So I’m having this one, probably this summer. Just waiting on insurance stuff and have to get a few tests done.
I decided on this over the standard gastric bypass (RnY) for a lot of reasons, but it seems that the RnY is by far the more common.
So who else out there has had WLS? Stories? Tips? Support?
Well, my mom had surgery when I was a kid. That was back when it was relatively new, and most likely a lot less perfected than today’s procedures. She lost a LOT of weight–went from around 400 to probably 180 or 190, which for her is downright svelte. Unfortunately–it didn’t last. Within a couple years she was back up to 350, which is where she still is today.
Probably not the story you wanted to hear, but a story.
From what I saw with my mom, you get out of it what you put into it. It’s a lot easier way to lose weight than strict dieting and constant exercise, but that’s not to say that it’s easy overall.
My tip would be to write out a little letter to yourself giving some encouragement that you can read later if things get rough. Take pictures–lots of them–you’ll be happy to have concrete proof of the progress you’re making.
Good luck Opal!
bella
My Mum’s SO had gastric banding done.
I’m not entirely sure how it hows. I think they put a band around the stomach, and then inject the band (through the skin) with fluid to fill it and constrict the stomach.
It’s a reversible procedure, and to begin with you can only consume liquids. If you eat solids it gets ‘stuck’ and it comes up again.
The result is you get full on much less food, and if you try to eat more you throw it up again.
He has lost over 100kg so far, so it definately works, even though he doesn’t eat healthily. :rolleyes:
Anyway, good luck!
Ask a few that have had it done
And I feel so much better now. Plus side (no pun intended), my libido is way back to normal :D.
Just remember, It is a major surgery, and comes with the usual risk. Be safe.
Certainly it is a major surgery and a major decision. I’ve been doing a lot of research, been to discussion groups, etc. I think this is the right thing for me.
I don’t have any stories or tips. I do offer you virtual support, especially as you’ve done your research prior to making your decision.
The only thing I know about this surgery is what I’ve read / heard about it in the media. I understand that a lot of the continued success (i.e. maintenance of goal weight) is due to a change in eating and exercise habits as the stomach can stretch back out and the weight can be put back on. So, my tip would be to work towards changing your eating / exercise habits while losing the weight so that your new habits will be there when you need to just maintain. Find things you like to eat that are nutritious and low-cal / low-fat, find exercise you like, etc. You may already be doing this now. If so, hooray! Also, if there is a different root cause of the original weight gain, make sure to try to address that to avoid putting the weight back on. Of course, you probably already know about all of that as you have done research. In that case, ignore this entire paragraph and reread the first one! 
Good luck!
Were you able to get your insurance to cover your proceedure? I wish you all the best of luck.
The word isn’t in yet on insurance, but the doctor says he doesn’t think there will be a problem.
I’m going through the process to get a gastric band. I’ve passed the screenings with the shrink and nutritionist, and done all my bloodwork.
My surgical evaluation will be August 9, and I could have it done as soon as two weeks after that, schedule permitting.
My insurance will only cover RNY, but from the research I’ve done I feel I’m a good candidate for the band, so I’m going to pay for it out of pocket. All told it’s going to run me about $30,000.
Ask me how I like it when I write that last check 6 years from now.
:eek:
I thought of you when I was reading Opal’s other thread where this came up. You inspired me to get my butt back into LJ.
Good luck with the surgery and if you need any help when the time comes, let me know…I’m just a hop, skip and jump away with not much going on during the day.
Thanks Sue. It’s good to see you back in LJ too.
My parents are going to come down and park their RV in front of my house so they can stay nearby following the surgery, so I’m probably good there, but I will definitely have oodles of down time and be bored out of my skull.
I may be asking people to just keep me company for a bit.
BTW Opal, I’m in the WLS community on LJ as srb.
Not that it’s any of my business, Opal, but I took a peek at your website and you don’t appear to be a candidate for surgical weight loss, as you don’t appear to be that much over weight. What is the recommendation for this sort of surgery, weight-wise? Is it like 50 lbs. over? 100? You don’t look like 100 over.
Echo: I’m 5’2" and 235lbs. I should be about 120. I’m about 115lbs overweight. Before I got pregnant, I weighed 105–that’s 130lbs less than now. I have a BMI of 42.5–35 is considered obese, 40+ is morbidly obese. I’m very much a candidate.
Well, you carry it well. Good luck with the surgery. I’ve heard a lot of positive stories.