23 Years Old, Looking Into Options At Kaiser

[SweetGabrielle 2]

Hey all,

I'm 23 years old with a 53% BMI. i'm ready to change my life. i just have a lot of questions and no support. i'll be doing the process through kaiser. how does the process work and how long will it be?

I'm ready now!!!

lol

[NWgirl 574]

I am 23 and got banded last month. I started the process January 17, received approval mid-February, and was banded march 20. I was not required to have a supervised diet.

[SweetGabrielle 2]

wow! that was fast!!! Are you also with Kaiser?

I'm just afraid I'll loose my nerve. i know that sounds stupid, but i've never had any major procedure done and surgery kind of freaks me out.

[NWgirl 574]

No, I am with Anthem BCBS. I was nervous about the procedure, but knew from the hard core dieting I've done in the past that I cannot lose the weight on my own. I feel 100% about my decision and would do it again. I was glad I didn't have to jump the supervised diet or class hoops some insurance require. I had researched this for about a year on and off prior to going in January, so I knew the answers to my questions and felt I knew the protocol.

As for the procedure itself, It was my first surgery and it went great. I think it was about an hour long and there were no complications/hernias/etc. I was outpatient, so I left a few hours after being in recovery. Within a few days of surgery I was feeling back to my old self.

I was a little freaked out about the actual surgery and the what-ifs that plague us all. Honestly, I tried to keep my mind occupied the days before surgery and the day of surgery it was too late to turn back. It was almost like I ignored my scared thoughts because I knew the path was the right one and I didn't want to be the only thing standing in my way.

[SweetGabrielle 2]

wow, so recovery was only a few days?

thats great since i'm trying to only request a few days off of work.

hopefully kaiser is quick and painless, i don't want to jump through hoops to get this done.

any issues after surgery? no sharp constant pain or anything?

[NWgirl 574]

my recovery was quick, but is not for everyone.

I took a total of two full days off and worked two partials before I came back full time. If I had a sit down job, I would have been fine going back within two days.

I had minimal gas pains. It was worst on days 5 and 6. Moving is your best friend for the gas. I did have abdominal discomfort from day 1-3. I had a Mini Pillowpet I bought to hold against my tummy for Support when getting up/down or if I was walking and my stomach was achy.I took my pain meds for three days.

[SweetGabrielle 2]

that sounds just right.

I'm extremely interested in moving forward and your answers have just reassured me that the decision is the right one. my appointment is tomorrow with my PCP, where i will be taking the first step towards lap band!

[jessicarage 3]

I'm 24 with a bmi of 49 and I go to the seminar on 5/2 . My insurance company requires a 6month diet with pcp, I'm hoping they will waive that for me. I'm afraid but know this is what I need

[therealme89 54]

hey im 23 also i got banned 4 months ago best decision ever

[SweetGabrielle 2]

do you notice a good amount of progress? i'm now having doubts because of another forum where everyone was saying that results on the lapband suck. lies?

[TheBone 0]

There's good and bad in everything.... The result for me is worth the risk. Attend support meetings and ask lots of questions. Make the choice that is right for you. I just turned 30 and I'm 2 weeks Pre-op. I can't wait to see what I'll become. Best of luck in your decision!

[SweetGabrielle 2]

I've been researching, and after speaking with my dad, i am now at a crossroads. I am seriously considering RNY but i'm still considering lap band.

On a happier note: i went to my appointment and now have my overview class scheduled for May 8!

My PCP is very positive and right behind me every step of the way. She said, "we'll get you through this process as quickly and painlessly as possible" I'm very happy she's with me. I also this I'm her first refferal to bariatrics as shes just as interested in the process as i am.

[daisychains7 427]

I am 22 (turning 23 this year) and getting banded on May 8. Welcome! I am happy everything is moving along for you and that you're researching your options. This board is a great resource!

[says_simon 10]

Seems like you're a little young to make permanent changes to your body like you would with a bypass procedure. They don't seem to have a good success rate over time, and then you're stuck with malabsorption the rest of your life. I know that the long term success with band isn't amazing either, but at least it's adjustable and reversible.

[goddesscordelia 30]

I say that you should go for it- just keep in mind that you need to eat healthy and exercise too. You may want psychological help to deal with issues when you are not medicating with food. If you are ready to help you- do it!

-Cordelia, banded 1/08