New to the board...

Hi Everyone, I'm Shawna, 26 yrs old, living near Lansing MI. Also Mom to a 1.5 yr old and a wife as well. Seriously wanting to have some type of weight loss surgery. I want to live to see my little one grow up, get married, have children and just plain (finally) ENJOY MY LIFE and not deal with the struggles of my weight. I've dealt with it for 99% of my life. I need help. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to be able to do this on my own. I know that either surgery does have an affect and that changes will have to be made in my lifestyle. I'm ready for whatever is in store. I've considered the Lap Band and the bypass. Would love to hear stories from anyone and what you have to share about your process. I have plenty of time to listen/research...our insurance doesn't kick in for a few more months and from what we understand its pretty good stuff (BCBS). Atleast that's what I'm hoping!! Thanks! Looking forward to hearing other stories. Shawna

Shawna - Welcome to the group. I'm new here as well and have found everyone to be helpful and friendly. I'm just starting the process of having surgery - my first meeting with the surgeon is in a few weeks. If you're getting BCBS, you'll have the requirement of 12 consecutive months of doctor-supervised weight loss.... so you'll want to get that started right away if you haven't already done it. Talk to you soon! Pam

Hi Shawna! Welcome to the board...I hope you find that we're friendly and really enjoy sharing our experiences and questions. As you do your researching, please be sure to read the positive and the negatives...it's very important that each of us remembers that WLS is serious and life changing business. It is, however, a wonderful life change, and most of us will tell you that we'd do it again. Many of us wouldn't be alive today or maybe tomorrow...without it. Probably the best way for you to get our stories is to check out our profiles...we try to use them like journals, even though we may fall behind in keeping them updated. Usually in the beginning we are very faithful about it because we're waiting and anticipating and wrestling with insurance companies, doctors or pre-op diets! Check some of them out!! Hope you enjoy yourself, make yourself at home...we all are Lizzie B

Hi Shawna, It is great to meet you and welcome to the board. I have not had my surgery yet, but from my research and my needs I have decided on the RNY. I am sure you will get tons of information from everyone here. They have always been very helpful to me. I am still waiting on the rest of my paperwork to get together so we can submit to my insurance, but whenever I have had a question I always get an answer here. Good Luck to you on your journey. Shawn M.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I'd really like to try the Lapband, after doing some research. (But, I'm going into this open minded, still have time to make my decision 100%) I've tried looking at profiles, most are RNY patients. Anyone care to share their positive/negative experience with the Lap Band with me? Here's a silly question, when they talk about "mortality rate" what exactly does that mean? Thanks again for the warm welcome! I look forward to reading all about everyone. I am just beyond ready to be able to chase my almost 2 yr old around without feeling like dying after 10 minutes of play. I can't wait for the day. I DREAM of taking her shopping, riding rides, etc. (I want to do this for myself too, of course) but she's my drive. She's what keeps me going. Shawna

Also, Which hospital did ya'll use? I'm researching those as well. I live in Lansing, there's 2 that keep popping up in my searches. (I don't know the names off hand, but 1 is Hurley in Flint and the other is _________ in Grand Rapids) Would love to hear those stories/experiences too!

You may be interested in reading "Big Band Problems" posted a little while back. Only a few on this board have had the Lap Band so most of us don't know a lot about it. I too was considering the band until I decided that lap RYN would be best for me. (I live a distance from my surgeon and didn't want to keep returning for fills.) Keep an open mind while doing your research. There is also a lap band forum on the main board to help you get more information. Best wishes to you.

Hi Shawna: Welcome to this great board. I think the hospital you are referring to in Grand Rapids is Spectrum Blodgett. They have a dedicated bariatric unit with spacious, private rooms. I just had the duodenal switch done there by Drs. Kemmeter and Foote (MMPC) and I have nothing but great reports for that facility! To be honest, and this is my opinion only, I have not heard many fantastic lap band results. I guess it depends upon how much you have to lose, etc. Lap Banders lose slower and it seems every lap bander I know has had problems. Also, I know that I'm in the definite minority on the Michigan boards, but do check out the duodenal switch board as well. MMPC performs it lap, and at 10 days out I'm eating real food and losing rapidly. I'm up at about 80% energy level, and returning to work Wednesday. Good luck on your quest! Julie

Hi Shawna...Welcome!! Great bunch of people here on this board!! I am almost done with my tests and hope I get a date soon for my WLS. Still not sure which I will be having yet. I go see Dr Foote on thursday for the EGD scope so he can see the scar tissue from my hernia surgery I had 4 years ago. I do know it will be either the RNY or the Duodenal Switch. Not sure if it wil be Open or Lap. I should know thursday. But I trust Dr Foote and he will make the call on what is best for me. Any thing else you need to know just ask and there will be answers for you...like I said there are alot of nice people here to help!! Good Luck on your journey and please read profiles and visit other boards and see what you think. Its a life change for the rest of your life! Hugs Judy

Hi Shawna, Welcome to the board. There is another hospital that does them that is 35 minutes from Lansing. Memorial Healthcare, Healthy Images with Dr. Nathan Tomita. He does lap band rny. I am 17 months out and down 119 pounds. Husband had it done on May 9th and is down 91 pounds so far. We have been very happy with Dr. Tomita but everyone seems happy with their doctors. There are quite a few here on the board that have had their surgery done at Memorial Healthcare. The very best to you on what ever route you take. Brenda and David