lindata

Hi there, just getting started looking into all this, so please be patient with my ignorance! I've been to quite a few sites where they say they'll do the operation at a BMI of 40 or 35 with complications due to weight. I have a BMI of 35 with no other complications other than I have a very hard time losing weight (I have PCOS - for those of you with that, you'll know how hard it is). I've been 10 years overweight. Once I got down to 165 on Atkins but God awmighty I don't really want to do that again. I'm back up to around 210, my mother is around the same size, along with all the females in my familiy - so genes are playing a role. I don't want to be fat forever, and I feel in my heart like this would be the thing that could save me. I'm just wondering how likely it is to get this operation with a low BMI. I'm booked in to see a few seminars, but when I book they ask me my BMI and seem very hesitant as though the doctor is not likely to operate with such a low BMI. Is anyone else in the same boat? If you're self-pay, does it really matter anyway? Is it just an insurance thing? I'll stop my rambling now. Any thoughts are appreciated! Linda

Hey, Chickie, I saw on another post you have PCOS and have converted to vegetarianism. I too have PCOS, but my doctor has never given me any medication for it. What have you done through the years that has helped you? I know Atkins has been the only thing that's worked for me in the past. Are you happy with your band? I'm worried that with PCOS that even the band isn't going to help. Linda

Sorry, this has nothing to do with your question. Tracy, I love those before and after pics!! Is there a place on this board where other people post the same thing? You can see such a difference!!!!! Linda

Chickie, thank you for the info. I will be looking up low GI stuff now! Did you say no new hair has grown or you have grown hair? I'm finding I'm thinning on top where my bangs are (of course the most obvious place!!) and I can see my scalp. It's so depressing. Linda

Ouachitaman and Princessmom, I went to a seminar (oh, brain fart, I can't remember his name) but he's in the Baptist Health Hospital and he's only done gastric bypass. His partner has done a few months' worth of lap band along with gastric bypass. He seemed like a really nice guy who is confident in his abilities but not like he was trying to sell me something, you know what I mean? But he's never done any before. He seemed to think lapband was so 'easy' compared to gastric bypass that it was a no brainer kind of a thing. Now, is this a stupid question, or am I asking for problems going with him? Boy, I feel stupid even asking that. BUFFIE - by now you know that it is "your" Linda here! Thank you thank you thank you for all your support and for answering aaaaalll my questions. I think I'm ready and I'm just zeroing in on a doctor now. Talk to you again soon. Linda

Bjean, I was just thinking this hasn't been around THAT long and it's a little scary having something 'foreign' in your body, so I was thinking along the lines of losing the weight and having it taken out. Just thinking long-term risks. I'm seesawing back and forth. On the one hand people get surgeries all the time, get pacemakers and all kinds of things put inside their body and they're fine. Then on the other hand ... oh, just putting thoughts out there, I guess Linda

Tell me about it. I feel every single pound as well. I just meant in the general scheme of things it seems like a "lowish" BMI for this surgery. Hey, I know I ain't skinny! haha

Hi, Princessmom. Thanks for responding!! Can you tell me your thoughts on Dr. Lutrell? Do you mind me asking what your complications were? Linda

Hey Ouachitaman, I live in Maumelle too, just moved here. I'll probably get to know your family, it's such a small neighbourhood! I was investigating and Luttrell and Wellborn seemed the only two that looked like any good. Just from the internet, I did like Luttrell a bit better, but I haven't met either in person yet. I am planning on going to seminars ASAP. How is Luttrell's after care? Was your hernia and lung collapsing due to doctor error? That sounds awful. Are you okay now? Are you having any side effects to the operation? I'm so glad I found someone who had an operation done by a doctor I'm looking into. I hope you don't mind me picking your brain a bit! Linda

Hi everyone. I'm thinking of getting the band. I've been overweight 10 years and I'm at the end of my rope. My sister-in-law got it done and it was quite successful for her. My questions: What is your story? Was it a great success or great failure? How many of you feel you can get to your goal weight? Is it really possible? Or do just a few make it and the rest hope for the best? Has anyone got it done in Little Rock, Arkansas? Any great doctors there I should know about? I really do appreciate any comments. I'm terribly depressed about my life going the way it is with this weight. Well, I don't have to explain it, I'm sure everyone understands.:help: Linda

Oh, I didn't see your post, Ouachita!! doh! How did you like your doctor and visits, etc, etc? Linda

Hi, Lisa. I was so thankful to see a post for Arkansas ... and then I saw there was only one post!! arggg. I'm just getting info on this procedure and live in Arkansas and was hoping for some feedback on doctors here. Linda

Diann, were you happy with your doctor? Would you recommend him? I wouldn't mind travelling a bit to get to a good doctor. I'm from Arkansas and I haven't really been investigating doctors. That will be my next step. Thanks! Linda