LisaRu

I just got off the phone with BCBS Illinois. I was trying to find out if they cover the DS surgery before I go hog wild researching. They couldn't tell me definitively that it was included or excluded! Has anyone had experience with this insurance and were you covered? Thanks

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, I have a BMI of 51 so I guess that's oddly enough good news!

I have been reading all about loose skin on this board and haven't seen anything about facial wrinkles. Im no spring chicken (48) and I'm afraid my face will just be covered in new wrinkles (I've never liked the old ones!). Any experience out there or am I just being vain. Ps I do realize being healthy is my ultimate goal! But being pretty AND healthy appeals to me more!!

Hi All, I have been reading everything under the sun about WLS. I notice there isn't a forum here for the DS. Why? Is it not popular, too risky, not worth it? Has anyone had it? My BMI is 51 so it seem like a good surgery for me but it concerns me that you all don't seem to talk about it. Help!

Oops, sorry! I'm new here. Thanks!

Volkitteh, may I ask what put u over the edge to GB instead of DS?

I'm on dsfacts.com reading right now (or a sec ago!) I don't know if it's a persons site or DS doctors because it is informative but there seems to be a push for it on the site.

Thanks Tebowfan, I'm on the bottom of bmi scale for that surgery and weigh 300 like that woman at your class. In my reading it does seem similar to GB except no dumping. Ahhh off to read more! Any DS'ers out there?

It just makes me feel like "you were an ogre before, but now your cool". Which then, of course makes me not want to be friendly with them. I know gross overreaction!! Just trying to make point. Of course I haven't even had surgery yet, but I'm ready for them, LOL.

Exactly!!!!!

I shall steal her beauty secrets!! Wish me luck

James, do u think it would help to start bio oil in advance? (Ask ur wife, lol) Lii miss, you're right! I wang to look great!!

I have not had surgery yet but have lost weight at different points in my life. I guess it's my insecurities, but I always feel when I was given a compliment that it was kind of a backhanded compliment. What I mean is I hear a compliment and turn whAt they said around to "you were so fat". I'm almost dreading the compliments to come after surgery because of this feeling! Well at least I have plenty of time to work that feeling out!!

I know everyone is different an has different reason for one surgery over the other but I'd like to hear some of your reasons. I realize I'm on the sleeve forum but I'm sure there are many who are quite knowledgable about both. I am just staring this process over as my original surgeon said I was too risky. I originally choose the sleeve but now wondering if that is right for me. I'm on the larger side at 300lbs and 5'4" bmi 51. I originally opted for the sleeve because I thought it was less invasive. The dr said I should get down to 200 to which I replied that is still obese. The gastric bypass may be more invasive but I think the malabsorption part may help me to get to a healthy weight. I would bet a lot of you have gone through the same dilemma of choosing. Please feel free to base your opinion on my particular info. (I have type 2, hbp, high bad cholesterol, low good cholesterol, metabolic syndrome x (what ever that is) and I'm on oxygen except at night, sever sleep apnea 20. I think that's about it. Lol. Any and all opinions welcome and appreciated!

Nmacarthy, thanks for your reply. Although we are at similar start weights the idea of me (a woman) stopping at 200 isn't good enough. I can see for a fellow that would be a fine weight. The sleeve does seem so much less invasive but I really need to get down to atleast 150. Half my weight!!! Ack! The GB seems to help on a few ways...the malabsorption and restriction. All I can do I guess is keep reading and talk with my surgeon. Thanks!

LindafromFL, thanks for your reply....I am doing research like crazy. I actually stopped posting on FB because I don't want to waste time that I could be gathering re wls!! I am reading all the threads on both the sleeve and bypass forum. May I ask if you and your husband have been able to get rid of medicine or cpap/bipap?

That was our Church. I don't think they have a school there anymore. I don't know if you're in the area anymore but they consolidated a few of the schools

Holy cow! Small world indeed!! Did you go to Manor too?

Polly, I too am o2 dependent except when sleeping. My surgeon just talked to my pulmo by phone last week and called me to say he wouldn't do my surgery!! My pulmo had already sent clearance letter in!! So, I'm starting over at a hospital rather than the Barix Clinic. Good luck to both of us!!!

Thank you for your replies! That's what I love about this site.....it brings so many different views and opinions on the same subject. I guess the fact that these surgeries all take so long to finally get to is good. Plenty of time for research!! (I'm leaning gb right now. Thanks again, Lisa

Wow! I could have written your post! As I have gained weight I have pulled back socially over the years. I was a thin person at one time 115 -130 over a long period of time. I was out going and clearly see the difference in my self and my ways. One of my odd goals once I have the surgery, is to have my kids stand next to me in a pic instead of in front of me! Oh the joy of the small things!

Hey MommyofThree, what section are you in? I grew up in North Park and when I married we moved to Red Cedar. I was a Pennsbury grad, husband was a Neahaminy Grad, and my kids went/go to Truman.

Thanks MShwartz! Because I started w Barix I already have a lot of clearances (cardio, pulmo, barium swallow, ugi) so maybe I can move pretty fast. Barix said I was too risky...ugh!

I sat through about an hour of my Mother talking about some dang book called Grain Brain (or something like that). AGAIN! Its pretty much all she talks about now. It's a gluten free program which she is using to help her mind/memory. But she claims it cures all the worlds ills! I may try it. Also, for the Paleo peeps, my old boyfriends sister wrote Paleo for Dummies.

MSchwatz.....how long did the process take from start to finish. Did they require a diet period prior to surgery..3-6 months? My insurance does not require it. Thanks for any info !