New to the board with questions

I am 32 yrs old, 247lbs and 5'8 inches tall, I am looking for any advice on surgeries, I don't think I want the gastric bypass but maybe the lapband. Does anyone have a surgeon they recommend for a consultation? Does Insurance cover this? What are the side effects you experienced? Was it worth it? How much weight did you lose if you had the lapband surgery? Does anyone have any regrets about getting it? Did anyone gain the weight back? Please give me any advice or tips about begining the research?

Welcome, I am originally from Levittown! Now live in Brooklyn. I had gastric bypass 3/28/2005 and have never regretted it. Im 32 y/o, 5'8", I started at 238 and am now at 157(it goes up and down 5 pounds). I had surgery with Doctor Artuso and he was wonderful. He is located in Dobbs Ferry, its a long ride but it was well worth it. I ride my bike to work (from brooklyn to wall street) about 3 times (my goal is 5 times) a week to work, 11 miles roundtrip. I FEEL GREAT! Research your doctor, make sure you ask everything and anything you want, and make sure the doctor takes his time to answer your questions. Side effects for me was I was extremly tired, but it passes within time. Best of Luck, and feel free to email me anytime! Kimberly 238/157/140

You've already done great with research just by coming to this site. There are alot of people here who can point you in the right direction, but you will find that most of us will not give medical. We will always tell you to ask the doctor first. That being said. First thing you should do is find out what your insurance company requires to cover the surgery. Surgeons and most insurance companies will require a BMI of 40 or more, you must 100 lbs overweight or have a BMI of 35 or more with co-morbidities (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, sleep apnea, etc.). I don't think you will find anyone here who will give you advice on which procedure you should have or which surgeon you should choose. We will tell about our experiences and tell you who did our surgery, but ultimately the decision have to be made by you. I had my surgery on 12/9/03. I did have some complications. You read about it in my profile. I've lost 150 lbs. and I would do it all over again the exact same way if I had to. Dr. Larry Gellman in Great Neck did my surgery and I just love, but you will find that most people think their surgeon is the best. You have to decide who you want to do your surgery yourself.

Hi, I have the lapband and have lost 68 pounds from pre-op diet to now. I was banded in January. I started at 283 and now at 215. I have NY state employees Empire Insurance and it paid for everything but my pre-op testing copays. I don't regret it at all. Thought I'd never be able to give soda up, but have found passion in making lattes instead. I was banded in Danbury CT. It was a bit of a drive for me, but I think other options would have been about the same or more of a distance. OH is the greatest place to research! Kristine

Hi Shannon, I am a Lap Bander since January 25 2006 and I have lost 50 Lbs so far! I HIGHLY RECCOMEND the Lap band! If you like, emaime and we can exchange phone numbers and I will bethrilled to share myexperience withyou! Waiting to hear from you! Kenny

Hi Shannon, Like Joanne, my surgery was done my Larry Gellman in Great Neck as well. 516 482-8657. Everyone who knows him, loves him, this is nothing new. After everything I have been through, I would still recommend him. He is a great surgeon who goes above and beyond for his patients. He is experienced but very humble and doesnt like to "toot his own horn" like alot of these surgeons. He cares more than just the pay check about his patients. Many WLS surgeons like to "pretend" they care(and I can tell the difference now)but he really does. I feel it is pretty digusting to take out an advertising commerical on radio stations promoting your website for gastric bypass surgery like you are selling a nifty car. I have met w/a few surgeons in the Long Island/Manhattan area. Most were so-so and one (actually two) were complete morons if you ask me. I can tell you privately who I think(again my opinion) who you should stay away from. Good luck and let us know if there is anything we can do for you! Take care. Tavia

Hi Shannon, First of all -- WELCOME! I am 5'8" and sixty years old , and I started at 242.4 --I had the gastric bypass -because I wanted the "dumping" reaction--I have a sweet tooth and the lapband would have done me no good (You can still eat sweets--Ice cream, shakes, cakes etc.,) I don't want to be able to eat those foods (you can take tiny amounts--but if you over do --you will regret it) ! I have lost 76 pounds so far (eight monts out) and I am still losing (I lose slowly because of a hypothyroid condition--Hashimoto's disease). I have had absolutely no side effects or complications and I have no regrets--I am wearing a size ten pants now and I feel wonderful. My health has improved tremendously. My surgeon is Dr, Malholtra --at Long Island Jewish Center ofr Weight Loss--I am not sure what Insurance they take --but the center has an excellent program--pre-surgery and post surgery. Lots of support and a great staff. Hope you choose wisely--Be Blessed --no matter what you do choose! Marian S.C. 242.4/166.2/goal 125-130??