Torn

Hi Joann, I had the RNY in 4/05. I returned to work after 4 weeks. Personally I should have waited a little longer as my strength wasn't where it should have been. I made myself very ill due to not drinking enough fluids and resting when my body was telling me too. (That is just me & not what "could" happen to you) as everyone is different with the RNY surgery and recovery. I would do the RNY in a heartbeat (for me) what you choose to do is a personal decision of either the RNY or lap band. Asking for other's feedback on both procedures is terrific, however in the end you need to make the choice that will best fit your physical, mental, and emotional needs. Do your research, go to support group meetings, pick your Dr's brain...and look at the big picture of what you want to accomplish with WLS. There can be pro's and cons with either the lap band or RNY. Once you have researched, questioned, listen, learned, and researched some more, you'll be able to come up with a solution that will best fit your needs. Best wishes on your journey...keep asking those questions! Mickey

Okay everyone, I am back on this post to personally apologize to anyone I have insulted or upset with what I had said about the lap band being temporary. I should of never used those words with my comments. I only know from my cousin having the lap band surgery that is was not successful for her. Other people I have talked to and have seen on the boards have done wonderful with this procedure. I will never voice my opinion again with out checking the facts first, I am a very kind and caring person and have always been supportive on this board to everyone. I consider alot of the members here my family and they all know who they are. I have never in anyway said anything to be a know it all, I only try to help like everyone has helped me. I hope Joann makes the decision that is right for her. Only a surgeon can tell her that not me or anyone else. We are all different, so thats why there are so many different options out there. AGAIN I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR INSULTING OR UPSETTING ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS HAD THE LAP BAND SURGERY. PLEASE EXCEPT MY DEEPEST APOLOGY AND REGRET FOR MY MIS-INFORMATION!!!!! Take care everyone and have a great weekend. Hugs KimC

Kim: I wasn't insulted; it's just that I hear so much wrong information regarding the band put up on other boards by RNYers.

Hey Joann, I just wanted to drop by and say good luck with your decision. Make sure to ask your Dr. about what surgery is right for YOU! I know that whatever choice you make, it will be what best suits you. I had by-pass 17 months ago and I have come so far- it really did save my life. The post-op period for me was rough but it is different for everyone. A bit of advice- read as much as you can on this topic- there is no such thing as to much information. Best of luck!

The VSG is also now available in CT. And may be an option worth looking at.

yikes you guys somebody take a deep breath... Joann- you final decision regarding which type of surgery shouldn't be the length of recovery. You need to weigh all the pros and cons of both and decide what is best for you- something that should be done with your surgeon on your initial consult with him/her. Everybody recovers differently and each surgery has its own post op considerations. RNY'ers can have a big incision, Lap Banders are on liquids longer, RNY'ers can have dumping and bowel ha*****anges, Lap Banders have to go in periodically for fills to find the right restriciton...there are all sorts of different factors. It depends on many factors- and you need to make a decision based on what will be best for you as an individual . For instance- Bette went with Lab Band and did INCREDIBLY well, but for me the lap band would not have worked- my trigger foods- sweets, ice cream - would still have been tolerable- albeit in smaller portions- but with the RNY I have some built in physiological intolerance that makes me keep those trigger foods outta my face. My coworker on the other hand was strictly a portion control issue- and for her the lap band was a better idea- she's older and has bad asthma so for her a less invasive approach worked better- also she didn't want to never be able to have certain foods again - for me- ice cream, lemon meringue pie and such are off the menu forever....Gastric bypass is a permanent surgical option- I think what Kim meant is the Lap Band is more reversible- as it can be removed and there is no permanent rearranging of the intestines. BUT you do have a device under the skin of your abdomen-a port that is accessed to fill the band- Bette can tell you about that...I have heard some people say they wanted the Lap Band but the whole port issue freaked them out too much. So see there is a LOT of things to bounce back and forth to come up with your final decision....