tamarlarae

Thanks for the study!! I guess I am just so nervous about gaining the weight back. I found out I have Hoshimotos (autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid) gained 93lbs in a year and have been trying to loose it ever since. I was able to loose 30, but I ended up gaining it all back after my grandmother died last year because of helping my mom with all of the stress/stuff that comes with that... What would you say is key after getting banded to keep the weight off? I'm not a huge fan of support groups (no reason, just not). Obviously the exercise and diet is a huge factor, but anything else? Maybe some good questions I should ask the surgeon when I see him? I am a teacher so I'd like to have the surgery over the summer when I'll know I'll have plenty of time off.

Thank you so much for your input! The sleeve is definitely more invasive, but from what I've researched; people seem to keep the weight off more. Have any of you had the band for more than 2 years? Again, from what I've researched, after 2 years people start to "fall off the bandwagon" and gain weight back. Is this because people start to feel comfortable with the band? Has the technology gotten better?

I realize this is a lap Band forum, but I was curious as to how you were able to make your decision to have the lap band done and not the vertical sleeve. I have been researching things for a year and I still can't decide. I am young (24) and would still like to have kids, but I can not see any more pros or cons for either. I would LOVE your advice/opinions. I chickened out and got cold feet last April because I couldn't decide and now I have an appointment on the 29th and I find myself in the same situation. Please help!!

Thank you so much for your information!! Unfortunately, I got pregnant last summer and miscarried at 7 weeks. I was not as heavy, but I was still at 300 lbs and then I've go e up because of depression, lack of motivation, etc. Did your friends' port sites hurt when they were pregnant? Was the pain manageable? Like I said, I have a high pain tolerance but especially when we do try to have kids, I want to be cautious. Sorry to hear that you've had some trying times, but sounds like you are taking the right step forward! Since my OBGYN suggested it, I feel as though it might be our only chance to have children of our own.

Hello all! I am new to this forum, but I have been talking about WLS for about a year now. My husband was very much against it and not supportive until recently, which is why I've been looking at all options for a year. Now, we're talking about having children and I went to my OBGYN and she told me I needed to loose weight if I didn't want preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc. I have been yo-yoing on WW for 4 months now. I have Hoshimotos (thyroid disorder) but my blood work always comes back fine since we finally found a correct dose. I'm 6'1 24 years old, and currently weigh 325 with my ideal weight to be 220-230. I have NEVER been thin and although I do not have diabetes, I have high blood pressure and suffer from Migraines.

I would love to hear from people about their experience of being pregnant and having the surgery. I know I will have to wait a minimum of 12-18 months to have children, and my husband is okay with that as am I. Now that we both agree that MY health is important to take care of first he is now my biggest cheerleader. I have heard that the port site becomes sore and uncomfortable, but how long does the pain last? What kind of pain is it? I have a high pain tolerance, but I also don't want to not go to the doctor because I feel as though I can handle it. How were you after you had the baby? Did your surgery affect breast feeding?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've done a lot of research and have an appointment tomorrow to talk with someone about getting banded so I would like as much info as possible or other questions you think I should ask when I go.

I'm 23 as well!! My initial consultation isn't until May 8th :-/ but I am very excited!! Where do you live? I'm in AZ and would love to hear/have support from another young sleever!

Your story is so inspiring! You said you are going to Mexico for your surgery? Does that make you nervous? My husband is extremely opposed to me going to Mexico, but that might be my only option. I know they allow you to finance, but I heard the fees were high. I know asking this is rude, but I am ready to change my life and am desparate enough for help that I'm willing to go into debt to try and have this surgery done.

Thank you so much for your response!! I definitely want to loose some weight before I have kids but my husband is super concerned I won't be able to keep up being healthy because I won't be able to eat as normally as I would before surgery. However, I'M more afraid of gestational diabetes, deformanties, and research has shown that autism is starting to associate with heavier woman who have kids. Did you have your surgery here in the states?

Have any taller/younger people have this surgery? I had my initial consultation and am currently still waiting for approval and was wondering if anyone who was my height or closer (I'm 6'1 and weigh 330 lbs) and or close to my age have had the surgery?

I was also wondering if anyone has had kids or thinking about having kids after the surgery? My doc and research says to wait at least a year, but I'd prefer to hear from actual people.

For people who went to Mexico, how was that? I'm kind of afraid to do that and my husband is extremely against it. Is there anything I can look at on the Internet to help ease either of our nerves. I have researched, and talked, and researched, and talked to my psychologist, husband, and doc about this and I'm full aware of what the surgery entails. I just need to find out the info that pertains specifically to me, but I can't do that if I can't get a hold of anyone! I'm not opposed to Mexico, would just like more info if I can't stay in the states.

I started the process on Feb 1 for my first visit with the surgeon' date=' nurse, nutritionist and insurance processing lady. I completed all my tests by March 19. I also have BCBS of AZ, submitted on March 19 and approved on March 26. I got my surgery date scheduled for April 16. I'm going thru Banner Gateway in Gilbert, AZ. How about you?[/quote']

I haven't heard from anyone about having surgery! Like I said, it's been almost 2 weeks and I'm starting to become frustrated. I am not sure if they won't take me because I'm young (23) but I have all of the qualifications and proof that my weight has affected my health since 16. How did you start with banner gateway because I filled out a form online, should I just call. I just don't want to get the runaround because I need to know how to plan for things. Did you like your surgeon? How long were you in the hospital??

Have waited 2 weeks to hear back from someone just to get this process started and have become frustrated and anxious! How long did everyone's process take? I work with kids for a living so was hoping to have surgery this summer for recovery time. I have BCBS of AZ and they don't have a 6 month wait period, but I need help knowing how realistic it is for me to have it done this summer.