New Member - What to do...what to do... - ThinnerTimes

DebInTexas · 05-15-2007, 10:29 PM

Hi everyone. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks now. My story is a little but different, but not really.

I've never been "thin" but have always managed to be very active and involved in sports. After the birth of my daughter (14 years ago) things started going a little crazy. Weight gain, palpitations, anxiety...my dr's and I both thought that being an Army Wife was enough to explain the symptoms.

This past year I had a bout, a looonngg bout, with a kidney stone, which I named "Petra". (Hey, if I'm going to give birth to the thing it might as well have a name). On one of the CT scans it showed that I also had an adrenal tumor. 40 tubes of blood later it is determined that while I don't have Cushing's, the tumor is probably causing some of my symptoms, including trouble with general anaesthesia.

I finally got to see the general surgeon and he recommends that the tumor be removed via lap. surgery. He feels that the surgery will help a lot of my symptoms but doesn't know if it will produce the weight loss that I am looking for. He recommends that while they are in there they also do a LapBand. My BMI is 33, but I do have hypertension and insulin issues, so I'm told I qualify.

I'm swinging back and forth between being really excited and not being sure. While I see a LOT of benefit that could come from the LapBand I can't help but wonder if all of the restrictions are worth it.

In all the posts that I've been reading I don't hear many people complaining wishing they hadn't had the surgery. I DO see a lot of very happy people though!

My husband has two years to go before retiring. I almost see the time after he gets out as a time when we are really starting our lives. He's been active duty the whole 16 years we've been married.

I don't want weight to be an issue any more.

I'm looking forward to learning more from people who've "been there".

Does anyone else understand the concept of being afraid that it will be successful? As much as I'd like to be a skinny-mini the concept of loosing that much weight (90 pounds) kind of freaks me out! Also, my mom is trying to talk me out of it, so it doesn't help with the second guessing.

sdgrrl · 05-15-2007, 10:55 PM

Welcome to the forum! Our roads to this place are all varied, but we welcome anyone on the path. I can tell you there is a wealth of information if you research some of the threads or some of the categories. By and large we're a pretty good bunch and willing to give free advice

Good luck with your decision. Read through some of the threads, even though some of them are years old. Ask questions. It'll be okay!

Blueyz · 05-15-2007, 11:31 PM

Welcome to the forum. As Donna recommended, read through the posts...they will help a lot. The family here guides me daily....and all of these wonderful people have helped me along my bumpy road. It wasn't easy for me and still is a challenge at times, but worth every moment for me.

Best of luck on your journey

JenBear7 · 05-16-2007, 04:03 AM

welcome to the forum! Sounds like you have had a heck of a go! If the doc is talking lap band... keep in mind... that they can just as easily take it out. There arent as many restrictions... and in my opinion.. if they say you qualify at a bmi of 33 hit it up... before it turns into 43.. (again just My opinion.. I know myself...

) Best of luck.. keep us posted on your goings on.

Haveaball · 05-16-2007, 04:39 AM

If I had the chance and I was offered the lab-band, I would do it in a heartbeat. Like the earlier post said, they can always take it out. I chose rny, so there was no going back, just me.

SheSheGirl · 05-16-2007, 05:57 AM

welcome!! i say go for it! i am so much happier that i decided to do it. i had the lapband placed in march. it can be removed although its intended to stay put.

i chose it for a few reasons but FOR ME, i needed to be flexible with my restrictions because i have no children and want to so i'll need to be able to take more food in when that time comes. its your decision but i really think you'll be happier if you did this for yourself

Deb2 · 05-16-2007, 08:47 AM

I would never try to talk you into this surgery, but I will tell you my reaction to the surgery. My only regret is that I didn't have it done 10 years ago. I was determined to lose weight on my own, I did--but I always gained it back and then some.

Consider how you will feel 5 years from now if you haven't lost weight. You can get two for the price of one now and be done with it!

The restrictions are no big deal compared to the joy of walking into a regular sized store and buying something off the rack...

And I'm only 5 months out...

mauldinmama · 05-16-2007, 09:07 AM

Hi welcome to this amazing family....Good luck with your decision and journey!

LyndasRoom · 05-16-2007, 09:13 AM

Hi Deb, welcome. You've received lots of good advice. If I were in your shoes, I certainly would take advantage of the lap band while they're in there. It will offer some help with weight issues, while not being as restrictive as an actual bypass. Like others have said, it is removable, adjustable, and a good time to take care of it is before it gets more serious.
Good luck with your decision. I haven't regretted my surgery for a moment.

CeeCee · 05-16-2007, 05:13 PM

It's a big decision and it's all yours, but...welll. if they're going to have you open anyway....and you have the other health issues....and the dr is offering....and it's reversable....well, what have you got to lose? Strictly my humble opinion, mind you! Also, ins may not cover it later...