considering weight loss surgery :)

abbiedarlin1 · 01-31-2009, 11:29 AM

hi guys

Here's my story :

I'm currently trying to conceive, but even though my doctor isn't concerned about my weight, I am. I feel so unhealthy. I'm pre-diabetic, my blood pressure is on the high end of normal, and I just worry about how things are going down hill for me health wise and I'm only 21. I have tried every diet known to man...from starving myself, weight watchers, meal replacement, calorie counting, low carb, high protein, diet pills (herbal and prescribed) and none of these diets have had long term success. My weight has just been steadily increasing and right now I am at the heaviest I've ever been...302lbs. I hate myself for my weight, but at this point it isn't 'oh I want to be thin and pretty etc' it's 'I'm genuinely fearful for my health and need help'. I went to my doctor for help, and was sent to a dietician. She put me on a strict diet for a week and I only lost 1lb...she was expecting much more, and basically suggested I look into lap band surgery because she thinks it's the only thing that will be long term success for me. Problem is, I'm terrified of surgery. I keep thinking about all the what if complications. Can anyone offer me some support or suggestions about this surgery? Or about my fear? I have 12 months to mull this over as that is the waiting period on the surgery.

~*~TammyLynn~*~ · 01-31-2009, 12:52 PM

It took me about half that time to think over my options and decided to have RNY gastric bypass surgery and it's been by far, the greatest thing I've ever done for myself. I'm no longer prediabetic, no more high blood pressure, no more aches and pains and best of all.... normal, regular cycles! I cycle about every 30 days instead of 3 or 4 months! WhooHooo!

SunnyInSeattle1 · 01-31-2009, 04:49 PM

abbie - I was 378 on the day of my RNY surgery, 3 1/2 months ago. I didnt have any surgery complications. I have lost almost 70lbs. My highest weight was 440lbs. I am also 35 yrs old. I am no longer diabetic and I have alot more energy.

Check out WLS Diva thread. It is for pre-op and post-op people. You are welcome.

Here is the link to the latest thread :

~*~WLS Divas*Feb pt 1*Happy Valentine's Day!!~*~

Leigha789 · 01-31-2009, 11:37 PM

I didn't have the lapband, but I did have gastric bypass when I was 22. So I know what it's like to be young and really want to get rid of the weight. It really is the best decision I've ever made. I was 275 pounds on surgery day and so unhealthy. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, severe acid reflux, no menstrual cycle, etc. Now all my health issues have gone away and I've been able to have children. There are complications with any surgery, but there are MANY more complications with living as a morbidly obese person. Good luck with your decision!

abbiedarlin1 · 02-01-2009, 12:38 AM

Thanks for the support guys

I know it's what I want...and need to do. I just have to get past the fear. I know in the long run I will be better for it. I think the banding is the only procedure I'd consider from the reading I've done, but I know there is great success in all methods of weight loss surgery. My husbands friends wife had it done, and had complications of surgery, I think that is what has scared me, but she has lost 50% of her body fat in 12 months. Would age affect the complications and recovery from such surgeries?

MikesHAPPYwife · 02-01-2009, 01:39 AM

Howdy from a lapbander!!

I just wanted to let you know that we have all been in your shoes and know how hard it is to finally take that plunge. However, once you do you will never look back..NEVER!!!

I had never had a surgery or even been in the hospital before getting pregnant with my dr. I was scared to death that I would have to have a c-sec because the thought of a surgery extremely concerned me. Well, I ended up having an emergency c-sec & though I was up & recovering quickly I still felt several aches/ pains. I had problems with my incision, etc.

When decided to do the lapband all of that was in the back of my mind. While knowing that I still decided to do the lapband, and figured I would just put on my big panties & deal with it.

Well, let me tell you. The surgery was nothing at all. When I woke up, I thought they decided not to it or something because I felt so good. I go there at 6, had surgery at 7 & by noon I was on my way home with some really good drugs

LOL I was tired & felt some discomfort when bending over or reaching high from where the port was stitched in but other that that I was great. I was able to play with my daughter & hubby

I will be 100% honest with you. With lapband you loose the weight slower than with RNY. Also, you will only loose the weight if you change your lifestyle. You have to be deteremined to be a heathier you. The lapband only makes it so you can get fuller faster, it will not tell your brain what to stick in your mouth or to go run on the treadmill.

So, if your determined to change your life & to be ready to succeed in not only weightloss but living healthy & the only thing holding you back is the surgery then girl you are so ready but this surgery is a piece of cake.

Feel free to pm me any questions you may have, etc.

I had my surgery on 12/11. I have only had one fill so i have 4cc's in a 10 cc band. I do not have full restriction yet, so cant wait for another fill on 2/10. I have lost 40 lbs!! I have had some bad days (of course) but overall i have done really good with my eatting habits & have been going to the gym since 5wks post op anywhere between 3-5 days.

njrene67 · 02-08-2009, 11:17 AM

Hello Ladies !
Thank you so much for this posting.
On Monday I had my doctor's appointment. After taking Byetta for 3 months, eating right and exercising , I did not lose 1 pound. She determined that I am severely IR and put me on Symlin. I am giving this 2 months. If I do not lose any weight, I will, more than likely , get the weight loss surgery. But I am torn between the lap band and the bypass. If anyone has more advice or experiences they can post, I would really apprciate it! It's a big decision to make, but I know in my heart, once I make it , I will be happy. I can't go on like this anymore.....

goddess819 · 02-13-2009, 03:55 PM

Abbie - Deciding on WLS is not an easy decision to make. The decision between RNY & Lapband is yours & should be taken into consideration as to what the surgeon feels would benefit you most. For some it's the lapband for others (like me) it's the RNY. I should have had WLS when I was in my early 20s, but I'd let my health get way worse before I finally admitted I needed more help than diet programs could offer. I had RNY surgery at 27 and was already had severe sleep apnea, hypertension & IR/Type II Diabetes not to mention all my PCOS issues. I never had periods (even with medication to induce) and couldn't get pregnant as I was clomid resistant & responded very poorly to injections. I had surgery & instantly my diabetes was corrected. Over the next few months I was no longer hypertensive or had sleep apnea. Plus my cycles normalized to about every 28-30 days and I was ovulating! I got pregnant the 1st month ttcing at 16m post op. I had a healthy pregnancy & baby. Then last year at 3.5 years post op got pregnant again 1st month ttcing and had another healthy pregnancy/baby. I'd do it again if I had to.

What is it about surgery that scares you? Is it the anesthesia? As far as complications go have you checked out the WLS FAQ?

Njrene - Good luck with your diet & meds. I too was severely IR and no matter what couldn't really loose weight. You name the diet I've tried it...and Metformin didn't help at all. Have you checked out the WLS FAQ at the top of the forum? It goes over each type of WLS. IF you have more questions I'd be happy to help answer them. But ultimately the decision as to which surgery to have is up to you & your surgeon. Good luck!

abbiedarlin1 · 02-17-2009, 09:07 AM

Hi

well, I think it's the possibility of going in and not coming out that kind of scares me. I have decided to go ahead with lap band surgery, but have to wait 12 months for the insurance to cover it. I know my health is getting worse, and I know doing this will be the best thing I could do. Thanks everyone

sha-sha · 03-22-2009, 10:19 AM

I am also considering the lap band. Right now, I am trying to decide what to do. I have been going back and forth for several months. I don't want gastric bypass. Just thinking out loud, I guess.

goddess819 · 03-22-2009, 08:07 PM

Sha-Sha & Abbie - Good luck in your journey to health!

Move2Lose · 03-25-2009, 11:23 AM

I am having a vertical sleeve gastrectomy next month. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 21 or so, plus hypothyroidism. I am now 38 and feel once I have surgery, that finally my life is about to begin.

I have had three children in the mean time, and honestly wish that I had been healthier, less tired and happier within myself so that I could have enjoyed my childrens babyhood more.

I would recommend anyone with a BMI over 35 to at least investigate surgery as an option, whther you choose it or not is your choice, but there is a better life than being overweight and unhealthy.

WLS is not a miracle cure, it is only a tool that needs to be worked at, for life. All weightloss surgeries can fail if you are determined enough to eat around them.

Personally I chose the sleeve as I *want* a permanent solution. I did extensive research and the band had far higher rates of failure and complications leading to weight gain...I just wasn't prepared to put myself through surgery for something that has a higher rate of long term complications, even according to surgeons. The band does work for many, It just wasn't a choice I wanted. The sleeve on the other hand is a perfect solution for me...I felt the RNY and DS were just a little too invasive and risky long term for me...although I would seriously have considered them if my BMI was higher.

MikesHAPPYwife · 03-26-2009, 06:37 PM

if any of you have questions about lapband feel free to pm.

sha-sha · 03-28-2009, 07:38 PM

I went back to my dr. yesterday and he said he would not even think about recommending the lapband for me until I had 6 mos. of supervised weight loss. He wants me to join Weight Watchers for the next 6 months and go to the dr. monthly for that time. That also is most of what my insurance company requires. I am determined to be serious with the WW. I lost 60 lbs. on it before. I will just have to stick with it.

DazedStrawberry · 04-06-2009, 12:52 AM

I am also considering a lap band, I am actually on my way towards it. I went to a free seminar here and I have my 1st Dr consultant this thurs... I'm excited about it! I am nervous too but I learned alot from everyone on the lap band forum... you can check it out @ Lap Band Talk! It has helped my fears and answered all of my questions/concerns. I hope this helps!

Good luck on your journey!