As a teacher, I am naturally curious to learn as much as possible before jumping in and committing myself to something.

I haven't been obese my whole life, but I have been cognizant of my weight since I was about 10 years old. Up to that point, I was always a skinny kid. My mom used to take in the waist of all my pants just to keep them from falling off. I went from being "skinny" to being average, and with the help of my atheletic nature, I pretty much remained "average" throughout highschool.

But highschool ended 14 years ago for me. In that time, my weight has steadily crept up and up. Dieting every which way to only gain it back plus more. - I know, just like everyone else on here :girl_hug:

Since getting married in 2001, I have put on over 50 lbs, making me 100 lbs. overweight - disgusting :confused:. I wish I could blame it on my pregnancy, but the truth of the matter is, I am only 10 lbs. heavier than before I got pregnant, so I guess I have to face the music. The years of yo-yo dieting since highschool have clearly failed. And I'm tired of feeling like a failure.

Before getting pregnant, I heard about WLS and the Lap Band. I couldn't imagine qualifying for such a procedure, but sure enough, 1 year after the birth of my daughter, here I am 100 lbs overweight with a BMI of exactly 40.

So the reserach began. I have been on every conceivable site, spoken to 4 top surgeons in the NYC area and have decided on Dr. Marina Kurian from Lenox Hill Hospital (NY Bariatric Group). Not only does she have an outstanding resume, she has an outstanding bed-side-manner.

I have been back and forth a million times deciding between the RNY and Lap-Band. Both have pros. Both have cons. But the thought of re-routing is simply too much for me. I am still young. I hopefully, have plenty of time left on this green earth, and would hate to look back in 25 years and find myself regretting something as permanantly altering as the RNY. I have been unable to find much researh showing longitudinal studies of RNY patients after 15, 20 years. All long term information seems to only address the likelihood of maintaining WL. But what about the overall health of these people???? Because of the malabsorption issues with RNY, are they at risk for more auto-immune problems later in life? Brittle bones? I realize they take supplements, but from my research, vitamins and nutrient in pills are not absorbed into the blood stream as effectively as they would be through the normal digestion of food. To me - that unknown is just a bit too scary. While quick WL is a very sweet carrot to dangle in front of this horse, I would much rather the weight loss take 3 years and end up a healthier person, able to enjoy my grandkids some day:)

So, being the ever-questionning, ever-cautious teacher, my research has led me to feel most comfortable with the Lap-Band and Dr. Kurian.

I hope to have my surgery as soon as school lets out in June. Hopefully I will return in September, slimmer, trimmer, and on my way!!!!!:biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1: :biggrin1:

You are a very smart mommy indeed! That's great you researched and found what is comfortable for YOU! I haven't been banded yet - due to finances - and I have read everything on here! Let me tell you - I don't think people research the band as much as they should - they expect miracles and that the band will do all the work - quite the contrary --- I am a member of The Gone For Good Club - they are extremely supportive and helpful with questions, concerns, etc. ... but 'some' people on this website want that miracle weight loss - you're smart and realistic in your expectations...congrats! Using the journal is an excellent way to keep track of your life banded or otherwise (as I use it also) and post something on page ONE to introduce yourself to everyone and check out all the awesome threads (if you haven't already) -- look forward to reading your journal as you journey down the lap band road!

Mo