Newbie here

Hello all,  first off let me introduce myself.  My name is Leslie Fletcher I am a resident of South Louisiana, 39 yo, male, married and the father of 2 lovely children. I am excited to be a part of this group and look forward to both getting and giving support. 

Now with that being said, I am ~5 ft 10.5 in and currently 290lbs.  I have been struggling with my weight for ~20 years.  I have tried ,feels like, every diet on Earth.  I lost 0 on some and 80 on the others only to yo-yo back higher.  I suffer with GERD, Severe Sleep Apnea, High Cholesterol.  I started researching the Banding, Sleeve, and RNY earlier this year.  I was first headed for the Banding but then I attended seminars and had a consult with the surgeon and have pretty much decided on the RNY.  I am going through the pre-ops for the surgery now in hopesof having it ~ 1/20/10.  I will admit I am pretty nervous about the procedure and paranoid about complications due to the fact that I have never had surgery before.  I do realize the numbers are in my favor but I am still a bit uneasy.  Any input will be greatly appreciated and again I look forward to being a part of this group.

Hey there! Welcome to our group! Glad to have you join us here!

There are some concerns with the surgery, but I'll bet if you weigh it out, you'll find the complications and risks of obesity are greater than those of the surgery. Most of us make it through without any complications. There are some who are not as lucky, but the risks for this surgery, typically are no different than for any surgery. Be as informed and healthy as you can prior to surgery, and reach out for support and ask anything you need to. We are here for you!

You will find that you will be able to enjoy your time with your children so much more after you lose some of the extra weight.  You children will benefit as well as you.

Hang in there and again...welcome!

Hi Leslie, I too thought I was going for banding, until I had my consult with my surgeon.  Between the two of us, it was decided that RNY was my best option.  I struggle with diaberes, sleep apnes, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure and arthritis.  Three months have passed since my surgery, thrilled with my decision.  The only bump in the road for me was some issues with constipation early on. 

Ask away, questions, concerns, thoughts.  No topic is off limits.  We will do our best to offer moral support and friendship.  So far, I have managed to get off my insulin, lowered my medications for several other of my conditions.  Taking this one day at a time and learning each day.  Take care and looking forward to reading more of your posts.

Welcome to the group, Leslie.

I was nervous pre-op as well, until I realized that if I didn't do something about my weight, the sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol were going to kill me anyway.  You'll be fine!

This group is great; I'm glad you found us.

Colleen

Hello and WELCOME, Leslie!

My name is Kim and I live in Central Iowa.  I am 42, have been married to my high school sweetheart for more than 21 years, and have five children (B19, B16, G12, B11, and G9). 

I also began my journey with the intention of getting the lapband.  After discussing it thoroughly with my regular physician, my surgeon, and a few family members, I decided that the RNY was a better choice for me. 

I was nervous about the surgery, recovery, and possible complications but I had to decide that I would deal with whatever happened when it happened and focus on adapting the diet and lifestyle changes necessary to be successful. 

My surgery was 12 weeks ago today.  It was textbook and my recovery was very smooth.  I struggle now and then with pains in my stomach and abdomen - mostly from gas! - but I feel good most of the time and I am dropping weight very well.

I am happy that you found Obesity Help and the Bariatric Buddy group!  And I look forward to learning more about you and hearing about your successes!

Take care!
Kid Krazed Kim