Flights jammed I couldn't make it to Mexico- long

Hi everyone. Flights out of Chicago to Tucson and to Hermosillo were so jammed yesterday that I could not go to have my DS. Neither my wife nor I could fit in a middle seat without making others very uncomfortable. Please bear with me as I ramble and openly post my early morning reflection. Becuase of that, I am going to sit still for a minute, keep losing weight on my own and calculate what is the smartest next move for me. Dr. Praschand in Chicago and his staff are pushing me to have the RNY- they called yesterday right after I found out I could not go to Mexico. When they called, all I could do was to tell them that I really would prefer the DS, but check out the RNY option with insurance in case I change my mind. They are pushing me towards this even after admitting that the RNY would not provide me with the weight loss or the quality of life that I want. They say it is an inferior option for someone who has as much weight to lose as I do. There are two other facts that I have uncovered about the RNY that confirm that I would rather continue to diet than to have this done. The first one is a study that shows up to 40% of SMO patients that have the RNY done have significant regain and displeasure with the procedure. Other than hitting a baseball, any procedure that has a 40% fail rate is too much of a risk. The other interesting fact I confirmed is that, for some reason, the RNY is far less successful with African Americans. I believe this is something that that Buchwald touched upon in his meta-analysis. For those of you who may not have guessed, I am African American. Conversely, I am doing really well losing on my own right now. I have lost 20 pounds in the last 3 1/2 weeks. I am constantly hungry, and I know the DS would solve that problem and provide me with a better long term quality of eating than diet alone, but it is coming off. Besides, if I get the weight down to 340 or so, the lap DS will be a more viable option for me. I also had a very successful phone interview for a new job that I really want here in Chicago, again at about 4:00 p.m. after I found that I couldn't go. The new job would represent an increase in pay, but probably not full market value. I am an MBA who is a minority and 180 pounds overweight, so I never expect market value offers. If I got the new job, and I think that one of the top company execs and HR are pushing pretty hard for me to get it, I will be postponed for at least four months anyway, so maybe I should be glad that the planes were full. My "DS right now" strategy was based on the thought that my current job has become unbearable and I needed to lose to get a new job that would be acceptable to me in a tight job market. Sorry for being so long winded. What do you guys think?

I know your heart was crushed. I pray that you will get your hearts desire!! In His Glory, Patti

I am sorry to hear about your not being able to go to Mexico. On the other hand, things happen for a reason, sometimes not so easy to see why. I will pray and keep good thoughts for you with this new job prospect and hope you will have your DS when the time is right. Don't ever let anyone talk you out of it for convenience's sake. Best wishes to you. Vicki

Here's what I think. What kind of insurance would you have with this new job? Will they cover DS? You can easily make it 4 more months if so. You are able to exercise and work, and not suffering too terribly from co-morbids as far as I can tell from your posts. That really BLOWS about your flight yesterday. Another option would be to reschedule in Mexico and get SEATING ASSIGNMENTS this time! Notice I'm not even going to comment on the RNY. You know what you'll get on this board regarding opinions on that. LeaAnn Preebie

I'm so sorry Kevin. You are a very intelligent articulate man and I know you will do what's best for you. Now and or later. One more diet is never a mistake. Even if all it does is convince you to have surgery. I know you worked hard to get where you are and I hate to see you settle for less one more time. Next time you have trouble with planes; speak up. There are people here who could possibly help you. I hope you get the new job if it's what you want. $ is always alluring. You are right, the market is tight for MBA's. Any MBA. Reality stinks! Why should anyone have to sell themselves for less because of their skin or a number on a scale? I've been the odd one out too. Female in a male dominated field. And fat to boot! Killer combo! You have the fat brain! You will make the right choices!

I am sorry things didn't work out. You have provided some good reasons to hold out for the DS. I know the DS is the right surgery for me but the additional information you provided regarding AA reinforces my decision. I have waited two years to get the surgery I want the DS (I could of been had the RNY). Have you checked with Dr. Alverdy and why is Dr. Prachand trying to get you to have the RNY, it's my understanding that he perform the DS? I am praying for you that God will guide you to make the best decsion that suits you needs.

DRIVE to Mexico!!!!!!!! Do NOT have the rny. This is a lifelong decisioin!!! Do not screw it up!!! Drive man, drive!!! kathy

You guys, thanks for the encouragement. I am still 90% sure that I will have the DS. I thought about flying to Phoenix and even Mexico city, but Phoenix is better than 300 miles away and flights there were just as crowded. Mexico City is better than 700 miles away, so it was not an option at all. When I woke up this morning, I realized that I did not think of using Southwest Airlines, which I hate because of their fat tax and most travel agents do not handle Southwest. I should have seen if a row was available with them. I may take a look today at that.

Kevin, When I flew to Omaha from Los Angeles in November to have my DS, hubby and I took Southwest. All in all it was very pleasant. Since Southwest doesn't have assigned seats and each row contains 3 seats, I sat by the window and hubby took the aisle seat in the same row. I asked to be preboarded due to my medical condition and no one boarding the plane after us even asked to sit in the seat between us. Hope things work out for you to have the DS. Don't give up. I fought 2.5 years with my insurance co. and it was worth it. I'm down 70 lbs in five months and feeling great! Laurie in So Calif.

Thinking of you and sending you strength to make the decision that's right for YOU!!!! The only silver lining here is that the added time allows you to think through your best options. Alison