ilmkids

I'm also 223 pounds and was considering the band for almost a year then one day my older sister said that I should probably look into getting the sleeve because the risk of complications are a lot less compared with the band. I have my first consult in feb and I want the sleeve.

I have decided to go with the band thank you to everyone who has been their for me

I agree with what a lot of others are saying-if you feel maybe you could do this on your own then maybe you should try that route first. This is major surgery and not reversible. I know for myself that I can not do this on my own. I've done so many attempts the past 10 years and I can lose weight. However once my motivation wears off I gain it all back (plus more!) If I could be successful on my own I'd be 130 pounds and not 220! The way I look at it is this-the sleeve is simply a tool. I still have to do this myself. The weight isn't going to magically fall off of me once they wheel me into recovery, however this time with the hard work I put in will see results which will keep me motivated. There are risks involved and those are to be seriously considered, but I don't question my choice for a second. It's one thing to be scared and nervous and feel anxious (it is major surgery) but if you're questioning whether or not you should do this I don't think you're ready. Maybe you could see if your insurance covers supervised medical weight loss programs. The surgeon I am going to use works with a whole bariatric team and they offer a lot of options besides surgery-such as an intensive 14 week program and sometimes use medically prescribed medications to help patients lose weight. Good luck with whatever you decide!

This is me. I've lost and gained so many times. After regaining (not all, but most) of my last diet's weight, I just had no hope. No desire to even attempt dieting. This is my last resort after 15 years of yo-yo dieting.
I would never have considered surgery before realizing it WAS my last hope. If you're not there, that's ok! I wouldn't even consider having 85% of my stomach surgically removed if I had any hope at all of keeping it off on my own...

I would seriously give it a go without surgery first. As high as my BMI was, I still regret putting my family through the complications. I just got home after a month in the hospital for a tiny leak that was caught early. I went 3-4 weeks with NOTHING. Not even ice chips. Just TPN. I had a drain and it's healing is causing me some super pain, lung collapsed, got MRSA, had a tube shoved up my nostril down into my stomach that has damaged my voice, I've lost so much strength I can't even carry my chihuahua without getting dizzy.
If 60 lbs is worth the near death experience, go ahead. But I would strongly reconsider. At least try on your own :/

I have second guessed over and over. I am 5'4 and 239. My goal is 135 so I do have 100 to loose but many friends and family have said its too much. I see the doc on the 8th and have a list of Q's for him - including about too much. Talk to your doc-

I just had mine last night. Here's how it went:
First, she asked normal stuff like my age, was I married, and did I have kids. She asked about my early childhood (like 6-12); what was it like, was I happy, lonely, etc. That was followed by later childhood (13-18) with the same stuff.
Eventually, we made it to the weight: how did it start, how long have you been fat (not in those words, but you get it). What do you want to weigh? What happens if you don't get there? Do you know what your diet will be like? Do you know the risks? What are they? Do you have support?
They're looking to see if you have depression or anxiety issues that could be a problem for your success, not to mention your mental health. Really strait forward stuff, I think.
What worries me for you, ilmkids, is that you're worried. My advice to you - or to anyone considering this major change in their lives - be honest. A smart person who just wants a pass will be able to just tell them what they want to hear. Don't do that. I think that there's a good reason the insurance companies require this as a step in the process. I frequently see people on here that have serious doubts. I'm not talking nervousness - I think you'd be irrational if you weren't nervous - but people having really serous doubts before this, and I think, "maybe this isn't for you." I'm sure it isn't for everyone.
If you are honest both with yourself, and with the shrink, they will give you the proper recommendation. If it's really not for you, you should know about it from someone who is totally impartial. If you get the pass, then you should feel better going into the operation.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Edit:
BTW: It cost me $90. $40 for the specialist co-pay, and $50 for the report. Is the report part normal?

Love Temple! Dr. Meilahn & Dr. White.... They did an awesome job! I had surgery on August 27th, 2012. Since my 2 week preop diet I have dropped 56 pounds! So thats a total of 9 weeks .... Dr Meilahn can come across a little abrupt BUT he is a seasoned veteran surgeon! He is a good man & has my respect. I started at the hospital in the northeast - Jeanes ... but as I got approved Temple had more surgical dates open & I had the surgery done downtown. I have kept my post op check ups at the TU office....

I'm in Philadelphia, PA. 4 weeks out. Had surgery 5-10-2012.