va_viv

Hey Shannon! Like many others I never really considered the bypass because it seems toooo extreme for me. I'm also worried about loose skin and I think the bypass would definitely leave me with some. My dr told me, in his professional opinion, the band is better for younger people (I'm 25) because it gives you the AIDE you need to change your life NOW before it's to late, instead of having a "quick fix" and never have really "learned our lesson" prompting many young folks to gain the weight back (with the bypass). And he also mentioned that it helps a lot in not having loose skin because we are able to exercise better/easier. I have a friend who was banded about 3 yrs ago and now she says that she wants to go back and get the bypass (I don't know if that's even possible) she lost nothing with the band and I think it definitely has to do with her not making a life style change and now is looking for that quick fix. That being said, it is of course a personal decision/preference. My brother in law is also getting WLS and he feels like the gastric sleeve is a better fit for him. So, my advice is don't rush and give yourself enough time to make a decision that you will be satisfied with forever. Tons of luck and wish you the best. I'm getting banded Oct 6th so I'll let you know how it goes :thumbup:

Hey! I got my approval yesterday :thumbup: and was immediately given a surgery date of October 6th. It all happened waaaaaay faster then I expected. Good luck with everything and I'm sure you'll get your GREAT news very soon!

Leigha you are AWESOME! I desperately hope that once I'm banded I have similar complications!

Hey Zen! I am slightly freaking out myself at possibly failing with the band. I am just starting my journey to get banded so I'm doing all the research I can. I have seen amazing success stories! BUT...I have a friend who was banded about 3 years ago and I swear so lost NOTHING! Which terrifies the CRAP outta me because I don't want to "fail" at it like she did. I don't really know the whole story to why she never lost weight but I was reminded by my sister that she would tell us stories of how she got "around" the band. Like instead of drinking water during the day she would get a slurrpy from 7/11 or a frap from starbucks and snack on doritos during the day. She obviously wasn't ready to make that life change you need to make. So, I decided not to let her story affect my story. SOOOOO, my point is you are the person that is taking responsibility for your actions and your banding is your first step in the right direction. Sure, there are people that fail...but understanding WHY they fail is important. You will be just fine, don't worry! Believe in yourself that you'll make it happen. HAPPY THOUGHTS and TONS of luck your way!!!!

Hey Danielle! I went to my first appt this past Monday and had my sleep study done last night (not the greatest thing to do, but it's over with). I'm still waiting to hear if I'm approved by my insurance or not. Anywhoo, I struggled with this issue since I started considering WLS and I decided that the best choice for me was to not tell to many people. I have a large family, 3 brothers (all with significant others) and a sister (and her hubby). The only people that know that I am having the surgery is my mom, sister, her hubby (he's having it also) and my boyfriend. My dad doesn't even know, and YES my parents are still together and I live with both of them. I decided not to tell my dad because frankly he has a big mouth. He doesn't filter what he says sometimes and a lot of people (including family) we know are extremely judgmental when it comes to weight. They see me and say "oh you've gained weight" even before I get a "Hi". I'm sure my brothers would be supportive but something about their wives knowing doesn't sit right with me. Some of them are very into fitness and think that they are the ultimate gurus when it comes to that subject. I feel like they would judge me. I talked to my brother in law and he said that he's only telling his mom (who had gastric bypass about 25 yrs ago) and his 2 brothers won't know. So both of us are keeping the info in a very tight circle. So anyway, that's where I am at right now. I don't know if it's embarrassment that keeping me from telling people or what, I guess I have to figure that out but like a previous post said, I might change my mind when people start asking me what "my secret" is. Hope that helps!