Scared

So I just wanted to say hello,
I'm new here and I'm looking into the gastric bypass surgery. I'm actually going to my doctor tomorrow morning and talk to her about it. I haven't been to the doctors in a while and I'm scared becuase I've noticed a lot of things happening, like acid reflex, being very tired and feeling sick all the time and i think i have diabetes... I'm pretty scared to find out becuase a very close family friend passed away form it..
I feel like the weight loss surgery is my last resort. I've done the wiegh****chers, personal trainer, gym, diets and i seem to gain it all back and plus some. Last time I talked to my doctor she didnt want me to even look at this as an option. Maybe because I was 16 then 17 and now im 18. I know i seem young but i've been stuggeling with this for a long time and i need a way out. I'm about 250 pounds and i cant stand it anymore.. I just need some opinions for who to go to in the Bay Area, East Bay.  and some help in making the right decision weather to get lapband or gastric. If anyone can help i would really appreshiate it

Hi, and welcome!
    These are difficult and scary decisions for all of us, at any age. The best advise I can offer is to take your time researching all of the available wls options before having any surgery, or even before making a final decision to have surgery at all.
    OH is a wonderful resource. Spend some time on the different forums for all the various wls options. There are more available than gastric bypass and lap band. Learn about the DS (duodenal switch) and VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) as well.
     If you are interested in coming to a support group, there is a DS support group that meets every month in San Jose. It is a small, informal group of friendly people. There is no fee and no committment involved, and it's a great way to learn more about this operation from people who live with it. Your pcp probably knows very little about wls and nothing about the DS, so you will need to research these things for yourself.
     You mentioned that you think you have diabetes. The DS has the highest rate of resolution of type 2 diabetes of any wls - 98%.
    If you are interested in the support group, or if you want some articles documenting the excellent longterm results of the DS for both weight loss and health, just send me a pm.

Larra

Hi there and Welcome! You have come to the right place to find answers to the many questions I'm sure you have at this point.  I wish I had had the forsight to learn about this surgery many many years ago.  Only 2 things  I wish to say:
1) the surgery, which ever type you consider, is a TOOL...it will not 'fix' your weight/food issues.  It is a major life style change...and a learning process.  Find a support group...find several!  The more you talk to post op peeps, the more you will learn.

2) You don't mention what type, if any, insurance that you have. Research the policy you have! Not all insurance companies cover all methods of WLS. When I started looking into the surgery, Kaiser only offered RNY; a year later they opened their program to Lap Band.  As far as I know, they are just now beginning to consider other types.

I wish you well in your research. Come back often, ask your questions, state your concerns...we are here to educate and share our individual stories. ^_^
Nancy aka Sunray
Do. Or not Do. There is no Try...yoda, Star Wars

Good for you for considering procedures to help you with your health.  I wish I had considered surgery when I was your age.  Instead I kept gaining weight, dieting, losing weight, gaining it all back and more.  While I think looking into a surgical option is good, some work in finding out why you overeat would be a good start.  I am 5 weeks out of surgery and I am struggling with not wanting to eat the way I used to.  I've had a lot of counseling and support group experience and even with years of that and knowing why I overeat, this surgery has not stopped my mind from telling me to over eat.  I had to learn tools on how to tell that voice to go away or figure out what I was really feeling. Learning to be able to sit with your feelings and not eating to stuff them away is important for you to learn before having surgery.

There is a book I would recommend called "When Food is Love".  There are so many good books about there that might help you. Good luck in your journey and write on this forum often. It will help.

Well I have Alameda Alliance/ Med-i-cal. I want to get on straight med-i-cal though becuase it is recognized more. Thank you guys for your help. I talked to my dr. yesterday and she doesnt know much about weight loss surgery. She is trying to refer me to Oakland Childrens hospital to a program called healthy (something or another i forgot the name) but its a team of people for over wieght kids.. Shes not sure i can get in becuase i am 18 1/2. Other wise she has no clue where to send me. She know Stanford does the surgery but they dont take referrals from my insurance company.
I was wondering if there was a support group closer to Hayward if anyone knows. I know that this surgery won't "fix" all my problems but its a start in a life changing process. I look at it as help in retraining myself in better ways of life. I know its not going to be easy, it hasnt been thus far. I just want to get healthy and be able to live life the way im suppose to at 18 years old....