Hi,

I am new here and am trying to get started on the process to have GB surgery. I talked to the Surgery Center who sent me a packet including a application with which I have to send in $100. I live three hours away from the Surgery Center so am not sure how I will get to the support group meetings. I had my yearly exam a week later and talked to my doctor who wholeheartedly approved of my having the surgery. I am 56 years old, 5'8" tall and when I went in for my exam I weighed :eek: (gulp) 273 which was 13 pounds in one year. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, GERD and worst of all liver problems caused or at least complicated by my weight. I have just started with United Health Care Insurance and have Physicians Mutual. We are not sure if it will cover it. I have been on Atkins, Low Fat, South Beach, Slimfast so I have done the High Fat, Low Fat, Moderate Good Fats things. Lost weight with some but regained plus more. I was thin as a child/teen but ballooned up with pregnancy and never looked back so to speak. I have three grandchildren who are just going into their teens and I want to be there for them and for my daughter and husband. I guess I just want support and helpful information. I started using Zetacaps to see if they would help me get started and just in case I don't and can't get approved. We really have no financial resources to fall back on. Anyway, hoping to hear from those of you willing to help me. Thanks!! :wave:

:wave: Hi, have you considered the lap band surgery? it is not as invasive as gastric bypass and the complications are alot less. I went to a seminar this evening, and I think I am going for this option if the insurance will approve it, I only have about 80 pounds to lose, but I have high bp, diabetes, urinary incontinence, high cholesterol, depression, arthritis, gastric reflux,. good luck, Valley :)

:blob_fire I was wondering what the difference is between the lap band and the GB?
I don't think they offer it here in Montana where my doctor will let me have the surgery. We only have about two surgery centers and she said absolutely not to one of them. The only options they offered me were laprascopic or open Gastric Bypass. Could you share what you know?? :confused: ldsbumpma

:wave: Hi, in the lap band surgery, there is no cutting and stapling of the stomach, just a few small incisions and a band is put around the stomach and tightened,it is completely adjustable, every so often you go for a adjustment and saline is injected into the band, that is done in the doctor's office. You can go to www.gastricbandinstitute.com and get alot more information, and maybe find someone in your area that does this type surgery. In most cases you can go home the day of surgery. Good Luck, Valley :bouncing: