Saints_Fan

Thanks for the feedback guys, you all are great! I would say I leaning towards the LB for the obvious reason; low risk of complication, short recovery period and if the worst case presents itself; the band is removable. I don’t like the idea of “major” bypass surgery and I have to be honest I don’t know much about the sleeve. After reading the pros for the LB, I kind of had tunnel vision. I’m sure the doctors at the seminar will have more details on the sleeve. I fully understand the LB is just a tool and that I’m still responsible for what I eat. I don’t think that will be a problem. I think I’m like most people who sometimes need someone to hold them accountable for their eating habits, someone in their ear to get them back on track when they stray. For most part I can do that for myself. I can go months eating healthy and hitting the gym twice a day; that’s when I lose the 20-30lbs. But then life happens, I miss a day here and there and I think to myself “no big deal, I’ll hit it hard tomorrow”. Well “tomorrow” turns into “this weekend”. And “this weekend” turns into “first thing Monday morning” and before you know a month has gone by and 15lbs has found you napping. I believe (know) the LB will be that coach in my ear constantly reminding me to eat healthy (in moderation) and exercise. When I focused, I have the willpower to stay away from the bad foods and to keep active. But I admit, I need that kick in the @ss that one day I get lazy so it doesn’t turn into 3 months of laziness.

Hello everyone! I just wanted to stop by to say hello and introduce myself. I’m a 6’0” 320lb, 44 year old male who’s battled weight problems pretty much all my life. I often wondered about surgery as an option to losing weight. But like most I figured surgery was an option only available to the rich and wealthy so I quickly dismissed it. I figured I could lose the weight on my own and I shouldn’t have to resort to such drastic measures. I would eat healthy and exercise and weight would indeed come off…for a short time. I would lose 20lb and before you know it, I would put 25lb back on. As an adult I think my lowest weight was 290lb. After countless start/stops I just came to the conclusion that I would always be a big guy with blood pressure and cholesterol problems. For some odd reason weight lose surgery has been popping up everywhere lately. I believe New Jersey governor Chris Christie was the latest attention getter. As if the thought of a stroke wasn’t enough to get my attention. However after being diagnosed with sleep apnea in December and losing a coworker to the very same problem in April, the drastic measures of surgery didn’t sound so drastic anymore., Currently I’m in the initial steps of surgery; if fact I would consider myself still in the research phase. I called my insurance company this past Friday (5/20) and surprisingly bariatric surgery is covered under my plan. Today I called an in-network doctor and I was told I had to attend a new patient seminar before I could see the doctor; it’s set for this Thursday (5/23). I was told the two hour seminar is design to present all the available options (surgeries) and the pro and cons of each. There I will also have to fill out an application of some sort and a group of doctors will review my case the following week. I guess they’re looking for the perfect candidates? I’m hoping I meet their criteria. I mean I have a BMI of 45 and two life threatening complications. What more do they (I) need? Anyway, thanks for letting me share and keep your fingers crossed. I’ll keep you guys posted.