I have just started all the testing required to get approved for gastric bypass. My consultant called me today with the news that Tricare has officially started approving Lapband. Now I have a choice to make. Maybe hearing others opinions would help me.

I am what you would call borderline, so I know I may hear lots of people saying why am I going through such a drastic process. Well, here goes.

I was lucky enough to never had to struggle with my weight as a young girl. My weight problems didn't start until I had my 3rd child and used that dreaded depro prevara shot. I have now had 5 kids and am done! I am 5'1 and weigh 207 lbs. I have struggled with weight loss yoyo for some time. I had joined the gym again after moving to north carolina in october. Then i got rear ended in dec and again in march. I have horrible back pain and a tear causing pain through my psyatic nerve on the right hip. I can't do exercise. I can't even pick up my kids :s I have officially been discharged from chiro labeled as chronic condition that I will have to deal with pain management. Hence my decision to discuss perhaps having this surgery and removing the extra weight will help relieve a good amount of pain I am having. I know some of the pros and cons versus the 2 surgeries. One being one is irreverasible , the other needs management. Then there is the time differnce as one helps you loose faster. One of my concerns is exercise. I can't do it now, hoping I will be better after some weight loss. If I can't exercise, will the band still help me loose weight or for that reason would I be better off with the by-pass? Now faced with having my choice I am more confused than ever. I have until my appointment with the surgeon in the next week or so to decide which way to go. I was hoping to get some advice and more information on what to expect. My husband is deployed in Afganistan right now but he is supportive of what I decide to do. I also have my mom and brother here to help me through this. I'm just worried and confused. Any help would be appreciated

You do have a big decision. I faced it, too. I am 5'2'' and started at 232 pounds. I chose the band, hands down. I was sold on the safety of the band surgery vs. RNY. I do not have the chronic pain you have. I do exercise, but not real strenuous. I walk, ride my bike and do the eliptical sometimes. I have lost 46 pounds. My life is so much better! My health problems are gone and I look great! I love my band! The upkeep on it is no big deal. The adjustability of the band is a wonderful thing! You can do what you want with it. It is yours to do with as you will.

I recommend spending a lot of time at this site getting info. It is a fabulous spot for support. Good luck with your decision.

I agree ultimately you have to make the decision whether the band is for you. I have ChampVa and have had the band for over a year. I love it. I too never had problems until I had my 2nd daughter.

I choose the band because of the success rate and as well as the less evasive choice. It was best for me. BUT if you can not stay away from the sweets and the junk food it may not be a good choice. The band does not restrict you in that way.

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk!

Good luck!

=:cool:=

I also am having to think which one I want and I am so lost. My doctor told me to do research on both and then when i go back on 11/1/07 to see him then I will discuss which one I want to do. My biggest worry is that i will make the wrong decision.

Brandy you look great, congrat on all teh weight loss.

:whoo:

Thanks Crystal! :eek: