LBWannabe

Hey All, I am in the very early stages of considering Lap Band surgery. I am 33 years old, weigh 260, 5'6". Thankfully my BP is borderline / good (depending on the day) but I have had high cholesterol since high school and about a year ago, my liver enzymes went above normal (I do not drink and things such as hepatitis and other liver diseases were ruled out, and my liver ultrasound was normal, but it may be related to my weight). I am not on any meds. I also have a neurological disorder that I was born with. While I am mobile, my legs are quite weak, which means I have to be creative with my exercise. I've tried some dieting in the past, but have not had any long term success. Now my weight just keeps on an upward trend which sucks and I have a tough time with willpower. There is a strong history of cardiac issues / heart attacks on one side of my family and I am fearful of going down that road myself. If I do not get my weight under-control, my fear may become a reality!!! I also want to lose weight as I hope that will help to keep me mobile as long as possible. While my docs do not think that I will progress to needing a wheelchair do to my neuro condition itself, I am afraid that my weight might get to the point where that scale is tipped. I hope that I have a good shot of getting the insurance approval due to my BMI and also high cholesterol. I am going to an informational session next week (just signed up today)! My Mom had WLS last year (gastric bypass) and is doing great! I've been able to see her experience and how much it has benefited her but have also been able to see her struggles, so I feel that I have a realistic view of WLS and what I might be in for. So far, she is the only one that I have told that I am considering this, and she has been very supportive. I know that weight loss surgery is only a tool and in fact, it seems like in some ways it may be harder than regular diet and exercise alone, but I think that my health would really benefit from it in multiple ways! How did you all decide on the lap band versus other types of WLS? I am leaning towards the lap band because I am afraid of the "permanence" of the other procedures. (AKA, if something were to go wrong - even if risks are small - it could be reversed. I also have GI issues, so I really do not want to be messing around with my gut by getting a bypass). That being said, I do hope that the lap band will lead to positive permanent change!!! Any other advice??? I am sure that I will come up with many more questions down the road. I'll be back!

Update: I have decided to go with the gastric sleeve, because for me it just made more sense and it is also what the surgeon recommended for me. Thanks for all of your support though, and I wish you all continued success with your lap-bands!

Missy, have you gotten any closer to a decision? I am seeing Dr. Vernon tomorrow, but at this point in time I think I am leaning towards the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I will see what Dr. Vernon says though. For those who are still curious, the current fee is $550, but this includes lifetime follow up and support through the groups and department. While I hate paying so much, this seems like a good investment to me!

I too am really sorry to hear the news. While devastating to learn this, for sure, it is better to know now so you can get treated properly. Thank God that the nurse called you! Try not to berate yourself though. Yes, hindsight is 20/20, but now you know and you can have a very healthy lifestyle going forward and it sounds like you are really motivated to do so! I do not know you and how you have decided on the lap band versus other types of surgery, but there is now a lot of research showing that Gastric Bypass can reverse Type 2 diabetes in many patients. (They think it has something to do with the bypass part, that when food bypasses the intestines, it does not stimulate the hormones associated with diabetes, or something like that - don't quote me!). You may want to continue having conversations with your PCP and surgeon who would do your weight loss procedure about what the best option for you going forward is, whether it be the lap band or something else. Don't give up hope though! Diabetes is a treatable condition and you certainly sound motivated to get it under control. I wish you all the best!

Hey all, Was it hard for you to get used to not being able to drink while eating a meal? I am used to drinking a lot while eating and am afraid that this will be really hard for me. How do you deal with thirst while eating? Any tips?

I am so glad you asked it because I fear I would be in a similar predicament!!!!

Palpitations starting again.

Phew. $100 is manageable. $500 gave me palpitations! Any BWH / Faulkner folks get worked up at BWH but have their surgery at Faulkner? BWH is way more convenient for me for appts, etc, but I know a ton of people there. For privacy reasons, I would prefer to have the surgery at Faulkner since it would involve an overnight stay. Private versus double rooms are a bonus as well!

Hey Missy. I too am going to be at the Info Session at BWH on 5/22. I have not decided for sure I want to do this, but I want to explore my options so I am planning on going. Perhaps I will see you there! I saw in one of the REALLY early posts on this thread something about a $500 program fee. Is this still the case? The website did not say anything about it. Thanks!

What is plication?

Thanks for all of your replies! They really do help!