Gastric Bybass/Lap Band surgery?
 

I know the way to losing weight and becoming healthy is by exercising and lifestyle changes all around, i.e. foods, mind control and as was mentioned exercising.

However I am 145 overweight. That is a WHOLE other person. I have extreme pain, get very depressed and just found out that my left hip is positioned to the side and not front. My doctor feels that this was congenital and we are trying some pt before opting for surgery on the hip. I am only 33 (34 in 22 days). My PCP and my neurologist both recommend the gastric bypass surgery and they said if I don't want to do that then I should definitely think about the Lapband surgery.

Has anyone tried either of these two methods? What has been your experience? I would love any information I can get from experienced ones or from ones who know of others who have had this surgery.

Thank you in advance...

M

Hi hurts,
A lady I used to work with had gastric bypass and she lost the weight pretty fast it seemed. I didn't talk with her about it though since we worked in different areas.

some info links-
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...=Google+Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...nd&btnG=Search

(((m)))

i have helped many who have had both. the only good outcomes have been from those who change their lifestyles. over the years i have had 2 clients who died from complications. both procedures are serious.

the lapband is less invasive and has a faster healing time. good nutrition and supplements is very important. same with counseling and exercise.

Be prepared for changes from weight loss!
 

One of my best friends had gastric bypass. It seems like all of her skin just went to wrinkles overnight but actually it was after she lost 80 lbs. She was 40 and looked like a sun ravaged 70 yr. old.

She needed money for the surgery to remove extra skin as insurance did not cover that part and she needed it.

The last time I saw her she was gaining and depressed.

It effected her whole family - everything from being called her son's "Grandma" to asking her spouse to find a way to afford the 2nd surgery. For her, it didn't turn out the way she thought it would. She didn't look like the pictures in the magazines. And she probably wasn't doing what the doctor advised to recover properly because she started to gain. She DID, however, feel a lot better.

Good luck, whatever you decide. But make sure you are 100% ready.

Nancy

that can happen nancy. when the skin is so stretched out from the extra weight, it can't shrink enough. losing too fast doesn't help either. or not taking the supplements your skin needs.

the couseling is very important.

:grouphug:

Our insurance just started covering the lap band procedure but I don't feel like I have my eating under control. I try to eat healthy but I don't stick to it for very long.

I think that until I get my eating under control and understand why I turn to food the operation is not for me. Plus the fact that I have been anemic and low B12 I worry about not getting the nutrients I need to help repair some of the damage done to my body.

It also stated that the surgery for excess skin was not covered so that would be a real bummer. ...Sue

the b12 would be an issue sue. most need to take b12 any ways.

it might worth the free consultation. you would find out what type of couseling they offer before. any good reputable dr wouldn't do the procedure unless you had counseling before. the consulation should also tell you if it's likely that you would have access skin problems. anyone who already has any skin breakdown would have a problem.

i'm not pushing the procedure. i believe it's a last resort. i am glad to see some insurance companies cover it.

Thank you all for your comments. This is the last resort for me. My health will not at this point let me exercise (or should I say the doctor). Because I have bad hips and ddd, he wants me to see a physical therapist (which is in the works) and stop any exercising until we get further results on my hips. I thought it was just the weight, but apparently I was born with a congenital problem. My hips are turned incorrectly. They aren't facing the front. So I walk with my feet pushing out a little bit. The problem is because this was caused during birth, it has grown that way onto the bone. We are trying pt to see if we can turn the hips. If not, then I will have to have surgery.

My eating habits are not bad in the sense of unhealthy, they are bad in the sense that I only eat once, maybe twice a day. When I do eat, it isn't the healthiest, but it is a meal. I take vitamins b complex, b-6, b-12, vit-d, vit-e, multivitamin. I have never been anemic, but would definitely build my blood up(especially since I don't accept blood transfusions).

So basically w/o exercising and not eating the best way possible, I need this surgery. I am trying to start eating the correct way now. I love veggies, fruit, etc. I did the atkins for awhile and lost almost 40lbs, so I know I can stay away from sweets and so on.

Is this a good surgery for me or not? I also am planning to save the money for the 2nd surgery for the skin. My insurance pays for the gastric bypass and or lapband.

Love to hear from you...

M

Lap Band
 

Well, it sounds like you are pretty knowledgeable and ready for the surgery. Just my opinion but if it were me, I would go for the least invasive procedure which would be lap band. Can you talk with a counselor now, before you make a choice?

Best of luck,
Nancy

Update
 

Well, I have talked to my doctor and physical therapist about the gastric bypass surgery. I have also called Duke Weight Loss clinic at Duke University Hospital (I live only about 20min from there) to get information regarding the program. I have to have a six month dietician program first. I will start that on Dec. 4 (the soonest the dietician could get me in).

I am very excited about doing this. I turn 34 on Thursday the 22nd and just feel that I need to get control over my health and body.

If anyone has any suggestions/ideas/comments/experiences please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated.

M