Naked and Afraid

[The Hacker 5]

I just had my first meeting with the surgeon and I am getting very anxious. After studying the three surgeries available I met with the doctor and after a long conversation he convinced me the LapBand was not the best choice and that I should consider the Gastric Bypass. Looking at the facts I had to agree with the surgeon. Here are my particulars: male, weight 240, age 70, height 5' 8", currently using Rybilsus to control my type 2.

Having read the book from the weight loss surgery program, I am now frightened, anxious, afraid and overwhelmed!

How do I move forward?

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[ShoppGirl 5,061]

Just take it one step at a time. It’s a major surgery, if you weren’t at least a little anxious I would wonder if you were human. Thankfully, most of us have a few insurance hurdles to jump through pre op which give us a little time to wrap our minds around all this.

[The Hacker 5]

Insurance is covering 85% of the cost...

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[catwoman7 11,231]

good decision not to do lapband. Very few surgeons place those anymore because so many people have had problems with them. It's largely been replaced by the sleeve as the non-RNY option.

I'm always freaked out before surgeries - I think it's pretty normal. That said, I love my gastric bypass and would do it again in a heartbeat. Best decision I've ever made.

[lizonaplane 1,613]

It's normal to be scared.

I agree, lapband is not a great surgery. Bypass has the best stats as far as reversing diabetes.

I generally like the idea of following your surgeon's advice or getting a second opinion if you're still not sure.

[The Hacker 5]

Thanks! It is nice to hear the information from non-doctors

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[joanie pony 29]

i agree with the previous comment - you'll have time to think it over. Your surgeon and your insurance will most likely have requirements for you - that will give you time & education about the process.

Good luck to you!

[Smanky 752]

Surgery is scary! Even for those of us who've been under a few times, and it's especially harrowing when it's the first time. I'm a pretty tough customer, but when I went in for a knee reconstruction about 25 years ago, you betcha I cried on the gurney waiting to be wheeled into the theatre! I'd never felt so vulnerable in my life. But you are taken care of by a team of professionals who are all there to keep you safe and ease you through.

I'll agree with everyone else about the lap-band. The bypass sounds intimidating (I had planned on the sleeve and was talked out of it because I had pre-existing GERD), I had to sit back and consider logically how it was the best option for me. Now that I'm on the other side I'm so glad I got the bypass and I wish I'd done it sooner.

You've got some time, so take it slow, acclimate yourself to the idea, and focus on why you're doing it and the pros. And most of all remember you're not alone - this is a well-trodden path!