Newbie with a couple of questions

Hi! This is a great forum. My doctor told me about it. I thought I wanted a lap band but after researching it I would prefer RNY. My DH is freaking out. He could barely wrap his head around the idea of a band; RNY is just too much for him. His reason--I'm not fat enough. What to do with that? My BMI is 40.9 and I have comorbities.

The other problem is that I go on mission trips to Nicaragua quite regularly. I sweat so much I have to drink tons of water to stay hydrated. (I did when I was thinner too, BTW.) How much water can I drink with a pouch in one day? I need a few liters. I'm scheduled to go in Feb and my doc thinks I can have surgery before I go! Yeah! Suggestions? Ideas? Comments?

Welcome Tonya!

This is a great group so ask away.....

I also thought initially about the band but the more I read the more I realized that a lap band would not work for me.  As far as drinking, most of us were able to drink pretty normally soon after surgery (not gulping BUT not having to sip, sip either).  I can drink regularly and often drink 24 oz in an hr at work.......however, early out cold water may not sit well and I would encourage you to NOT go on your trip if you are just a month out from surgery.....the other issue is will you have access to protein....the first few months are really trial and error and I still don't explore much when it comes to food.

Any ideas of when you will have surgery?  My pre-op process was almost a year long but others is much shorter.

Good luck!!

~~Jennifer

Welcome to the LW Board Tonya.

My DH freaked out too.  I took him to a seminar and to my initial consultation with the surgeon so he could asked all the questions he wanted to.  He was ok once he met and talked with some of the nurses and the doctor.  Be sure he is informed - that really helped mine.

I get between 100 and 120 ozs of fluids a day.  Decaf Coffee, Water, Tea.  I always wait 45 minutes to 1 hour after my meals to drink.  I do a protein drink for breakfast.  I really never had a problem drinking anything.  Some people do though.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.

Linda

 My DH was very supportive of my RNY since he saw how many problems I had with the band.  I traveled from Florida to Georgia six weeks out from surgery.  I think you need to be prepared to hold off a bit on the trip to Nicaragua though.  It's not just that it takes time to build up to the correct amount of liquid-finding good protein sources that sit well, and can pass through security can be an issue at first.  I brought some protein powder on the plane and I carried ready-to-drink liquid protein drinks in my checked luggage.

All things considered, even though RNY is obviously MAJOR surgery that reroutes your internal plumbing, for most of us we feel zillions times healthier after the surgery.  Remember to take your vitamins, drink, get protein, exercise and be kind to yourself.

Welcome aboard.
Janet

Welcome to the LWs.

Lap bands would probably be more difficult in a foreign land with the need for fills and adjustments.  I love my RNY but a sleeve is a good option too if your insurance will cover it.

I don't have any problem getting enough fluid in now but it in the beginning when everything is swollen, it is harder.  I would give yourself more than 1 month before you are doing that kind of traveling.  I did a trip at 6 weeks and it was hard.  It takes a while to get your energy back.  It is also harder to eat in the beginning with the restrictions of liguids, soft food, etc.  I would be hesitant to travel until my Drs plan had me back on normal food.

Welcome aboard!! 

Lightweights (persons with a BMI around 40 and co-morbidities) qualify for surgery.  We have the same issues as those who are heavier... steady weight gain over the years, multiple attempts to diet it off only to gain back what we've lost, can't see our toes, etc... LOL

Bless your DH for not seeing you as the obese person that you are.  Yes, the RNY is major surgery, yes there is always a chance of complications, yes it takes time to recover completely, yes it costs money to keep us in vitamins, supplements, and protein powders that we will require the rest of our life, yes there will probably be some extra skin hanging around afterward... but, guess what?  You'll look and feel like a million bucks in clothes!  LOL

I like the idea of taking your DH with you to appointments so he can ask his own questions.  There is also a forum for Spouses of WLS patients on this site.  I've never lurked there but it might be advantageous to recommend it to him.

You are making a decision to make you a healthier woman for the rest of your life.  It is your decision but you need his support.  There are things that he'll have to do for you at first and then there's always the money factor.  Find a way to calm his concerns, even if it's reading this thread.

I agree that a trip to Nicaragua in February would be too taxing on a body that is still losing, changing, reconfiguring, adapting, and healing.  How about as soon as you get back being a better target date?  It takes time to get approval, to prepare, and to learn everything you need to before you have actual surgery so that might work out better anyway.  There are others in the forum that have had to travel early on in their recovery and they may jump in to offer their suggestions and/or concerns.

Best Wishes and keep us posted!

Thank you, everyone, for your input!!  I will speak with my doctor soon about putting off the surgery until after Nicaragua or canceling Nicaragua all together.  I should have said that the trip is only a week, I'm a medical professional and will be bringing several doctors and nurses with me that will be fully versed in my medical needs.  I love those guys and they would do anything to take care of me.

As for DH, I asked him what he was doing today and he said "looking at how small your stomach is going to be".  Plus he admitted that part of his problem is that he personally doesn't think he has the fortitude to go through the surgery and make life changes.  I think he is coming around.  :-)  He is coming to the appointment with the coordinator so he can ask questions and said he would attend a seminar as well if necessary.  

I'm really excited about this journey.  Thank you for helping me. 

Have you looked into the sleeve?  For a lightweight, if your problems are just volume, that may be a good alternative.
As far as fluids, I drink up to a gallon a day.  I was able to drink well almost from the start.  I never had a problem getting my fluids in.  Some are different and they can't drink that much or they get nauseous so it's hard to tell.

I did look into the sleeve, but, alas, the insurance company won't pay for that or DS.  Bummer.   Besides, I have the worst GERD ever and did even when I was 120 lbs. so RNY is really the best choice for me according to my surgeon.  Thanks for the suggestion though.

Welcome to the LW board.

Bless your husband for not seeing you as MO.

I had very bad GERD as well...none since my DS in January. But the reason I chose the DS was that I needed to take NSAIDS..

You can appeal the DS if you want to...there are ways but only if you want to go that route...and more and more insurance copanies are covering the sleeve. Did you call the insurance company to verify what exactly is covered? Would not want you to miss out on a surgery option if possible.

Liz