Good News for Tricare Members!

[mglaro 0]

I have just started all the testing required to get approved for gastric bypass. My consultant called me today with the news that Tricare has officially started approving Lapband. Now I have a choice to make. Maybe hearing others opinions would help me.

I am what you would call borderline, so I know I may hear lots of people saying why am I going through such a drastic process. Well, here goes.

I was lucky enough to never had to struggle with my weight as a young girl. My weight problems didn't start until I had my 3rd child and used that dreaded depro prevara shot. I have now had 5 kids and am done! I am 5'1 and weigh 207 lbs. I have struggled with weight loss yoyo for some time. I had joined the gym again after moving to north carolina in october. Then i got rear ended in dec and again in march. I have horrible back pain and a tear causing pain through my psyatic nerve on the right hip. I can't do exercise. I can't even pick up my kids :s I have officially been discharged from chiro labeled as chronic condition that I will have to deal with pain management. Hence my decision to discuss perhaps having this surgery and removing the extra weight will help relieve a good amount of pain I am having. I know some of the pros and cons versus the 2 surgeries. One being one is irreverasible , the other needs management. Then there is the time differnce as one helps you loose faster. Now faced with having my choice I am more confused than ever. I have until my appointment with the surgeon in the next week or so to decide which way to go. I was hoping to get some advice and more information on what to expect. My husband is deployed in Afganistan right now but he is supportive of what I decide to do. I also have my mom and brother here to help me through this. I'm just worried and confused. Any help would be appreciated :Banane30:

[Sula 0]

Sounds like you have quite a decision to make. For me, I could not wrap my head around permanently altering my stomach and the food issues were so big with it, I just felt that wasn't the route for me. When I learned about the band last November, I light bulb went off and said...this is it...I can do this.

For me, this was the right decision and I'm glad with the weight loss I've had so far...still more to go. I also considered that by losing slower, maybe my skin wouldn't sag as bad and it seems to be true so far. I like that idea of eating normally, but having help in managing portions. I know that certain foods are off limits and cause problems, but I really haven't found any that I absolutely can't eat, but choose to not have them for the most part.

I am soo sorry about your injuries and the chronic pain. If I have a headache for two days I'm whining...so I have a lot of admiration for those who deal with chronic conditions. I think that you will find losing weight will help some. It certainly helps with more energy and flexibility.

Good luck to you.

[2bthinagn 3]

There are several threads here for lapband vs bypass, you might do a search. Lots of pros and cons brought out. One is that recoup time will be longer for bypass.....my son is in Iraq for his 3rd deployment. My heart goes out to you. Take care