Starting this process

[JinTx 19]

Hi everyone. I have been lurking around this board for a little while as I have been researching the band.

I am going to an info session w/ Dr Carcamo in San Antonio, Tx next Monday. 3 of my coworkers have been banded by him (well...one by his partner, Dr Wright but from what I understand they do all surgeries together, but she sees Dr Wright pre&post op, the other two are w/ Dr Carcamo). I am fortunate that I work for an employer that is very supportive of WLS. A few other coworkers have had bypass. My BMI is right at 40 and I have no comorbid conditions...well, i have no diagnosed comorbid conditions by my PCP. I have had high cholesterol for the past 5 consecutive years but have never went to my PCP to discuss. My employer has a medical company come onsite once a year and performs physicals, including lab work, yearly. This is a requirement in order to have continued insurance coverage that my employer provides. My employer also provides weekly WeightWatcher meetings on site free to employees w/ a BMI over 35. I have been attending meetings regularly but I do not like WeightWatchers. Other than the high cholesterol that showed up on lap work I have no other comorbid conditions -- YET. It's only a matter of time before I do. My family history is horrible and puts me at risk for a lot of health conditions.

I have been researching the band for a few months and feel it may be the right way to go for me. The 3 coworkers I have spoken to about it love it and are all for me getting it. One is about a year post op and the other one is nearly 2 years. The 3rd is only a few months out. In addition, all say that I should have no problem getting our insurance to cover it (I have United Healthcare). One coworker got denied the first time and she got HR involved and it ended up being approved in 2 days. My employer's healthcare coverage is 'self funded', meaning the company pays the claims an uses UHC as a benefit administrator only. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

My main concerns is what happens in 20,30,40 years? I am 32 yrs old and I plan on being around for awhile. Where are the studies that document the results after 20-30 year period? I am assuming there are none since this is a fairly new thing. Also, one coworker told me that Dr Carcamo has never had to remove a band. This concerns me. Obviously I am going to ask him myself to verify. It concerns me b/c what if mine needs to be removed for whatever reason? Do I really want to be his first guinea pig? At the same time all of my research on this doctor has shown him to be excellent.

In addition, I keep thinking to myself -- if my 3 coworkers love the band...have had NO complications...have been successful -- what are the odds that the same will happen to me? I keep thinking I will be the one that the band slips, or needs a port revision, or something. I hate to think about the bad stuff, but the reality is, I HAVE to.

I understand that the band is not the cure. I understand this isn't a magic pill. My lifestyle will change and I will only be successful w/ diet and exercise for the rest of my life. I have about 90 pounds to lose. That just seems so overwhelming to me considering as to how I can lose weight, but it's a struggle to keep it off.

My husband at first was NOT supportive at all. We got in several huge fights about it and now he has come around. He understands that I need to do this for my health.

At any rate, I am looking forward to my info session next week.

Regards,

J

[reverie 49]

Just wanted to say welcome!! All of your doubts/concerns are normal; I had very similar ones along with a lot of fear as being banded was my first surgery ever. Overall I say go for it. It seems like you have support from all aspects of your life and that really makes the journey so much easier.

Good luck

[rowekins 1]

First, Welcome:) If I hadn't known better, I would have thought I'd written this! Same age, same insurance, 48 BMI, initial husband issues, horrid family health history. I think we may work for the same company LOL. I began my journey in August of 2010, and I'm currently waiting for insurance approval. I'm fortunate in that one of my friends/coworkers was banded last April and is helping me with the personal concerns I have. While I can research until I'm blue in the face, it's not the same as talking to someone who is living it. I can tell you your concerns are not that uncommon. Keep talking to your coworkers who have had this done. There are most likely open to answering questions you may not feel comfortable asking your surgeon. Good luck!

[KINGSKID66 10]

I got banded in April '06. I've lost 90lbs. It was the BEST decision of my life. I was sooooo nervous wondering if I was making the right decision. I was self pay and my husband was reluctantly going along with my decision. I felt a lot of pressure. I have not looked back. It has changed my life. This year I will finally post before and after pictures. I've gone from a size 18/20 to a size 6/7. Very few complications other than my port practically sticks out now that I'm so thin. That's a small price to pay though. I've had very few complications. No, I don't get to eat everything I want to eat but isn't that the purpose of the band??

Recovery time .... what recovery time? The day of the surgery I recovered in the hotel room and the next day my husband and I were up walking around Tijuana. That was the only recovery time I needed. Afterward I went sight-seeing in San Diego for a couple days before returning home. The 'gas' people talk about is not gas like burping or farting but shoulder pain. I believe it's described as the gas used to inflate your stomach for the surgery or something like that. I bought Gas-X strips to help with the pain and was fine. Be sure to pack those if you have the surgery done.

Hope info from someone 5 years post op helps a little. Wishing you the very best in your decision. I know you'll do what's right for you!

Lynn