Hi,

My name is Karen and I have just started to look into Lap band and Gastric bypass surgery. I live near the WISH center outside of Chicago, has anyone been there?

I think Gastric bypass would probably be the best fit for me, but it scares me so much! I have a bmi in the mid to high 40's and don't know if the Lap will do it for me....

****What do you discuss at your meeting/consultation, I am already worried I will not say the right thing and then I will not qualify for surgery.

Any advice?

Thank you and I am glad I found this site.

Karen:phanvan

Hi Karen~

My BMI was 47.9 , my weight was 306lbs and Im 5'7, Ive been banded since 12/03/03 and have lost 65lbs.

I asked my surgeon how many bands he placed, How long the procedure took, What kind of aftercare program they have, When should I expect my first fill, How long will the hospital stay be. We talked for about an 45 minutes and he answered all my questions.

If you happen to think of any questions after you seen him, write them down and call the office and Im sure the staff will be happy to anwer them.

Good Luck with your decision!

Bonnie

:mad:

Hi Karen and congratulations on your decision to change your life,

Like Bonnie said your BMI is not too high. I work in the operating room and we do patients whose BMI is well over 60 and they have all done well. Make sure to do your research, the bypass is a big deal and not easily reversed. It doesn't give you the same tool that the band does either. Be careful not to let the surgeon talk you into one or the other. Be a wise patient and have an idea what each of the procedures are. There are surgeons that really believe in one or the other (which isn't a bad thing) and tend to sway their patients in that direction. One thought you might keep in mind - the band is minimally invasive, completely reversible and an effective tool that can last the rest of your life. Ooops there I go trying to sway you!!!

Here are some helpful questions:

·What types of obesity surgery procedures have you performed?

·How many of each weight loss procedure have you performed?

·Can this surgery be performed using minimally invasive techniques?

·Can I be considered a candidate for surgery even though I have one or more associated health conditions related to my obesity?

·Which weight loss procedure is best for me? Why? What are the risks involved?

·How long will I be in surgery?

·What is the length of my anticipated hospital stay?

·How long will it be before I can return to pre-surgery levels of activity?

·How will my eating habits change?

·Do you have information about obesity surgery costs and payment options?

·What is the typical excess weight loss and improvement of associated health conditions for your other patients?

·Do you have patients who are willing to share their experiences, both positive and negative?

·What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand this surgery?

·What type of long-term, after-care services (such as support groups and counseling) can you provide for me?

·What do you expect from me if I decide to choose a surgical solution?

Good Luck in your research!!! And let us know what you decide.