New and scared, but hopeful

Hello CAers. I'm new to the site, and just wanted to say hello. I'm currently going through the classes (6 month) program required by my medical group to have surgery. I initially wanted the lapband, but I may not be able to get it because of my high BMI. So I am looking more into the sleeve, maybe as a two part deal or maybe I can make it work for me. I am extremely nervous about the whole situation and was hoping to get some feedback about the complications people have faced and inspiring words of how it changes your life.

Hi Jenn,

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to have WLS, whichever one you eventually do get.

As for complications, I can't give you any advice on that because I had none.  I weighed 439 pounds and lost over 250.  I had an RNY and like I said, no complications whatsoever.  I was back at work two weeks after surgery. I have had regain, however after 5 years and have put back about 70 pounds.  But I am working now at getting it back off.  It takes work after so long and none of the surgeries are a cure for obesity.  They all are a tool that will work only if you work the tool you are given.

You definitely want to look into all the different types of surgery.  If your BMI is very high, you really might want to consider the DS (duodonel switch).  It is a really good surgery for people with very high BMI's.  RNY is also good and both require definite lifestyle changes to be successful. There are several people here who have had the sleeve done and I'm sure they can give you information on that.  I'm just not very familiar with it.  I do believe the band might not be your best choice if you do have a high BMI.  The band is great for people who have about 100 pounds or less to lose.  More than that, in my opinion, is that we need something more drastic.  Again, do your research and ask questions.  This is a great place to get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Stephanie

Hi Jenn, and welcome!
    It's ok to be scared. Every wls is major surgery. But the good news is that the complication rates are lower now than ever before. 
    Given your high bmi, I would recommend that you look seriously at the duodenal switch. The DS has the greatest percentage excess weight loss and best maintenence of that weight loss of any wls. It also has the best resolution of comorbidities, esp type 2 diabetes. It is extremely unlikely that any purely restrictive operation, either lap band or sleeve, is going to get you out of the MO state given where you are starting from. These operations work best for the people with the least weight to lose. Long term info on the sleeve isn't yet even available, but even the short term data just now coming out is showing that people with bmi over 45 don't do well (of course, there will always be exceptions, but you can't count on being an exception).
     I hope you will come over to the DS forum and learn more about this operation. I suspect you have Kaiser of Southern CA because you mentioned the 6 months of classes, and Kaiser isn't going to tell you anything about the DS because they don't offer it. But you CAN force Kaiser to pay for it by appealing to the DMHC (dept of managed health care) if you decide that it's the best choice for you, and all the appeals for the last 4 years have been successful. So make your own decision about your health, don't let an insurance rule make the decision for you.
      Please feel free to pm me with any questions.

Larra

Hi Jen.  Welcome to the best forum on the OH site.  I just had surgery last week so and I am doing very well.  You know we are all nervous to begin with and even after surgery so what your feeling is o.k.  I have found so much support on the forum, it has really blown me away.  I agree with Stephani, do your research and make the decision with your physician.  I can tell you the surgery has already changed my life though, I had surgery on 9-9 and I have stopped my high cholesterol pill, and cut my blood pressure pill in half.  I used to snore to the high heavens and guess what I hardly snore at all.  I mean my husband had to wear ear plugs and I still woke him up not to mention myself. My husband tells me know that if I snore at all it is really lightly.  So I am sleeping much better.  While I was in the hospital I had a bad case of buyers remorse, but I was feeling so overwhelmed, after I got home I relaxed and I have not regretted it once.  You will be o.k. 

Hi Jenn and welcome to ObesityHelp.Com (OH).  This is a great site with people who have an abundance of knowledge and experience of just about anything and everything.  Please feel free to post your thoughts, ideas, questions and etc.  I wish you the best with whatever weight loss surgery and/or plan that you decide on.

Terry  

Welcome Jenn to the best forum around, hands down ^_^  Don't have much to add to the previous posters...Stephanie and Terry both have a whole lot more knowledge and time into this and they give sage advice.  I wanted to welcome you and encourage you to post your questions and concerns.  There is always someone here who can help...I don't think I've seen anyone be able to stump our gang with a question yet LOL  Good Luck on your journey and thank you for joining us to share your experience.
Nancy aka Sunray

Welcome to OH and especially to the CA forum!  I hope you find the right surgery for you!  I had VBG in 2004 and had to have a revision to RNY July 15, 2009 because my suture line came undone and the meshing had caused so much scar tissue my opening was closing up.  I was vomitting everyday just about everything I put in my mouth.  I had lost 200 lbs and gained about 30 back because my body was in starvation mode from not getting any nutrition.  Since July 15, I have lost 37 lbs.  I couldn't be happier.  I feel so much healthier!

I wish I would have done SO MUCH more research prior to my 2004 surgery!  It's a good thing you have time to do that.  I encourage it!!  Call surgeons and get their success rates.  With each surgery there are "some" complications.  My first surgery, I had none.  My second surgery, I had a few.  It all depends on you and how your body reacts.  We are all so very different.

I wish you much success!!!!  You will do great!

Lisa

Jenn,

I just wanted to welcome you to the Cali board.  You will find this the best forum on OH with some of the nicest people you'll ever meet on line or in person.  Lots of experience and excellent advice.  There are lots of get togethers, in fact we have one in Concord next Sat if you feel like a drive and meeting some exceptional folks if I do say so myself.  See the Nor Cal Luncheon & Clothing Exchange post a page back and that will give you all the details.  Hope we can see and meet you.

Anyway, if you hav questions, please feel free to ask and we're here for you on your journey.  Thanks for letting us join you!

Hugs,
Barb