WLS - i know i want it, i just dont know whether to go for b

Purple_Orchid_87

I'm 6ft tall with a BMI of 40.25 - I have been considering WLS for a long time, and am determined to start saving for it, but i dont know whether to go for the band or balloon

I find it hard to drink loads of water, and apparently that is crucial with the balloon......

now, I dont need ppl to tell me i'm not that big, and to just go with the dieting and exercise, but I need to find out opinions on which would be most suitable for me

djtessatessa

If you are having trouble drinking water try drinking it luke warm. I found once I did that and just gulped it down really quickly, my water intake quadrupled.

lchovet

Just remember it is a change for a lifetime, life will never return to "normal". My best friend just had it in october she has lost 69lbs but struggles everyday to get in the protein and water she must drink every. It is even harder to be healthy after surgury due to the huge restrictions you have to follow. And I have also seen it fail, I know a women who had it 4 yrs ago and see is back up to the weight she was when see had the surgury.

pbxr

One of my dear friends had one of the surgeries and has since lost 132 pounds. It isn't for everyone, but it was a good decision for her. She does record her intake here on MFP, so maybe you could message her? She might be willing to share some of her journey with you. Her username is TrishBarnaby (you can find her in my friends list).

Regarding the struggle with water, I found that if I used a straw I drank twice as much water. I know it sounds silly, but it really works for me! I even bought a plastic reusable bottle with a straw feature and I'm much more consistent with my water levels now.

:flowerforyou:

jbescherer

To get my 8+ glasses of water I have to use a cup w/ a straw.

Vonnie2006

You may find more help from people who have done both on the message boards specifically geared towards WLS. When my GF did it, she spent hours and hours interacting with people who actually had the procedures done and were living with the results. These are your best sources (in my opinion) on this matter. Good luck in whatever you choose. Remember to ask LOTS of questions and questions about your questions. I was so proud of my girlfriend, she went in completely informed, armed and prepared mentally and physically for the changes her life would take. Because she did significant research and was totally committed to her decision, she isn't having any issues maintaining the lifestyle, it's just her "lifestyle change" of choice and it's working for her. Again much success to you.

therealangd

I was going to suggest the same thing.

You should probably ask your question on a board that is focused on weight loss surgery.

StartingAnewDay

Honestly, In my opinion, This is just my opinion, if your going to go for wls, i would save myself the heartache and trouble and just go with one of the others, perhaps the sleeve as it doesn't do malabsorption, or if it's malabsorption you want then either the ds or roux en y. I know several people who have had, done and tried it all. Starting from 400 lbs. There was a group of us and in the group we had one who had the DS switch, 1 who had stomach stapling, 2 who had normal roux en y, 2 that went with the band, all of the surgeries have been done and or researched!!

The ones who had the band talked about the slippage, the swelling, the sliming (when you don't chew your food to almost water and it gets stuck in the band, causing you to choke and produce massive amounts of slime and swelling, which then puts you back to a liquid diet until the swelling goes down.) it also becomes easier to pack on pounds through the drinking of calories, one never used to drink milk shakes and because it was safe easy and filling, drank her way into gaining weight. There is a very hi instance of slappage and a majority after a while go in to have it removed or do a full bypass, also fills aren't covered by insurance and are around 200 and up a pop.

The ballon, I only know what i've read about it, basically it seems like a temporary fix, if your goal is to have something help while you learn to eat properly, then this may be a good option, it clearly states in all the research ive seen, once its removed and the stomach goes back to normal size, the weight comes back, plus you can only keep it in for 6 months and I don't think it's approved here in the US. it's really only recommended to help lose weight short term,

So as to which one would be better.. I would say, make a list of what you hope to GAIN by having this in the long run, and then look at the surgeries and see which one makes more sense. We often think of just wanting to lose weight but don't stop to think about the end goal, what kind of results we want, how will what we do help the results last. You best chance at success is to be as informed as you can!! Good luck!!!

donnabullen

I was thinking about surgery last year when I heard about Cambridge Weight Plan, lost 4 stone in 13 weeks and never felt better. I have put just over a stone back on but I am now exercising ( walking and gym sessions ) and healthy eating so I know it will come again. Good luck with your decision. x

MrsM1ggins

On a wholly practical level, in the time you would take to save up for it (assuming you aren't loaded) you could probably get most of the way to goal on your own.

I started off at almost the same BMI as you and 14 months later I've almost reached healthy BMI. I'm also 6' tall.

Rather than making it something you have to wait for why don't you start now? Where could YOU be in a year?