400lb and clueless...pls read

[adamsmom 4]

Ditto to everything everyone else said: get a new surgeon. You will be with this guy for the ong haul, so you need someone who you feel you can work with for the long haul. Also about the skin: loose skin happens! Deal with it when the time comes, for now, you need to get down to a healthy weight so that you can even worry about loose skin. Haing lapband surgery was the greatest gift I have given to myself. My only regret is waiting as long as I did to make the decision. As for LB over GB--LB is a forever tool. 2 years or so after GB, your tool is not as effective, and you may gain weight. If you start to gain with LB, you can get another fill to get more restriction. Good Luck!

[39andholding 0]

I didn't read all the responses. But my friend who did lapband (I'm not banded yet) was 240ish and is now about 140 (in a year) She chose to have a Tummy Tuck and boob job. I suspect the 80-90 lbs I hope to lose will also mean I need a tummy tuck. I just kinda feel it's a package deal. I know the excess skin is not "fun" and especially if you can't afford the cosmetic surgery. But it's important to get the excess weight off before it affects your health (I am also perfectly healthy except for my dumb gall bladder and this excess weight)

The way I look at it - my food bill is going to go way down from not over-eating and the amount of money I will save over 2-3 years of eating excessively (groceries and eating out) will help pay for the cosmetic surgery.

If I had as much to lose, I would probably consider gastric bypass. My cousin did gastric bypass and she also "only" had 100 lbs to lose. She's running half-marathons now, 8 months post-op and 90 lbs down.

Good luck with whatever you choose. :cool2:

[ms.brimw 0]

Thanks guy's.. Let me say im not going to give up... this is something ive been wanting and i believe can help me get healthy.. i will weigh my options with both changing surgeons and the LB vs. GB. it is good to no about the skin.. i know.. i know i shouldnt be worried about skin:blushing: but it is something that has always been in the back of my mind, maybe because i watch to much darn T.V... but its good to know the info that you all have shared, and i will use it. i will def stay in touch to let you all no where im at in my journey!!

God Bless

[dyingtobethin 0]

kelin what an inspiration you are i am so proud of you.

i know you feel like a new person and feel like you have just begun to llive

[Jachut 487]

The sad fact is you are most probably going to have a whole lot of excess skin no matter which way you go and no matter how slowly you lose it. It is a complete myth that the band results in less excess skin.

The factors that affect the skin are primarily genetics, but also how overweight you are and how long you have been that way. The damage that is done to the skin occurs when you GAIN weight, not when you lose it, what's done is done and absolutely nothing you do now is going to undo it or affect it in any way.

Its very disheartening but really, you should try to only focus on your health goals first and worry about the cosmetic side of it as and when you go. You'll feel more and more positive as you lose weight and will probably cope with skin issues much better than you imagine and tackle solutions to them much better than you imagine.

As long as you're willing and able to work with a band, its a great choice for you.

[Moxi 0]

I would get a second opinion. My concern was not so much that he encouraged RNY over the band, b/c I think a number of Dr's, mine included would prefer to do a RNY for people with more to lose, but that he tried to discourage you from surgery altogether b/c your in perfect health. I would think at 400lbs, it's just a matter of time before you health is not perfect anymore. I was 250 and in perfect health when I had my surgery (3 days ago:wink:) but I just knew that diabetes and health issues were in my future if I kept going to the path I was going. I would get a second opinion, get all your info together and then make the decision that's right for you.

[RebeccaJ 0]

Hi There,

I also agree that a second opinion is key. I weighed 419 at my highest, but was 376 when I had the surgery done. I know that you can do it, but you need a doctor who is on board as well. Remember, you want to make the decision that is right for you. I have nothing against RNY surgery, but did not feel it was right for me. My sister had the lap band surgery done 3 and a half years ago, and she has done awesome. Keep trying, you can do it! Rebecca :thumbup:

[Electrawoman 5]

See another surgeon!

[lingling 0]

Second opinion!

If the second guy says no, ask for details as to exactly why!!! Don't give up. Even if LB is not for you, then maybe GB is, but this is something that you can find a way through!! Hang in there!

[michelleintheoc 0]

I have not had my lap band surgery yet, it's Dec. 9th. But I HAVE HAD PLASTIC SURGERY! I had my breasts done in 2003 and a nose job in 2005. Plastic surgery isn't as bad as it sounds. Especially if you find a great Dr. You may want to get plastic surgery no matter which surgery you have, once you lose the weight.

[greytz 4]

Agree with everyone. Another doctor and yes, you will most likely have some saggy skin. I am 51 and don't have as much to lose but I already have saggy skin. I have a little piggy bank on my dresser and put money in it as much as I can. I am not going to worry about the rest of my body because at my age I don't wear bikinis anyway but I am going to have a lifestyle lift or something for my face. I already have quite a little nest egg. So while you are losing weight, keep a little purse or piggy bank and everytime you are going to think about starbucks coffee or an extra something instead put the money in your piggy bank and save for your Tummy Tuck when you meet your goal. I bet you will be suprised how much money you can save.

[Lady Lap Band 71]

I dont really think the surgeon has a say over which surg. you have. I mean he can tell you which one he thinks is better which he clearly says its GB so I would move on to another surgeon who doesnt have a problem doing the LB with you.

[fatgirlnomore7 0]

get a new surgeon hun