Hello, my name is Jonathan. I'm a 23/m from Oklahoma City, and I'm debating whether to go lap band or not. I currently am 6-0 and weigh around 375. I have a little bit of a different story, though.
I used to wrestle for Oklahoma State university at heavyweight. There was a max of 275 in high school (that I hovered around) and 285 in college (that I also hovered around). When you think of a wrestler, at least from my view, you think of people who have such weight control that they can adjust to the 1/10th of a pound.. And you'd be right! When I wrestled at OSU, we would burn 5000 calories a day in workouts and practice.. So I ate all I wanted and still would keep my weight around where I wanted it. When I left OSU, I only took my eating habits with me. It's hard to find large wrestlers who enjoy working out when they don't have to.. Well that was 2005 when I left the room for good. I've added nearly 100 pounds since then. I try to diet, but unbelievably, I am quite a picky eater. I also have this incredible need to "feel full". I'm hesitant to take pills that advertise satiety, so I never tried that.
I really am nervous about looking into Lap Band because of 2 reasons.
1) I will feel like I just quit.. Kind of ashamed that I... an "elite former wrestler" and college athlete.. Needed lap band to keep weight off. I can talk myself past this shame, but it is worth mentioning.
2) I have never had surgery outside of wisdom teeth when I was 14 and tonsils when I was 7. I'm nervous about going under the knife.. or the laproscopic wands or whatever they are..
Well that's my story. Here are some questions I've got:
1. There's a bariatric clinic here in my area that offers Lap Band for $13000. This includes all fees, materials, 3 days in a hospital, and doctor visits for a year after surgery. I don't know if that includes "fills" or not.. But I do know it doesn't include any dietician visitations that may be required.. And it doesn't cover pain medication. My insurance company (OMAG) does not cover any type of weight reduction surgery.
Question: What is the BOTTOM LINE cost, if you factor in 13000 + the other stuff? I just don't know what else is beyond that?
2. Are there any non-surgical methods to prevent me from having excess skin around my body?
3. Is there a significant reduction in muscle mass after the surgery? Despite being obese, I do have a pretty broad stature and have a bit of muscle that I'd like to retain if possible.
4. Is there any way to get rid of these stretch marks that I have?
5. What are some lifestyle restrictions you have before and after surgery, besides your diet? No physical activity for a month? etc..
6. What kind of pain medication did you take? Was it significant pain?
7. After surgery, you're supposed to go on a liquid diet for awhile. Does this liquid diet make you feel full?
Thanks for any advice in advance. I know deep down that this is a route I want to go, I just need a little push to get there. I have about $15,000 to spend for the surgery, but anything past that might break the bank.. But I'm hoping I can get it done.
