left the boards when I found out my insurance would not cover it. Now I have insurance that covers RNY and Lap. Last weekend I went the a seminar at Centennial and decided to go thru with the surgery. I am getting really excited. I decided to respond to your post since you are also in Nashville. I am in my 2nd month of 6 months supervised diet. Get luck with your decision on which surgery to have.

Good luck making your decision...it's not an easy one to make.  My insurance covered only the RNY & Lapband at the time.  I chose the RNY as it best fit my needs for weight loss.  The lapband is just too high maintenance for me with all the fills & unfills...plus a big factor was the overall average weight loss.  At the time I had surgery it was 75-80% for RNY & 55-60% for lapband.  I refused to go through surgery & still be fat.

You mentioned that the RNY people didn't look good afterwards...is it because they lost too much weight?  Is it the excess skin?  Just not look healthy?  Are they taking all of their vitamins?  Just trying to figure it out...

Anyway I started out at 254lb and at my 1 year was at 140lb.  I've maintained that weight (give or take 5lb) for the past 3 years since I've reached goal.  Of course there have been 2x where I've gained 25-30lb but those 2 times were for good reason...pregnancy!  Anyway if you have more questions about the RNY & PCOS let me know...I'd be happy to talk to you.  Good luck making your decision!

Good luck making your decision...it's not an easy one to make.  My insurance covered only the RNY & Lapband at the time.  I chose the RNY as it best fit my needs for weight loss.  The lapband is just too high maintenance for me with all the fills & unfills...plus a big factor was the overall average weight loss.  At the time I had surgery it was 75-80% for RNY & 55-60% for lapband.  I refused to go through surgery & still be fat.

You mentioned that the RNY people didn't look good afterwards...is it because they lost too much weight?  Is it the excess skin?  Just not look healthy?  Are they taking all of their vitamins?  Just trying to figure it out...


You made a good point i refuse to go through surgery and still be fat also.
The people i know have lost to much weight and are not looking healthy at all . Thats a good question i dont know about the vitamins i can only assume they are taking their vitamins.

Keep in mind that typically with the RNY there is normally a small rebound weight gain, so those who've lost too much weight (and I know a few as well) have regained about 10-15lb and look absolutely fabulous at the 4-5 year post op point.  I had a rebound weight gain as well, although not as much.  I was at goal of 140lb at 5'3 and rebounded to around 145.  Some friends I've made over the years who'd lost too much weight have regained about 10-15lbs and look great now.  It does take 3-4 years to really maintain and see where you'll be (following dietary & vitamin guidelines).  Some loose very fast and regain a little, others loose more slowly and taper off to a good weight.  Another thing to look at too is who does their surgery.  Different surgeons have different methods.  Although my friend who lives in another state and I had the same surgery her's was done a bit differently and has had different results & has had lots of complications.  Are these people ones who've had surgery by the surgeon you've chosen?

No, but the surgeon is in the same office. However I was told my surgeon has strict guidelines then the rest of the surgeon in the office. I want to say thanks again for the help. I have a few questions for you did you have plastic surgery and if so did you wait until a year or so after the weight was off? Is there a required deadline to reach ( insurance require a certain time) before you can have plastic surgery.

Hello... I understand your concern.  I'm 46 years old and had RNY over 6 years ago, I've lost 217lbs and feel great, this is the most healthy I've ever been.  I have looked into plastic surgery to firm up the tummy area but truthfully it's not too bad.  If I would have had the choice 6 years ago I probably would have looked into the Sleeve and the Lap Band but I think I would have still made the RNY decision because of the amount of weight I wanted to loose and the results.  There is always something about every procedure.  Anyway, good luck to you - I just wanted to put my .2 cents in...