Finally made up my mind

Well I finally made a decision about surgery and I’m waiting for the surgeon’s office to call me with a date.. 

I’m 62 years old, obese most of my life, and type II diabetic for about twelve years.  I’m currently on five medications to get decent control.  I decided I needed to do something about my weight after I started on insulin last January. I’m the typical picture of the metabolic syndrome, with most of my excess weight on my belly.  At that time my weight was about 295.   With the excess weight I felt like I was 80 years old.   In April, with some encouragement from my cousin Mike who had a lap band, I started the six month pre surgical program at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA with the intention of getting a Lap-Band.  My weight came down to 261 and I panicked about my BMI getting too low and losing insurance approval.  Now I’m back on track and at 265, I’ll be finishing the program on Tuesday and the Bariatrics Committee meets on Thursday and packages are faxed out requesting preauthorization after that. 

Somewhere about two months ago I learned about the VSG and decided that it was ideal for me. Reading about problems people were having with the Lap Band freaked me out.   I started researching it and became a minor expert on it.  When I saw Dr. Boorse three weeks ago for my surgical consult, he said he’d do a VSG, but didn’t think my insurance would pay for it.  Though Lehigh Valley is a Center of Excellence and he’s done thousands of RNYs and hundreds of Lap Bands, he’d never done a VSG, though he’s trained to do so.  I trust him completely.  I did some more research related to my insurance and became convinced that they would easily pay for a lap band, but they would reject a VSG.  I began thinking about the consequences of not having 80% of my stomach, and in what seemed like an epiphany I decided to call the Bariatric Surgery Coordinator and change my choice back to Lap-Band.  I talked this over with my PCP and she felt that was the right decision.

For the first time in months I feel at peace and comfortable with my decision.   I’ll have surgery at the end of October or early November.  I should be getting a firm date early next week. 

Sorry for the long post.

Henry

 

I'm glad that you've made your decision.  Look for posts here from other men who have had lap bands since they can give you more particular info about your surgery than the rest of us.  But, we'll all be here to support you.  I know that I considered going to Allentown for my revision but my wife preferred having me go to Philly since it would be easier for her to visit me there.  I find it amazing how good many of the hospital in smaller cities have become.

Don't ever worry about the length of a post.  If it's too long, people will either skim over it or skip it.  Sometimes it does you a world of good to get out everything you feel onto your computer screen and share it with us.  Your decision seems logical and well thought-out.  Bob

Hey Henry, This is all about extending our lives and making your decision is the first step.  Congratulations on your weight loss so far it shows that you are committed. 

Good Luck,  Robert

Gotta do what you feel is right for YOU. Glad you made your choice. Now start getting MENTALLY and physically prepared for your NEW LIFE!!

 Hi Henry,

Boy, do I hate making big decisions and what a relief when they're finally made. I agree with the guys: You need to make the decision that suits you and only you know that.

We're the same age. I had RNY two years ago and you won't believe how much better you'll feel when you get that weight off. It's like getting a couple of decades back, at least!

Codgers rule!

That's great you found a surgery you can be happy with. Because as been posted it is a tool and you still have to work it.

Good Luck

Glad you found the balance you were looking for. C'ya Bob

I have to say that I think you were very smart to take your time making this decision.  I don't think that the changes your life that are required for success post WLS are for everyone.  By taking your time and thinking this out, you have made sure that this is the right thing for you.  Good luck, I hope that are as happy with your decision as I am with mine.

Jim