uuuttt oooh I donno

I am having surgery 3-18, but my surgeon just started doing lap band and thinks I am a good canidate since I have less weight to lose. Are any of you having lap? If so why and what % of weight is typical to lose. I know it has a high resurgery rate to RNY d/t the low weight loss but I don't know if that is only for people with higher BMI's, mine is 41. Thanks for any advice you have for me and GOOD LUCU EVERYONE ON THEIR MARCH SURGERY. I will pray that God will jus****ch over us all and that March will be a complication free month.

From what I understand, lap band is not as successful as RNY -- especially when it comes to keeping the weight off in the long run. You typically lose less of your excess weight too. I'm having RNY and I'm only BMI 40 -- It sounds kind of like your Doc wants to push this surgery because he is just starting it and wants to get a name for himself doing the lap-- but I could be completely wrong -- I'd do a little more research if I were you. I know a lot of people who have had their surgeries revised from lap band to RNY. In the end, you have to go with the surgery that you are most comfortable with. Good Luck!!!!!!! Whitney

Hi Amber, I personally would not want to have the lap band done because from everything I have read it is not nearly as successful. I would insist on the RNY just because I wouldn't want to take the chance of every having to do this again. I know that we have the same doc so I feel free to say that I would tell him that I wanted the RNY (if that is what you want). You have to do what is right for you. Don't let him pressure you into a surgery you don't want. Have a great week! Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary

Personally, in your case I would insist on RNY, since "your doctor just started doing lap bands". I think experience with a procedure is very important. Regardless of the over-all track record for a procedure, what counts most is YOUR DOCTORS track record! Joy (3/1)

Yeah - I considered the lap for a nanosecond. If I had a lot less to lose, I might consider it, but for me it's just not something I want to fiddle with. Very good points everyone made about these being his first surgeries, although it is a less invasive procedure. Dina

Hi, Amber! JMHO, but I dunno 'bout the lap band. Too many oddities I've heard and read about it. Not that it isn't successful in most...it is. But the RNY is, as 'they' call it, "The Gold Standard For Weight Loss Surgery". The only 'internal fixation' is the staples used, no gizmos or thing-a-ma-jigs that'll be in my gut forever. I'm a pretty brave soul, but it just gives me the willies thinking 'bout something being IN my body that didn't COME with it originally! My BMI is 41 also, but I wouldn't consider anything besides an RNY. It's what will suit my needs. But then, everyone has different needs, ya know? Why is your doctor just now suggesting lap band? Is it coincidental that he just started doing them? (I'd have little alarm bells going off in my head at this point...) All I could suggest is to read up -- A LOT -- on lap band and see its pros/cons, read profiles of those who've had it done, and then talk to your surgeon. If he's really pushing it, find out why. It should have NOTHING to do with your BMI... Above all, go with what YOU are comfortable with. Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-21 and counting!