New to community - Trying to decide...

[iam_yamii 24]

Hi everyone,

Congrats to everyone who has made the decision to better their health and life. It took me years to finally tell myself that this was the best for me. I'm 34 yrs old and currently weigh 340 (BMI 53). I have been on a steady weigh gain since 1999 (graduated from HS). Throughout the years I did diet but I can honestly say I never stuck with it and often tell myself, "you didn't give it your all." I recently went from 342 to 315 in 10 weeks. This diet was supervised and with medication. I wasn't feeling to jazzy when I took the medication and once I came off I gained it all back, well almost. On Sept. 30th, I decided to go to Oband and find out information about WLS. I decided to go with lap band because i've been so afraid of possible complications from the VGS. Of course, the reversable aspect of it really had me sold. I know about 7 people in my life who all but 1 have done the sleeve. The one that did the band looks amazing after 2 years. Three sleevers have gained weight, 2 look like skeletons (with sunken eyes) 1 looks great. I wanna be healthy and look great at the same time. During my 1st visit i asked why do some people look literally dead, they said, lack of Vitamins to start. So that seems like it's something I can control post surgery.

During my 3rd visit, I was told I have Gallstones. They are under control so no issues. During this visit I had a moment to talk to Dr. Wizman (South Florida Doc), who by the way is AMAZING. I asked him if he had to tell me which surgery to go with, what would he recommend. He said, if it were up to me to decide for you, it would be the sleeve, considering how much weight you have to lose and your current BMI. He was very clear with me and said, i'm not here to change your mind and there is a reason why you chose the band. Do all of your research and come back to me. So here I am today, decided on VGS. After convos with friends, family and Dr. He's right. My insurance requires 6 Nutrional visits and this month will make it 4. I'm so nervous about this, i'm worried about how it will affect me long term, I tend to worry about complications but as one person told me, any surgery comes with complications, "you have had 2 C-sections." Things could have certainly gone wrong with that. Those words kind off put things into perpective.

So I would love to hear from you guys and your journey. Has anyone had the same concerns? Did anyone go from band to sleeve? Hope to hear from you guys

Yamii (South Florida)

[kg0rski 3]

Hi Yamii,

I too have struggled with my weight - especially with two pregnancies mixed into the last 16 years.

I decided on the Sleeve. I will let you know how it goes. My surgery is in two days!!!

I considered the band - but the thought of something foreign in my body lead me to the sleeve instead. Best of luck on your journey!

[iam_yamii 24]

Hi Yamii,

I too have struggled with my weight - especially with two pregnancies mixed into the last 16 years.

I decided on the Sleeve. I will let you know how it goes. My surgery is in two days!!!

I considered the band - but the thought of something foreign in my body lead me to the sleeve instead. Best of luck on your journey!

Best of luck to you, keep me posted.

My friend told me the same regarding the band and she's so happy with her sleeve results thus far.