Question:
How to make a decision, on where and who and when for surgery

1st of all Rehab will pay for surgery in the state that I live in but not for 7-8 mts. I do not know the surgeons, and they are 4 hours away from my home area. I do not want to wait the 7-8 months because for me every month counts because I am 42 years old, and I really want to have a baby. I could have most of my weight off in 7-8 months and be well on my way to becoming pregnant, or at least trying. 2nd, I could go out of state 1 hour away pay 13,000.00 cash and have this procedure done, with surgeons that I trust, hospitals that I am confident in. and be well on my way to a better life 7 months ahead of what a "free" surgery could be. 3rd.. the clincher to all this is. I might not be able to get the money together, the bank may not loan it to me. I am a single parent, with a good job, fair credit, and a home with very little equity. (this has to be a miracle in the making) 4. I have no Ideal what to do next. Sit and wait, I will just gain more weight, I have alreay gained back the 35 lbs that I worked so hard to loose (1 year of really hard work) gained it back in 6 weeks. Do I wait on the "free" surgery, or do I bust my butt, try to get the money to gether, and pay for what I know to be a better surgery. Knowing that I will be hurt financially by not waiting. I am worth the 13,000.00. Either way I cant see the forest for the trees.... I need some clearer vision Rachel    — Rachel D. (posted on January 27, 2003)

January 27, 2003
My first instinct, is to tell you to have the baby now. If you think you can lose all your excess weight in 7-8 months, it makes me wonder what your wt/bmi is. It is important to wait atleast 18-24 months after WLS to have a baby - granted many womyn have not waited that long and have had successful pregnancies. But many large womyn have also bore very healthy happy babies. If your priority is a baby - I'd go for that first, especially considering your age. But, of course, this is all my opinion - and take it for what it's worth. I hope you find the answer.
   — JAFMartin

January 27, 2003
I agree, if you can have the baby now and wait for the surgery. It takes a lot more time to heal from the surgery that most think (not just the week or 2 for the incision to heal) Also you are quite a while getting your food intake figured out and regulated. Just like it is best to wait 2 years between children, it is best to wait between major surgery and then the stress of pregnancy.
   — Donna O.