HELPPP Doc called today and said..........

Doc called and said that BCBP(blue Plus) now pays the band and asked if I would prefer that instead of an open RYN...I'm confused. I have read positive things of it, but the bad things I have heard out weight the good. are any of you getting the band? If so, why? I have to decide today, my surgery is next Monday. HELPPPP. ALMA

Alma, Ok did you ask them if the surgery date would change? Also wanted to point out there is a great lapband forum here . Go read it see what they all are saying. Every person has a choice. I don't know enough to say oh go for the band or not. Its very personal so go research to your hearts contend and decide. GOOD luck in whatever choice you make and on your up and coming surgery! Chatty

Hi Alma! Wow, this is a tough one! Here are a few questions: Have you researched both surgeries? If so, what do you consider to be the pros and cons of each? When you first started looking into WLS, did you want the RNY immediately or did you consider other types? Are you scared to have the RNY or are you just considering switching now that the lap band is an option? When the lap band wasn't an option, did you wi**** was? How many lap band procedures has your surgeon done? Does your surgeon feel you are a better candidate for a certain surgery or does he think you would benefit from either? I don't know what I would do if I was in your position. I know that for myself, I have done so much research on each of the surgeries that I wanted the RNY but then started thinking about the lap band because of it's small percentage of complications/death. I ultimately chose the RNY, but I think the lap band is a fabulous tool. As you will find by researching and by reading about others experiences, there are so many pros and cons to each surgery. It may help to list them out, list out what you want to get by having WLS, what your fears are, etc. Also, follow your gut. Do you have a gut feeling of which surgery to have? The two surgeries are so very different but they have one thing in common; they are both tools. Regardless of the one you choose, you will still have to change your eating for the rest of your life. This is such a tough decision! And you don't have a ton of time!!! Yikes..you actually only have a few days! I know you were planning on the RNY, so have you had time to research the band? If not, you really need to start ASAP. There is a lot you need to know before you make a decision. I know for myself, I researched like crazy! I read about every type of WLS out there, but once I decided on RNY, I focused mainly on that. I would be panicing at this point if I was given another option! Like the other poster stated, there is a lap band forum on this site. There are a ton of people who have had great success with the band and I know they would be willing to answer any questions you have. I would research as much as possible, Alma. This is a huge decision; one that will effect the rest of your life. I wish you all the best. Please post back and let us know what you chose! Hugs, Denise

Hello Denise Thanks for ur input I'm a little scares to have the RYN open, and yes I am only considering the band now that its an option. When the Lap Band wasn't an option I didn't wi**** was. My surgeon has done around 70 Lap Bands. My surgeon since the first time we met has pushed the band, didn't give me a big reason back then, we'll see what he says today. Thanks,ALMA

There are so many pros and cons with the rny and band. You need to research both and make your decision on which you feel more comfortable with. I chose the rny because in Canada we dont have coverage for the band. If we did I think after researching both I would have chose the band only because its less invasive and I am what is considered a high risk. Good luck with this. Patty