upnorth

thanks for the web site, what a great tool to see the info side by side Thanks again

Thanks for all you guys input... My surgeon specializes in Lap-Band and teaches doctors from all over how to do it, with a robot even.. She also does GB and the sleeve. She felt that I would have better success with the GB. She usally recommends the Band for patients who dont quailify for GB. She felt that with my age and young children that driving 2 hours for fills and most likely having to have repeat bands in the next 50 years, more of a disadvantage. My mom agreed with her, just like pacemakers, artificial joints, ect. they eventually need to be replaced. She felt that if I was going to make the comitment to weight loss and go through with a surgery, why not do the surgery that uses both restriction and malabsorpbtion(sp?). She said the decision is mine... so here I am weighing out my options. I didnt even look into the GB, I thought the band would be enough, and less invasive. So now Im going to do more research and weigh out both options. Its so hard to have wrapped my mind around the band, and now to look at other options. Its probably a good thing, now when I make my final decision, it will be a very educated one. Thanks

I met with the surgeon on 1/11/08 to jump through my last hoop, before getting approval with insurance. She felt that the bypass surgery would benefit me more than the band. And since I didnt have any other health conditions, other than the weight that there was no reason to not do the bypass. She said she would do what ever surgery I wanted, but felt that I would have a better outcome with the bypass. I plan to attened an information mtg about the bypass and than make my decision. Has this ever happened to any of you and what choice did you make?? CONFUSED:eek:

Im so glad that someone started this thread!! I have jumped threw all of my hoops, changed Insurance (my company had great coverage, but changed carriers with the new year, so we decided to keep a personal policy with the old carrier) I have gotten all my family on board with my decision. I have only told one friend so far, Im just not ready for that yet. So here I sit, my appointment with the surgeon is 1/11/08, and they will petition my insurance company on February 1st or 4th (because of the change of policys doesnt go into effect until 2/1/08) And I am totally FREAKING OUT!!! I know I cant keep the weight off by myself, and I know that once Ive had the band, I will wish I had done it years ago!!! In the beginning this whole process seemed like it would take for ever, and now its almost here, the time flew by!! I guess I just have a case of cold feet!!!

Hello, Im waiting to be banded! I had my first child almost 13 yrs ago, on the BC pill! Than tried unsuccesfully for our second for 7 1/2 yrs. Saw info on Dateline about PCOS and finally asked my doc if that was what I had!!!! YUP!!! Went if for laprascopic surgery in April of 2002 and had ovarian drilling done, sounds worse than it is. Six months of clomid and finally was pregnant. 13 months after birth, found out baby number three was on his way!! Complete shocker..... to us and the doctors..... Now my cycle are so regular its crazy (now that Im done having kids) But the weight is still there.... My life is so full and complete now, all I have left is to get this weight thing under controll. they say that the infertility effects are greatly reduced with weight loss, so good luck to all you banders starting a family :whoo:

Hope everything went well for you on your surgery date !! Let me know how you are doing :confused:

I did my informational meeting in October and I have my first three appointments next week. Than I have my last nutritional appointment on 12/3. And than I guess I wait to get my consultation with the surgeon. I am very excited to begin this new journey. Everyone's post have been very helpfull and encouraging. I am nervous about the actual surgery and what life is going to be like after surgery. How I will feel both physically and mentally. Part of me wishes I had gotten to this point years ago, but I think it is a path that I had to follow to get me to where I am today. At first I felt like I was a failure, but after they had me write down how long I had been dieting and all my attempts, I realized that I can lose the weight, but not by myself. I think what you are feeling is part of the process. Good Luck and keep me updated

I cant wait to get updated with all of your progress.. It sounds like things went great for you!!!

Thanks, I have my appointment with my OB on 10/31 and Im looking at a June Lap-band surgery date. I was worried that if I had my hysterectomy in December, that it would delay the lap-band. It took a long time and many failed weight lose attempts to get to where I am, and I am so ready to begin this journey, I dont want anything to mess it up.

Has anyone had to have other abdomen surgery just before or soon after getting the lap-band? And did it pose any complications or delays? I'm having female problems and its looking like I might have to have a hysterectomy. :cry