WannaBe1/2TheWoman

When I went to attend the seminar put on by the WL Institute, I had already decided on the Lapband. Then, after listening to the surgeon talk about both, I was on the fence and was almost leaning more toward RNY. So, I made a list (I am a list-person) of pros and cons for both and really researched both, and read testimonials on both, and finally decided that the lapband, was indeed better for me. The pros and cons will be different for each person, but for me, I decided on the lapband because: ** It is reversible, if need be (the band can be unfilled or removed) ** Although the RNY has made great strides in safety, it is still a little more invasive than lapband & changes the body's "plumbing" more ** With bypass, I just didn't like the idea of how the body makes it's excretory "dump" after eating. Seems to me there were some other reasons I made this choice, but research it and read up on both - you will make a choice that is best for you. Good Luck!

Hi Everyone, I too am waiting (impatiently). My process has not really taken very long, but after I did all the things my insurance company asked (Dietician, psych eval, etc), the next thing is to meet with the surgeon and the first available appt for that was 4/6, so I've literally been waiting the entire month of March! My nurse at the Weight Loss Institute and the nurse that is overseeing my case at BCBS told me that everything is in place...just need this consultation with the surgeon, where he will determine if I need any further tests, etc. Once he clears me and notifies my insurance co., I can be scheduled for a day-long orientation with the "team", and that is the day my surgery is scheduled. She told me that it is usually within a month, so I'm still holding out hope for an April banding date, but deep down, I know that it might be May. So, in the meantime, I prepare mentally, am making my list of things I want to be sure to do before the surgery, list of things to have on hand, list of foods I want to eat before I can't ... lol... and I get on this forum a few times a day to read, read, read. I'd love to correspond with a couple of people in the same part of the process as me, if anyone is interested....would love to hear from you. Best wishes to those going in soon, and for those still waiting!

Hello, My name is Sherri. I am 44 years old and live in St. Louis, MO. I am divorced and the mother of a 19-year-old son. I have battled my weight for the past 24 years, gaining and losing, gainin and losing, and finally this past winter, after much research and soul-searching, decided that the LapBand is the way to go for me. I am 260 lbs right now, 5'5" tall. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, hypertension, and just last month with hyperthyroidism. It's really sad that I let myself get this "sick" before I decided I should do something about it. I won't know for a couple of weeks if I will be banded in April, but I'm HOPEFUL, so keep your fingers crossed for me. I am really ready and excited to get on the road to being healthy, and I look forward to being in touch with all of you, as we travel this road together.

Hello - I hope to be banded in April, and I'm so excited! One thing I would love to know from you all - Are you / or / have you told (most) people about your banding? So far, I have only told a couple of very close friends and a couple of family members. And I'm thinking that once I'm banded, and people start to notice my weight loss, if they ask "What are you doing?", I'm just going to say "eating less..". That won't be a lie, but is it wrong? It's not that I want to keep it a secret or that I'm ashamed, but I just don't think everyone needs to know. I also don't want to be the subject of debates/gossip at work, family gatherings, etc. If you've been banded, how are you handling this? If you're about to be banded, how do you plan to handle it? Thanks! Sherri

Hi Sissy, can you please add me to the "April Hopeful" list? Thanks! About the signature thing: I am usually very good with computers, but I have created and saved a "signature" and it isn't showing up. I have tried everything I can think of and can't get it to show up. Anyone else ever have this problem when you were new on the site? thanks! Sherri

Yes, you are right...there are alot of different perspectives, and that is what I was hoping for when I posed the question. It is a personal decision and each person's situation will be different. Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts and experiences, I really appreciate it. Best, Sherri

Hi Sissy and everyone, I'm an April "HOPEFUL".. and love that there is a group of us all in the same place in the process so we can share excitement, anxiety, news, tips, etc! I have a consultation with the surgeon on April 6 and should be approved by insurance prior to that, so I know it's close, but I'm getting so impatient! Sherri

Hi Everyone, I joined this site a week ago and mostly read, I haven't posted many comments. But I'm hoping to be an April Bandster too. So, far, my insurance company has responded quickly to everything, but now I'm waiting to get in to a consultation with the surgeon and April 6 is his first available appt for that. Hopefully once we meet, things will move quickly. March is dragging for me... I'm so happy for those of you that have your surgeries scheduled! I'd love to chat with anyone that is getting close, so I'll know what to expect. Thanks!

Hello everyone, This is my first visit to the site and I am excited to meet new people, that have or will be going through the same process that I am. Currently, I am waiting for insurance approval, but am getting close. Hope to be banded in April. Nice to meet you all!

How exciting for you both - this week! I am not yet scheduled, but will be excited to read your posts as you get closer and afterwards. Best Wishes!