Hi Everyone, I have my...

Hi Everyone, I have my surgery date. Sept 8, 2005 at 7:00AM. I'm having an open RNY. Not sure if its nervousness or last minute doubts but was wondering if I should have had the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty instead of RNY. A family friend had the VBG, does not need vitamins and is doing great. Long term success according to studies is not as good as RNY. Anyone have any input on this or am I just nervous????? God Bless, Karen from Minnesota

Hi Karen, I was wondering about the band as well. I spoke to my surgeon about it. He talked to me a lot about my lifestyle and told me that he thought the bypass was a better option. He said because I have a very busy and active life, the bypass would require less thought and less maintenance. I want something permanent and am not willing to deal with slippage, tightening, loosening, etc. He also said that the band would not work as well with someone who had the food likings that I have...that ice cream and chips and such would be more possible to eat with the band and that the weight would not come off as fast. Along with that idea, the band requires a lot more dedication...I just felt that if I could not rely on my own will power now, I could not with the band either. Also, the weight did not come off quickly and did not have the same long term success...I am not willing to waste another day of my life and want to choose the proceedure with the highest sucess rate. I am going to be 40 years old in Feb 2006...I want to be a changed person inside and out by then!!! Now, please understand that these decisions work for me..a lot of people have been very happy with the lap band. I know there is a separate board for those interested in that proceedure...you may want to talk to them about why they made their choice. Good Luck to you whichever way you go!!! Keep smiling, Donna

Congratulations on your date Karen! From what I understand is that my surgeon said for myself the RNY has a greater success rate long and short term. I think it also depends how overweight you are too. The statistics show that people who have the RNY lose more weight and tend to keep it off. BUT, this might be something you should speak about with your surgeon to really make sure that you are getting the right procedure done. Either way I think you might be nervous no matter which one yuou will be getting done, I know I am scheduled for Sept 13th and am a bit scared, but I think it is natural. SO we can chat about our nervousness together and more importantly you will be in my prayers. Take Care Chris

Congratulations Karen, Welcome here to the Sept surgery crew. We are all ready to be big ol' loosers. My surgery is sept. 6th and I cant wait. Btty Boop60

Karen, I just read your post, and I am having my surgery Sep 8 also... I am having open rny, but I also wondered about VB.. I do think that RNY is the best choice for me, but now that I have a date- I am starting to question all of my decisions--just nerves, I know. Keep in touch! -- Bonnie