lillita

Hi everyone, I am new to the board. I am having surgery on June 29th and I am exited and scared at the same time. I was on another board but unfortunately, many of those on that board had done the other types of surgeries and not very many had done a gastric sleeve. So, I hope I can get lots of information as to what to expect. My dr. is great but they don't always tell you ALL you need to know. The one frustrating thing for me has been hearing that there isn't any long term data. But, I hope to give them that. This journey has been many years in the making and not until 3 months ago did I make a decision. But it seems like once I made the decision everything has been easy. I went to my first meeting if you will in May and got approve 2 weeks later via my insurance. So, I believe it is GOD's will. I hope to learn from all your experiences.

Thank you all for the great advice. I went to a seminar today given by one of the dr's and he went through the 3 different approaches. After a couple of hours and talking to several of his patients -- I know that I don't want the gastric bypass. I am not sure, but it just doesn't feel right to me. I like the concept of the lap-band but am a little weary of the fills (hate needles) :-) and the sleeve sounds like a good option too. They all seem to have their risks and their pro's and con's. I am going to go visit the dr and talk to him about it. He did say in the seminar that he leaves the decision to the patient as to what they want to do. He said having the lap band is great for those that are good about making sure they go to their appointments, get their fills, go to support groups, etc. Not that the others don't have to do the same things but the lap-band does require fills as the others don't. I guess I am just going to have to weigh the pro's and con's and figure out what is best. It is such a tough decision. But, believe it or not I felt comforted knowing that the success rate is so high and the risk of complications is so low....

I have a question that I am curious about and don't know if the dr's have addressed.. What happends when you reach your goal weight? Do they remove the band? Do you not have to fill it anymore?

What is fluroscopy? I am glad to hear that you haven't had any problems. I guess that is the problem with researching -- is that you find the good with the bad and you just have to balance them out and make an informed decision. I am trying to do that. I know that I need to do something for myself. I am not happy. I don't go out -- I hate shopping. I know that I need to do something... I just want to make sure I am doing the "RIGHT" thing.

So, does everyone get a "fill" often? How long has it been that you'd had yours and no fill?

I definiltely know that it is not a fix but I need something to help me lose weight. I want to be around for my two little ones and be able to do stuff with them. Now, I am either too embarrassed or too tired. What do you mean by red zone? I have gotten several recommendations and today I am going to a seminar for Dr. De La Cruz. He is suppose to be one of the best in Miami, Florida. I have a friend who had his gastric bypass with him and he looks great. I am just scared of feeling like I have to throw up all the time. Thankfully when I was pregnant, I never had those issues because throwing up is one of those things that I really don't tolerate. :-)

Hi everyone! I am so happy I found this forum. I hope that I can get some insight from all that have had the lap band. I am 35 years old and I weigh 203 pounds and am 5'0. I am looking to get the lap band. I considered gastric bypass but my husband is really against it. But, after reading the boards I am really afraid. I am terrified of needles! I have heard that it hurts to get fills. I have also read that every time after a fill it can be unbearable. I have 2 small children, 5 & 3 and feeling horrible all the time would be difficult with them. Mommy's aren't allowed to feel bad. :-( I just want to make sure I make an informed decision. I eat from anxiety and am always hungry. I need help. But, I am afraid. I have so many questions.. Is it painful after the procedure? Do fills hurt? Do you always have a bad feeling in your gut? How long has it taken to get used to it? I'd love to hear more...:scared2: