Question:
I am considering surgery, bmi 46.5, don't know what to do next...

I am considering surgery, I have tried everything before and nothing has worked. I am 32 weigh 270 and stand 5'4". I am miserable now. I do not know what way to turn and would just like some suggestions and/or comments about what made you decide to have the surgery. Thanks!    — Kimberly M. (posted on November 19, 2003)

November 19, 2003
Hi Kimberly, Well, I think the first thing to do is to check out all 5 of the different types of most commonly performed WLS surgical options. Learn how they work, why they work, and what type of post-op lifestyle you would be required to commit to (remember this is the rest of your life!). Then, once you choose a surgery, choose a surgeon. Make sure it's someone who has excellent stats on mortality, complication, and infection rates. Also, someone who is committed to being involved in your follow-up - for life! For me, I knew I just didn't have another diet left in me. I'd been on diets since I was age 6 - and I had my DS when I was 38. That's a long time to be on a diet! I knew in my heart of hearts that I wouldn't be a successful RNY post-op - I just don't have that kind of strength left in me. When I started meeting DS post-ops, and seeing the amazing post-op quality of life they enjoyed - and were losing their weight really effortlessly, I knew the DS was for me. Of course, I spent a lot of time researching, making sure I knew what it was all about, and what I'd have to be committed to for the rest of my life. Then, I choose my surgeon - who ended up being Dr. Aniceto Baltasar. He is an incredibly gifted surgeon, who truly loves his patients, and is committed to being a part of their life - forever. He kind of becomes like an extended part of your family! I know it sounds kind of corny, but it's true. Anyway, I'm so THANKFUL for my post-op life. I was so very ill before my DS. Today I'm the picture of health - and I am LOVING my post-op quality of life. I've never had so much fun. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

November 19, 2003
Dina's answer was very good. I'd add that you should also check with your insurance company to see if it's covered or not. If not covered, you'll have to consider being a self-pay considering that if you have complications, you'd most likely have to pay for those too. Speaking of complications, make sure that is another aspect that you research when looking into the different procedures. If insurance does pay for the procedure, you'll have to make sure you've fulfilled their requirements. Work with your PC - hopefully she/he will be supportive and work with you on this. Good luck to you.
   — Yolanda J.

November 19, 2003
Hi Kimberly. It's a long road from considering the surgery to getting it done. I started in May of this year. I was watching the series "Fame" on tv and one of the judges was Carnie Wilson. It got me thinking about the surgery. The first thing I did was call my local hospitals and I was referred to the surgery departments...they gave me the name of doctors who do the surgery in my area. I called both offices and was told what the steps were -- there were informational meetings to attend to learn more about the surgery. There were also medical screenings, psych consults, nutritionist consults, support groups to attend, and 10% weight loss required. Once that is done, I'll be able to see surgeon so surgery could be scheduled. I've done everything except losing the 10% - I'm working on that -- and it must be documented. But -- as I was moving along, I figured I better check with my insurance company. And I ran into problems there. They had certain criteria I couuld not meet by the end of the year, and after 1/1/04, they will no longer be covering surgery under my group's plan. So I suggest the following -- call hospital to locate surgeron and call surgeon's office for info, and then, right away, call your insurance company to see if they cover the surgery. I have to cancel my insurance at work and pay for a policy for myself with another health insurance provider in order to have the surgery covered. And the policy is going to cost about $700 a month because I have to get a family plan. It's a lot of work - but it will be worth it. Good luck to you.
   — mary G.

November 19, 2003
I had lap rny on 5/29/03. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I'm 50 y/o and have been on and off diets since i'm 8 years old. I think I finally reached a point where it was do something or just lay down and die. I could barely walk. Everything hurt. I had no quality of life. My sister, who has never had a weight problem, had a co-worker who got the gastric band, and she suggested that I look into it. Well I did, but the more I read, and knowing my eating habits (Major major sweet tooth), I knew with the band I'd just defeat it. That's why I decided on RNY. I looked at the doctors on this web site, found one that was on my insurance plan, determined that my insurance did indeed pay for it, providing the usually medically necessary garbage was met, took a very deep breath, picked up the phone and made an appointment. I was very lucky. Don't ask me why. It was all down hill from there. I'm considered a lightweight in WLS circles, but I got approved . . . . I've never regretted it. I've never felt better in my life. Its quite a journey. Good luck in yours!
   — lorien

November 19, 2003
Kim: Congrats to you for checking out your options! I am the same height, but was heavier when I started my journey at this time last year. I had surgery end of Jan 03, and it's been 11 months. I feel great, I look great and I wish I could have done it 10 years ago...what a change it would have made in my life. I am not a heavy person now, I'm a normal person now, with energy...lots of it. Check out my profile page and you'll see my story. Check out all your options and think about where you want to be 10 years, 20 years etc. from now. Good luck to you!
   — CrystalBroj

November 19, 2003
Kim, I researched and studied the WLS options for about 2-years before, I went through with the procedure. My best advice is to stay close to www.obesityhelp.com. This was my source of information for surgeons, support, and general knowledge of WLS. The ONLY regret I have after WLS is not doing it sooner.
   — Tie C.

November 26, 2003
Hi, I'm starting my "journey" (I've got a surgeon, just waiting for ins approval) after 1st thinking about it way back in 1993. There wasn't much info out there back then, but what helped me to change my mind is that I'm sick & tired of being sick & tired. I'm also 32 but I feel like I'm 65+. Not good when you have a 7 & 5 year old. I'm just so tired of existing I want to LIVE. You can check out my profile and feel free to email me. By the way HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!
   — vllgmz4