Hello, I have just starting researching weight loss options the last few weeks. I have been greatly overweight for about the last 12-15 years. I am 38 years old 6' and weight 330 pounds. I have enjoyed reading post on this site and decided to join to ask some questions.

It seems hard to find many forums for guys. I do not have any weight related medical conditions yet. I really want to try and get it under control as I am sure they are likely to come any time now.

I guess what I am looking for is just any advice at all. Does anyone suggest a certain Dr in my area, what questions should I ask them? It's crazy because I know that I should just make an appointment but I am really struggling with pulling the trigger. Is this normal? I have done an online seminar with Dr. Trace Curry out of Cincinnati. He seems to be very experienced with the lap band procedure I was looking at.

Thanks,

I would start the process, by researching what type of surgery would be the best fit for you. From my research and experience (I am a nurse, working in the ICU). I have seen more complications with the lap band. The seminar I went to, the Doctor said the #1 surgery isn't the lap band or the sleeve, it is the conversion from the band to the sleeve, because of complications. The band is NOT intended as a permanent process, at some time, you need a second surgery to remove it. I am not trying to persuade you in any direction, but informing you of the process I took. Having bariatric surgery is a personal decision and a LIFELONG commitment. I wish you all the success as you start your journey and welcome to the guys room.

@@cwhitt456 - Yeah it's normal. Good for you to look before you leap. It is a life changing decision. The fact that convinced me was behavior change alone results in long term weight loss with about 5% suceed through behavior modification vs. nearly 80% (going by memory) who succeed with WLS.

You might want to check with the Cleveland Clinic who did some of the best long term studies on Sleeve surgery.

I am surprised how few guys do this vs women, but the numbers are what they are.

I am very glad I found out about WLS. In 2014 I thought I had a stroke. It turned out to be something stress related, but it was the first light on my dashboard that I needed to lose weight. I diligently did weight watchers, but with my travel, it was hard to stay on track. I found out about WLS on a pod cast, and started researching (Cleveland Clinic study convinced me). I had mine done in Mexico (just didn't want to mess with insurance, and it was affordable enough). It's worked wonderfully.

Only thing I regret is not knowing about it when I was your age. It is a tool. Don't think it's "FM" (freakin magic). It requires work and diligence, but it is an amazing tool. Absolutely changed my life.

That said, some things to consider:

* Do I have a couple of weeks to recover? Might not need it, but with my scheduled I figured out there were only two days in 2014 I could have the surgery.

* Significant other? When a partner loses weight, it can change a relationship. Sometimes women like the chunky guy because he is less likely to stray because fat guys have fewer partners. They get nervous when that changes.

* Emotional issues with food? We got fat for some reason. Get your mind right before.

* Can I get in the best shape possible before the surgery? It will speed up your recovery and you will thank me for suggesting it.

* Can you go without smoking, coffee, alcohol for several months? You want the stomach to heal.

Good luck, feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

The bariatric clinic I used for my RNY no longer does the lap band due to long term problems with that technology, so that alone indicates the need to get multiple opinions on lap band. Many on this site loved it but many have had to get the band removed and sleeve/RNY or other options done.

Here is "old guy" advice. Get something done. I did not have any obesity related obvious medical problems until I was almost 55, then they started, mobility, diabetes, edema, heart problems, etc. I waited. Glad I had something done, because at 65 years old all those things are either 90% better or gone, but boy do I wish I had done this at your age. I do mourn the loss of activities for some of those decades -- the hikes I did not go on, the restaurants I could not go to because all they had was booths, the times my kids wanted to do major sports and I couldn't. Now, I can do those things with grandkids, so life is good.....

I agree with OKCPirate, and like him, I too had my surgery in Mexico. Another piece of advice, call and talk to your health insurance. I work for a hospital, which ironically performs bariatric surgeries, but our health insurance specifically does not cover any bariatric surgery, so my only alternative was self pay.

I would recommend against lapband. Many doctors are no longer performing this operation. The individual that I knew who had a lapband had it removed and had a revision to RNY gastric bypass. This was because the band was wearing into his stomach and it was about to rupture. That was an extremely dangerous situation. There are many forms of bariatric surgery today such as RNY gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve, duodenal switch. These are a much better choice. I would also recommend finding a bariatric surgery center of excellence in your area. This is like a one stop shop. Everything in one location. You might do an internet search to find one that is close.

It's very normal to be indecisive about having a major surgery. It took me two years to make my decision. I've read the boards for a long time and decided to just go to a seminar since they are free and after that a consultation. I was convinced before that but actually starting the process clinched it. Two months later I was having surgery and two weeks later I'm making this post.

Think about the long game. You're fortunate enough to not have any medical issues but being overweight increases the chances of them.

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

Attend a free seminar, touch the brochure, look around the room, there will be people of all shapes and sizes. From this meeting to a surgery date usually averages around nine months. This is NOT a quick fix. This requires A LOT of thought. That being said, I was like you, big, but healthy, but not forever. I chose the sleeve because it was the right fit for me. Do your research, ask questions, and the right choice for you will present itself. Good luck.