[MsJacquiiC]

Originally Posted by Roni First, I doubt you are disturbing anyone. Forums like this are for advice and discussion. That is why we all come here! ..... If they can't get on board, find support elsewhere. Another friend, people online, or maybe a support group. I know the hospital I'm going to has an "angel" program that pairs you up with someone post-op for support. Those may be a couple of options to help you along the way. I know I will be utilizing all of them, in addition to my family support.

I agree with Debbie. No bother at all - we are here to support each other and to make our surgeries a success!

My program has an Angels-type program as well - In fact - I was asked to consider taking part in it - I think perhaps I will consider maybe a year post-op or some such. I like the concept of being with other people who too have struggled with their weight and have considered gastric bypass, lapband or other WLS their only option to better themselves!

So yeah - I absolutely agree - if you cannot find the support within your family - then you find support elsewhere, like here at The Journey - there are other WLS forums as well - and local WLS support groups too. I think you'll find that the people who have gone through weight loss surgery and who are making a success out of their surgery tools will be more than willing to offer advise and support others who have chosen WLS, because in helping and supporting others, we are helping and supporting ourselves!

Originally Posted by simpywimpy I too think of it as taking control of your life and your weight. I think of the band as a responsible option for those who are obese long term. Goodness knows the condition I would have been in had I not had mine done.

I agree with this as well, because my top weight was 438 pounds. That is just too much weight for any one person to ever carry. I was steadily gaining. So if I had not gotten the lap roux-en-y - I'm sure I'd be on my weight to 500 pounds! So - I think having WLS is one of the best decisions I've made for myself! Thus far it has been a success and I've struggled very little with. So I'm hoping for long-term success and I hope that you too will find your surgery a success as well Sandrine.

Jacquii.

ps - Congrats on getting approval from your surgeon = Excellent news! Prepare yourself for one helluva journey LOL!

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass A type of gastric bypass procedure which combines restrictive and malabsorption techniques - meaning, it reduces the amount of food a patient can comfortably eat (restriction), and also reduces the amount of calories that can be digested in the small intestine (malabsorption). This combination of bariatric methods leads to greater weight loss and the roux-en-y procedure is seen as one of the best ways to treat clinically severe obesity. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.

Gastric Banding Surgery The adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a silicone band is placed around the stomach, creating a small pouch. The band includes a balloon that is filled with a nontoxic fluid, most commonly a saline solution; periodic adjustments are performed by a healthcare professional who accesses the balloon via a subcutaneous port. Gastric band placement, unlike malabsorptive weight loss surgery (e.g. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, Biliopancreatic Diversion, and Duodenal Switch), does not cut or remove any part of the digestive system. See WLS Videos for animated surgery technique.