Forum

Hi everybody, 

I am new to the boards and this is my first thread. I am a 28 year old female with a weight of 350 (BMI about 55). After two years of waiting and having my appointment changed 6 times, I finally had a consultation with Dr. Amson in December. As you all know, the wait time for gastric is huge and Dr. A. is really pushing the band and after my consultation I am leaning towards the band as well. Luckily, I have extremely supportive parents who may pay for the surgery for me as I don't have $15,000 just hanging around at my age. At my current weight I cannot conceive children (nor would it be healthy for me to carry a pregnancy) and they really want some grandbabies, so, I will pay them back in children I suppose (just kidding ).

While I think I am very well informed on the differences between gastric and band, I left out two very important questions when I saw Dr. A. (1) What is the recovery time after having the band? Is there a significant amount of pre-op time that needs to be included? The just of it is, how much time am I going to need to take off from my job for the surgery and to recover. 

I am also a student and Dr.A said if band is the way I choose to proceed that I can be scheduled in two to three months so i need to coordinate it with finals and term papers. Is this time line accurate? I know time tends to 'shift' at Dr.A's office, so I was wondering if those that have recently had the surgery waited about this time. 

Lastly, my goal weight is 175, so I am looking at loosing 175 pounds. I know every body is different and it depends on youth, elasticity and amount of weight shed and at what speed, but what are peoples experience with excess skin. Frankly, I doubt mommy and daddy are willing to foot the bill for plastics following this pricy endeavor. 

Thanks for all the information you can provide me. It truly is appreciated. Dr. A. recommended talking to as many people as possible prior to making a final decision, so here I am reaching out. 

-C       

Hi Christy

I was back to work in a week but I don't lift at my job.

I was in hospital for 8 hours as my surgery was first thing in the morning . I understand that a lot of people stay in 1 night.

You do not loose as fast as other surgeries but if you use the tool properly it works nicely, one lb at a time. I am so happy I decided to have the band it has been a great help and I am off BP meds and diabetic meds.

My name is Christy also but I sign on as Kirsty.

cheers

Kirsty