Hoping To Get Lapband Surgery!

[bipolarbaby 1]

Hi, Denise, aka Bipolarbaby, here. I live in eastern NC and I'm 41. I am about 5'5" and weigh around 240. I have 2 boys, 11 and 17, and I am married. I'm a Christian. I have had weight problems on and off for most of my life. Between my genes, lots of surgeries over the years, depression/Bipolar and the meds for them, I can't seem to lose more than a few pounds. I'm tired of being tired, having trouble with my joints, trying to find clothes, hating the way I look, etc.

I'm seeing my doc on 5/2 and am going to ask her to refer me to a local gastric surgeon. We've talked about it before, so I'm pretty sure she'll do it. I hope to lose about 100 lbs. and to get off meds for high heart rate and high cholesterol. I'm also hoping to get some relief for my arthritis and fatigue and hopefully, get some of my missing libido back. Hard to feel sexy when you don't like how you look, even though my hubby loves me just the way I am (sweet man!)

I joined the sight to learn more about the surgery and recovery, and to "meet" others who have been or are going to go through it. I love to read success stories! It gives me hope! My dad has had the bypass, a few times, but I don't want to go that route, the recovery is too hard. He had it done in the 70's (first time) and nearly died. That scares me. Plus, I had a Tummy Tuck to get rid of the "flap" from my c-sections, and the pain nearly did me in!

Any questions or things you want to share would be great. I'd love to share experiences with those who have been there! Thanks!

[Houston17 115]

Hi Denise, my name is Liz, aka Houston17. I'm also hoping to get the lap band. I've just started this process. I actually attended an education seminar at the Bariatric Center last Friday. During the seminar, they explain all of the different surgeries, go through the pros and cons of each as well as cover other info on what to expect. There are several steps that this Center requires to go through the process. I went to a support group meeting at the center on Tuesday night and today I went to a group meeting with the dietician. I'm scheduled in the morning to see the nurse/manager of the program. I'm not really sure what to expect with that visit. I've started this journey a little in the reverse of what you are doing. I have an appointment with my primary doctor next week. I've never talked to him about this and I have no idea if he will be supportive or not. I've only been going to him for the last 5 years due to relocating. So, I'm excited and nervous about getting through each step! Good luck with your visit! Btw, I just joined this site today and this is my first post!

[bipolarbaby 1]

Thanks, Liz! Hope everything works out for you too! Keep me posted!

[NWgirl 574]

Good luck! My long-term boyfriend was diagnosed with Bipolar in 2009, and has gained a good 20-30 from the meds alone. He actually got up to about 50 gained, but had a medicine change and was able to drop some of it. It's a pretty terrible trade off, but considering the alternative, it's for the best.

I am hoping you get your referral

[bipolarbaby 1]

Thanks, Stephy. Yeah, all of my psych meds tend to make you gain weight and the depression makes me not want to do anything, so I just kept gaining. That's one reason why I feel I need the lap band. I'm praying I'll be able to get it!

[NWgirl 574]

Yeah, it's a pretty crappy situation. You need the meds to help out the brain, but then they screw up your body. It's been pretty hard on my bf because he was always a really skinny guy before the meds...

Keep your head up. I'm sure you'll get there soon

[Cazzy 725]

Good luck with sorting out the band .. you may even be lucky and be able to reduce the psych meds after u lose weight, getting the body in balance and working right always helps the mind .. i wish you every success..

[tomosia 12]

Hi Denise, I too am new to this journey. I'm in the process of a 3 month Dr. supervised weight loss program to get approved for lapband. My goal is to get off as much medication as possible. I currently take meds for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. I've been big all of my life, and it has taken it's toll on my knees, but hopefully if I lose some weight I'll be able to get off meds and move easier. I don't want to be a size 2, I just want to be healthy.

[Nikki Riviotta 33]

Hello Denise. Congrats on taking the steps on your journey. If this happens for you it is a journey you will not regret. It has completely changed my life for the better and I am forever grateful for it and for the people that helped me in this direction! Good Luck to you and I will keep you in my prayers!

[bipolarbaby 1]

Thanks, ya'll. I'm really looking forward to talking to her on 5/2. I pray I can get in with the surgeon a.s.a.p.! I'm ready to do this thing!

[Nikki Riviotta 33]

Thanks, ya'll. I'm really looking forward to talking to her on 5/2. I pray I can get in with the surgeon a.s.a.p.! I'm ready to do this thing!

Love that positive attitude!