nubamaboy2013

Hi all, I'm very interested in gastric but I turn 40 in April and have a BMI over 50 so I'm a really big man. However I'm a big chicken when it comes to going under and pain. Additionally I'm concerned with the skin issue I will have afterwards. Any guys out there that are over six feet had a BMI over 50 pre op who can give me some idea of what to expect and give me pointers on what to expect?

Hey folks, Well as the title says, I am on my way. I met with my surgeon Friday, Feb. 15th for the first time to discuss my options and to find out what was requirements my insurance wants me to meet before agreeing to pay for my surgery. Turns out that I am one of the lucky ones on BCBS that are not required to undergo the 7 month physician supervised weightloss program. There are a few hurdles to jump but those I think I can manage. Today I jumped the first hurdle by attending my very first support group meeting. It was nice hearing all the ends and outs of gastric bypass and it both answered some questions but also created new questions. The biggest question on my mind is which procedure to undergo. I am torn between true bypass and sleeve. My surgeon said either one would work for me and that I would loose a lot of weight with either procedure. I guess the biggest thing for me is getting the best bang for my buck. I want to loose at least 200 pounds or more I am just not sure if sleeve will accomplish this task, even if I do my best and follow the doctors orders religiously. I would like to poll the members of this group and this site to get an idea and prepective from both sides of the field.

Thank you for your reply. Oh that sounds terrible. I would hate to go through the procedure and not loose the weight I need to loose.

Thank you all for the replies, it is sure nice to have people to talk to so I can get some idea of the real world experiences with gastric. I am over 400 lbs 6'2" or 3" and going on 40 in April 2013. I just want to be able to go to Wal-Mart or some other department store and be able to actually shop for clothing. I actually think if I will go through with the surgery that once I lose enough weight so that I can buy clothing without having to order it online I will probably breakdown and cry. It has been almost 20 years since I have been able to buy much of any clothing anywhere other than the internet.