oreo225

Well, I went to the hospital today in Berlin Germany and I had to see another surgeon as the one I saw last time was away. Now, the first doctor told me that I would be a prime candidate for surgery so I should think about the surgery and let him know my decision. So, after a couple of weeks of thinking and lots of hours trawling the internet, I decided I would have the surgery. However, the surgeon I saw today thought that this surgery was not for me! He said that because I liked chocolate and sweet things, I wouldn't stick to the rules. Also, he said to only expect up to 40 lbs loss per year (I am 120lbs overweight). I told him I was frustrated that 2 surgeons from the same department could have such different opinions about the surgery. He conceded that was correct but it was up to me. So, what do I do now. I thought I was so sure about the surgery and now he is telling me that the internet doesn't tell you about the patients who didn't do well and that up to 33% of their patients have the band removed after a year due to the lack of weight loss. Did anyone else have this problem? Or, is it because I am in Europe and they think differently to health problems due to obesity? I was so upset with this doctor today, I left his office in tears. Is this surgery not as safe and successful as I have been lead to believe? :help:

Just wanted to thank everyone for their replies and suggestions. I tried to make an appointment with the first surgeon but he is away on holidays for another couple of weeks. So, I am going to see a surgeon at a second hospital here in Berlin. I am even more convinced that this surgery is for me. I know that my eating habits have to change and I am fully prepared for that to happen! I need this extra tool to help me feel satisfied and not hungry all the time. Another problem is that my 20yr old daughter is not supportive in this decision at all. She says that the lapband is something abnormal and I should try to lose my weight another way. I have tried to explain to her that I have lost and gained 100's of pounds over the last 30 years. She is quite within her weight goal and the most she has had to deal with is 20 lbs. I know that this just as hard as what I face but I still don't think she understands. I am heading home for Easter and I have decided not to tell any of my family. I just don't want them to worry about me being so far away. Luckily, I do have a good friend in the UK who is very supportive as she has the same weight problems as I do. She is planning to visit when I have the surgery - hopefully in late April or May. Sorry for the rambling but it is so nice to be able to talk about the LBS to someone!

I am visiting my surgeon next Monday for my second time. I forgot to ask him about the vitamins I may need to take after surgery. What does your surgeon recommend? Also, will this be for life (or how long the band is in)?

Hi there. I am a newbie to this site and had my first visit with the surgeon today. I am a Canadian working and living in Berlin Germany and I am not too sure if my insurance will cover the surgery. However, my Doctor told me today that to have the procedure done here in Berlin will be approx. 3,000 to 4,000 Euro. I think that is about $5,300 US dollars. It maybe worth thinking about as this city is fairly inexpensive to visit and depending on where you live, you can get some fairly cheap flights with BA and Lufthansa. Also, he said I could have the surgery within 1 month if I wanted to. What a difference to the Canadian health system! If you have questions email me at oreo225@hotmail.com.

Hello all. I am living in Berlin and have an appointment with a surgeon on Monday to discuss the lap band operation. I am not sure if my insurance over here will pay for it but I still in the beginning of my investigation and I would consider paying for it myself. Is anyone else out there from Germany? I have only been in the country for a year now and haven't been in hospital but I have heard many good things about the care you get. I have been reading the forums for a couple of nights now and I noticed that there has been a lot of talk about filling. Is this when the doctor adjusts the size of the "new stomach"? Sorry if this seems to be a silly question, but I need all the help I can get to decide if this is the surgery for me. I have been overweight since the age of 15 and since then I have been on tons of diets (Weight Watchers, Optifast, Atkins, etc.) and I always lose but always put it back on and more! My weight has fluctuated between 130 and 250. Right now I am at 240 with BMI of 41 and I am so tired of the diet yoyo and just want to lose the weight for good. Just some personal things about me. I am Canadian living and working in Berlin. I was recently widowed (Nov 30th) as my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer 14 months earlier. He was a very healthy 43 year old who didn't have a weight problem and he had never smoked. He was so good with my weight problems and always helped me whenever I was on a new diet. I miss him terribly but I know that he was watching over me in my new attempt at weight control. I am looking forward to getting to know a lot of people on this forum as you all seem so sincere and helpful!