Hello everyone,

I am 45 years and suffer with crippling arthritis. after my 3rd opinion, the doctors say I have to have my knee's replaced or have the bypass surgery.

I have been using Alli, but he says I need to lose the weight faster if I want to be able to walk on my own, without the use of my cane or walker.

I have had my knee scoped and have had a hysterectomy and second surgery 2 weeks after that due to infection and I was connecting to a wound vac machine for 3 months, I thought I would lode my mind after that!!

So, I am not too excited to have more surgeries, so I need all the help I can get with this decision!! I Hate needles and cannot stand the thought of the port!!! I am afraid of what I don't know I guess!

I would suggest that you find out more education on the band and bypass. I wouldn't advise bypass to ANYONE. I work in a doctor's office and I have seen what bypass can do to someone. But I have also seen patients get the lap band not fully aware of what they are getting into. I know of one patient who got the band and she lost some weight at first, but now she is back up to 300 pounds. People have to realize that it will change your life and you have to make major lifestyle changes for it to work. If you really hate needles and can't get over that fear, then maybe surgery isn't right for you. I would suggest that you read a lot of posts here, there is a lot of helpful information. Good luck.

YOU POOR THING I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND.I'M JUST ABOUT TO START MY 14 CLEANS . THEY TOLD ME THAT TO FILL THE PORT IS NOT THAT BAD.AND IN THE LONG RUN IT HAS TO BE BETTER THAN BEING OPENED UP LIKE A ZIPPER.I'VE WATCH MY HUSBAND AFTER HIS BY PASS.IT'S BEEN TWO YEARS AND I WOULDN'T WISH IT ON ANYONE.IT IS A TOTAL CHANGE FOR ALL OF YOUR FAMILY.KEEP GETTING INFORMATION WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS. AND KNOW THERE IS TONS OF SUPPORT TO HELP YOU..GOOD LUCK.Charlietuna

Hi there!

You have come to an excellent place for support and advice. Welcome!

I was in the same boat as you, I am 32 and was told that I needed to have knee replacement as well. This was last October, I went in for my lap band procedure and it was a peice of cake next to my other surgeries (3 knee, 2 c-sections). I had my surgery on 12/12/07, as of today, I am down 58 pounds and getting close to goal.

Besides the annoying popping and clicking, I feel like a new woman! No pain at all.

Good luck in your decision, let me know if you have any other questions!

Brandy

Hello!

I have just started the journey, too, and like you, I'm terrified of needles. Lately, I've found myself trying to focus on the end result. I had a hysterectomy almost six years ago, and that scared me, too, but again, like you, I came through it. I've heard that the fills aren't so bad, and I think my weight has brought me to the point of deciding between my fear of needles and gaining more. So, yes, I'm still scared, but I'm going to come here and talk, and take one step at a time. This is a great place for support, and I haven't even done anything yet.

Good luck and keep posting!

Debbie