Hello everyone! I just wanted to stop by to say hello and introduce myself. I’m a 6’0” 320lb, 44 year old male who’s battled weight problems pretty much all my life. I often wondered about surgery as an option to losing weight. But like most I figured surgery was an option only available to the rich and wealthy so I quickly dismissed it. I figured I could lose the weight on my own and I shouldn’t have to resort to such drastic measures. I would eat healthy and exercise and weight would indeed come off…for a short time. I would lose 20lb and before you know it, I would put 25lb back on. As an adult I think my lowest weight was 290lb. After countless start/stops I just came to the conclusion that I would always be a big guy with blood pressure and cholesterol problems. For some odd reason weight lose surgery has been popping up everywhere lately. I believe New Jersey governor Chris Christie was the latest attention getter. As if the thought of a stroke wasn’t enough to get my attention. However after being diagnosed with sleep apnea in December and losing a coworker to the very same problem in April, the drastic measures of surgery didn’t sound so drastic anymore., Currently I’m in the initial steps of surgery; if fact I would consider myself still in the research phase. I called my insurance company this past Friday (5/20) and surprisingly bariatric surgery is covered under my plan. Today I called an in-network doctor and I was told I had to attend a new patient seminar before I could see the doctor; it’s set for this Thursday (5/23). I was told the two hour seminar is design to present all the available options (surgeries) and the pro and cons of each. There I will also have to fill out an application of some sort and a group of doctors will review my case the following week. I guess they’re looking for the perfect candidates? I’m hoping I meet their criteria. I mean I have a BMI of 45 and two life threatening complications. What more do they (I) need? Anyway, thanks for letting me share and keep your fingers crossed. I’ll keep you guys posted.

You are well on your down the road to a amazing journey.

I was where you are now. I'm 6' 2" and weighed 330. Today, 18 months post surgery, 220 and working on getting to ONEderland.

Remember, WLS is a tool to kick start your way to a healthy new you. You have to learn how to cook and shop in a new way. Exercise and nutrition has to become a new part of your life.

I'm going to play the devil's advocate here and ask if you've considered or researched other WLS' ? I ask because your insurance is going to cover your surgery while allot of insurances are now denying ANY type of WLS in there coverage. And while all of the different WLS' have complications the LB seems to have a high rate of revisions. (yes, I have one and don't look forward to that possibility) Sorry.. now that I've read your entire post I see you indeed are going to a seminar on all the WLS' WHICH IS GREAT!!

They will probably make a decision on which WLS' is best for your BMI, sleep apnea, past history of weight loss etc...

GOOD LUCK on whatever you decide and we'll all be here for HELP and support no matter what you decide

well i'm going to assume you are a fellow Louisianian. Welcome.... WLS is a very big step, but i have read your post and think you are on your way to making the right choice.

I chose the LB because it has less complication and the ability to have it removed if i so choose. Although LB sometimes takes a little longer for people to lose weight, i think it's the best way. LB has a higher success rate in the long run. It does have it's down falls.... you can slip your band, develop leaks and infections..... But all surg. have problems.

GB... you will lose weight and it will come off fast, has a higher death rate, and lots more people gain the weight back from GB. I can only say from experience .. i have 4 friends that have had the GB and two of them have gained it all back, one is on her way to gaining it all back and the other is still going strong and doing great.

Sleeve... I have two friends that had the sleeve done... one lost over 100lbs , but recently gained about 30lbs back. The other lost only about 50lbs.

LB... most of the people i know that have had LB has lost great and has been able to keep it off. Although my Sister in law did lose about 30lbs in the beginning, stopped going to get fills and about 4 mts ago had the band removed and had the GB done. He has done great so far... so proud of her. My cousin is the same way... never lost a single pound... but it has nothing to do with the band and everything to do with her not wanting to make life time choices.

Watching everything you eat and learning what works and does not work for you. How to eat... chewing until your jaw hurts.... learning to not eat and drink at the same time. Exercising... i a HUGE part of weight loss success. At least i think so.

I wish you luck in your future...

Thanks for the feedback guys, you all are great! I would say I leaning towards the LB for the obvious reason; low risk of complication, short recovery period and if the worst case presents itself; the band is removable. I don’t like the idea of “major” bypass surgery and I have to be honest I don’t know much about the sleeve. After reading the pros for the LB, I kind of had tunnel vision. I’m sure the doctors at the seminar will have more details on the sleeve.

I fully understand the LB is just a tool and that I’m still responsible for what I eat. I don’t think that will be a problem. I think I’m like most people who sometimes need someone to hold them accountable for their eating habits, someone in their ear to get them back on track when they stray. For most part I can do that for myself. I can go months eating healthy and hitting the gym twice a day; that’s when I lose the 20-30lbs. But then life happens, I miss a day here and there and I think to myself “no big deal, I’ll hit it hard tomorrow”. Well “tomorrow” turns into “this weekend”. And “this weekend” turns into “first thing Monday morning” and before you know a month has gone by and 15lbs has found you napping. I believe (know) the LB will be that coach in my ear constantly reminding me to eat healthy (in moderation) and exercise. When I focused, I have the willpower to stay away from the bad foods and to keep active. But I admit, I need that kick in the @ss that one day I get lazy so it doesn’t turn into 3 months of laziness.

I was just like you before I got my band. Countless efforts, all inevitably failed. Sucks, doesn't it?

When they say they're reviewing your case, they aren't looking for the perfect patient. They're just getting to know you and your health history. If your insurance covers it, you'll be able to get it.

Everyone has given you some pretty good advice. Congrats on looking into surgery. It seems weird and different, sometimes scary... But once you do it, I don't think you'll be sorry!! Good luck!

I had my lap band surgery may 10th and am loving the energy I have and feel so good. One thing I highly recommend is see if they have a support group meeting, I love going once a month to support group. Good luck with everything and don't get discouraged I went through so many test and classes but the end results are worth it.