Another newbie logs in. - ThinnerTimes

Aviator · 04-24-2008, 04:14 PM

Hello everyone. I've spent an hour or so going through many of the threads in this forum, and I was impressed by how positive and upbeat the community is. The information I learned here in such a short time is significant, and very helpful.

I am Male, 6-1 295 lbs and BMI of 30. As such, I am a candidate for a surgical solution to my obesity. Unfortunately, Aetna (insurance) flatly turned me down when I applied, so I am faced with paying for the surgery out of pocket. That is the first problem to be overcome - difficult but not impossible.

The second problem is "which surgery"? RNY or Lap-band? At this moment, I haven't a clue. I will be probing these threads to help with that decision. The right choice is essential. My doctor tells me that RNY is far more effective than Lap-Band. Is that the experience here?

I live in the Houston area, and have visited with a couple of Docs, but have not selected one as yet. Looking for answers that I know you all can provide.

My biggest concern is: How long out of work? Im the lone 'Buffalo Hunter" in my tribe. The rest of the tribe are 'Skinners". I run the buffalo to ground, and drag it back to the cave for the skinners to process. If I dont hunt, the skinners cant skin.

VanessaSFL · 04-24-2008, 04:29 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Your BMI seems on the low side for RNY, IMO.If you want to lose 100+ than I would look into RNY.It is a more disaplined method.

The Lap band is/has been a success for many , however I see many who get the Lap Band and then down the road they get the RNY.

You have to reserch which surgery fits your needs.Tons of information here and even more choices out there besides RNY & Lap Banding.

Good Luck and again Welcome,

Aviator · 04-24-2008, 07:46 PM

Yes losing around 100 lbs would be my goal. Ideal weight is about 165, but would settle for 185.

While I am borderline, the health factors that kick me in as a candidate are high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis in my knees, and edema.

All related to the weight.

So how long was it before you could go back to work?

JumboJulie · 04-24-2008, 08:12 PM

My surgeon goes by 4 weeks off work for a skinner, 6 weeks off for a buffalo hunter.

VanessaSFL · 04-24-2008, 08:14 PM

Took six weeks off...I still have ZERO energy until about 9 weeks post op.

Some people feel great after a few weeks.I stand /walk all day long for work so six weeks was a good amount of time to rest.I also needed the extra time to get use to the new ways of eating/preparing meals.

Aviator · 04-24-2008, 08:22 PM

Long time for a buffalo hunter to be off. Could cause starvation in the cave. Oh...that thumbs down from my earlier post, Van...I thought it was a question mark.

And Van. Is that your derrierre in the tight jeans? Nice!

Aviator · 04-30-2008, 08:10 AM

So what is the best way to select a doctor?

Is RNY really less expensive in Canada? If so, why? Lower malpractice insurance rates?

Also, my big problem is that I eat out waaay to much. Business lunches. Lots of international business travel. (I have half a million FF miles and just got back from China.) And it seems all family events are about eating too. I know you all know the drill.

So this is question is for the guys. How does one eat out with colleagues or customers without attacting attention to the fact that you eat so little? Did you find this to be an embarrasment? How do you deal with it?

With tiny girls like Vanessa, it is quite feminine to eat like a bird. But with guys...

And thanks for the information youve given so far. This forum is very helpful.
I just wish it wasnt so difficult to post photos here.

RebeccaNV · 04-30-2008, 10:33 AM

The OP has his BMI wrong. Should read 38.9. or 39, depending on what calculator you look at.

jeff miller · 04-30-2008, 10:46 AM

I am also 6' 1" and my weight before surgery on Feb 13, 2008 was 219. I decided on the gastric bypass. I am glad I did. I have been told that after about 5 years both seem to be at the same place in weight loss effect. However, the down sides I see are that you loose it much slower with the lap band. Also you need to go to the Dr. every month or so to fill your band. Which is more than I wanted to deal with. It is also expensive. Up to 300 or so for each fill. Not covered by Ins. I don't think. Anyway Both seem to do the job. I am happy with my results. It has been very easy for me so far. No complications, very little pain after surgery. Start weight 319lb-current 261-goal 205. 58 pounds in 77 days...gone , gone , gone...