new member shakin in my boots

Hello everyone, I am 43 and 5'2" weigh 313lbs. I looking into the lap band surgery after I had 3 doctors tell me thats pretty much my only option for weight loss. I have tried everything else that I can afford. Cannot seem to get more than 40lbs off and gained that back and more. I am sure all you know what I am talking about. I am such a big chicken though I am scared to death of the surgery and looked into the RNY about 4 years ago and chickened out. I kinda like the idea of the band better but really need more information on it . I would really appreciate all your help and suggestions. I do have a seminar coming up this friday. I am hoping that some of my questions will be answered then. I am just wondering if anyone has had any problems. I keep hearing about them slipping and breaking causing alot of problems. Thanks Bonnie

Hello Suddzie! I am sort of new too (meaning I usually don't post...just read).   What I have learned is that its perfectly normal to be a "chicken."  Surgery is a huge deal and don't feel bad about that. I am having the RNY March 20th and have been wired ever since I got my date.

I can't say enough good about this site!  You have come to the best place (in my opinion) for support, inspiration and great information.  You might check out the Lap Band Forum.  That way you can speak to people who have had, or about to have it. 

I wish you the best of luck!

God Bless

Joy

Bonnie, I completely understand where you are coming from. I am 11 days post-op and before my surgery I was driving myself nuts with worry. But I did very well. 4 hours after my surgery and I was doing laps around the nurse's stations. I recouperated very well. My incisions are almost completely healed and I am off ALL my diabetes/high blood pressure meds. I have already lost 24 pounds in 11 days. I looked into the lap band and decided against it because it had the potential for too many problems,although it seems they have perfected it more since then. I decided to have the lap RNY because I have so much weight to lose I would get more bang for my buck. I suggest writing down all the reasons you should have the surgery and write down all the reasons you should not. The reasons to have should outweigh the reasons against. The decision should be your own because it is a big decision. For me,it was a battle for my Life. Let me know if I can be of any help. Kevin

Bonnie, Hi. I understand your fear for it is a big decision. I had my lap  band 9 days ago and have lost 14 lbs. I am doing very well.Had  surgery on Wed afternoon and came home 4 hours later. Went back to work on Monday and I am a nurse. I only took pain meds 2x post op. Once after I got home from hospital and then again the next am. Not much pain at all. Did have soreness where the port is but heating pad helped with that. I do not regret my decision for one minute.  visit the Lapband forum. There are some very nice and knowledgable people there.

 Hello!! I'm "pre-band" too. Scared to death tooooo!!  Best bet is to hang out here and check out the Lap-Band forum, since that is the choice you're close to making. You will get tons of info from people who have the band. The slipping and breaking and all the other problems are few and far between. Less complications with the band than with some of the other wls, which is why I chose it. I wish you luck - if you need to chat, let me know!! We can encourage each other through this!!

I'm a new member too and scared and nervous all at the same time.  I am also frustrated because my insurance (BCBSAL) requires a six month qualifying periods where you have to be on a physician supervised diet.  I am on month two of six so I have a ways to go but I am ready NOW.  I really wanted to get banded but my insurance still won't cover it so I reckon it's RNY for me.  Either way, I am getting this surgery done.  I also checked into all this several years ago, but my insurance told me I hadn't been obese long enough.  Well, four years later I am back and my BMI is over 44.  It's a shame we couldn't have dealt with this back then but you know how insurances are.  This time I meet every single requirement and just have to do the six month diet thing, which I am committed to doing. Good luck on your decision and keep everyone posted.

Hi, Well I can't help you as far as lap band goes but to tell you ... I have a student I am working with and she had the lap band done.  She has lost over 100 lbs and is doing great.  As far as fear... this isn't a person on this forum that wasn't or isn't afraid.  This is major surgery hun.  But in my case the risks of staying the size I am is riskier than having the surgery... I am doing Rny. ... because I need something permanent.   I will tell you guys this though... I did the six month of dietician and do yourself a favor... ask your doctors to get the sych evals now.  That way is doesn't hold you up after your dietician.  I have been at this now since Sept 2006.  So it can take a lot longer than anticipated.  The good news is ... I think I am close to a consultation date.  We shall see..... Insurance grrrrrr. Good luck with your decision. Take Care, Laura

Hi,  I am 43 5'6 and 313lbs- I have been looking into both surgeries.  My specialist tells me that lap band is too risky - slippage , leakage, vomiting etc.  although I am more interested in lap band d/t there is no dumping syndrome, malabsorption but my specialist seems to think I am over reacting and that roux en y is my only answer.  Any info you get please share with me... please.  thanks.  DeeDee