KK66

Hi everyone New to the site. Long history of yo yo dieting, pills, plans, yada yada. Never really heavy as a child or teenager. Entering perimenopause (46 now) and it's a lesson in futility to lose and keep it off. The 30 lbs I lose keeps hunting me down, finds me and brings more friends! Completely frustrated. I have a 2 1/2 year old grand daughter now and I want to have the energy to continue to enjoy our times together. In addition to being heavy (okay, obese according to BMI chart), I was born with congenital hip dysplasia and now I need a hip replacement (putting off as long as possible). I am hoping lowering my weight will help with delaying this. I am not trying to be model thin, but I think getting down to 160 would be both achieveable and realistic. I am petrified of bypass or sleeve surgery--and not really sure if my BCBS would cover it. I am a nurse at a Boston hospital, so we have a weight center (scheduled an appt) I am interested in any advice, information you can give me. Will there be much down time? How did everyone do post op? How quick did you lose? Sagging skin? Pain? Post op complications? Thanks to everyone. Krissy

I am still pretty nervous about the whole thing in general. I am a nurse, so a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Surgery always seemed like such a sell out for me, personally. My sister had gastric bypass and looks horrendous. Hair loss, skin sagging and generally unhealthy. On the flipside, my sister in law had the LB and looks phenomenal. I don't even know if my insurance will pay for this procedure, so that is another subject. The one thing that seems to bother me is the lump that you can feel just under the skin (the port?). My sister in law let me feel it, and I have to admit, it creeps me out a bit. I would be excited to put weight gain behind me once and for all. I am so frustrated with yo yo dieting, and all the strenuous psychological and physical work that I have put in over the years.

Good Morning to everyone. I am exploring options right now. BMI around 40 (5'5" and 235 lbs). I have already met with my Weight Ctr here in Boston. Comprehensive (nutritionist, MD and psych components). Lap band would be the only consideration from a surgical standpoint,as it seems to be the least invasive and complicated. May start with Meridia. Not sure. I eat well, balanced diet, and exercising quite a lot. I don't know if BCBS of Mass will pay for a lap band, as I do not have other co-morbidities (labs all normal, no hypertension). I do have some arthritis in my left hip and right knee, but nothing else to speak of). I feel I need a push in the right direction......:help: