All surgeries have a risk of serious complications including death.

Where did you acquire this info? I know many who have had the surgery and are healthy happy campers.

.

I Have not read the other replies yet.

My husband is having RNY on Tuesday and I am scheduled for 9/22.

Requirements usually are a BMI of 40 or higher (his is about 55 now and mine is about 49) OR a BMI of 35 with at least two co-morbidities (High blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, or other weight related illnesses)

IN fact, our surgeon (and most surgeons with realistic expectations) are looking for a BMI of between 25 and 30 for a final result.

I was speaking with a lady at my job today. She's considering LapBand and goign to a seminar tomorrow.
Correct me if I'm wrong
Her doctor told her Lapband was Same day surgery that she'd be in and out in a half hour
I said No you'll at least be in the hospital a day or so depending on your surgeon
I gave her this site and a few others to check out
and the name of my doc

i checked otu some surgeons before I found mine
and let me tell you
1 told me they could schedule me in a month before they even saw me
and I was so uncomfortable with the other I didn't want to shake his hand let alone let him cut me!

i'm in the hospital with hubby he had RNY yesterday--we go home tonite.

our surgeon at a COE does LapBand as out patient and our insurance (BC/BS federal) approves lapband as outpatient now. outpatient is considered 23 hours

As many have said, if you have enough money, you can probably get WLS. I've heard some extreme stories where people with minimal weight to lose (like 30 lbs) have gotten it.

I would think the general guidelines of getting the surgery would be when the risks of not getting the surgery outweigh the risks of getting the surgery. Insurance companies may tag a number based on BMI and what not but in essence they are really trying to make sure that your health is at risk before they put up the money for the surgery. Ethical doctors as well are doing the same but unethical doctors can do what ever fills up their pocket books.

For me personally, I never felt my life was in immediate danger when I was super morbidly obese so surgery wasn't an option for me.

I have had friends consider this type of surgery, and it is really dependent on where you live and who your doctor and insurance companies are. The same applies to things like breast reductions. (In Canada, did you know a doctor won't approve a breast reduction unless you demonstrate you can lose fourty pounds? Even to young women who are already extremely thin 'blessed' with extremely large breasts. A recipe for anorexia, in my honest (and rather blunt) opinion. Be careful what some doctors tell you and always get a second opinion, especially on a significan surgery like that. Even if you're overweight, exhaust every other option first, since there are so many unknown factors when dealing with this type of surgery.. and unlike dieting habits, once you go down the path of surgery, you can't just change your mind.

Good luck!

you do realize that even having this surgery means permanant lifestyle changes right?

I do think people realize that is the plan after surgery.The problem is, people find their addiction to food has not disappeared along with their normal digestive anatomy.Hence, difficulity keeping weight off long term.If people could adapt the required lifestyle changes...wouldnt they be able to do the same without having surgery??

I know too many folks who were not successful LONG TERM before WLS who are successful LONG TERM after, to believe I will not be one of them.

I Know what to do I did it for 2.5 years. I lost 76 pounds but COULD NOT BUDGE THE REST AND CONTINUE TO LIVE A NORMAL LIFE. (normal meaning healthy eating and moderate exercise). I could NOT break 200 pounds. It was insanely frustrating.

Therefore adapting to the required lifestyle changes without surgery left me unsuccessful, frustrated and hence I quit. I mean why do the hard stuff if you don't get results?

My belief is that with the surgery I will be able to get to a weight that's desirable for both myself, my surgeon and society to accept. And maintain it.

Nessa You're goign to rock this! You're disciplined you're Creative and you want to do it!

Let's take a vote, folks.

I'd like to close this thread -we're getting WAY off topic, and i'd rather move posts like Nessa's into their own thread so that we can all cheer her and DH on.

SOOO =

close it?

leave it open?

let me know!!!!

Close it! sorry for the OT jiff

i'm fine with you wanting to close it. no moving of posts needed.