Barba patients.......

Has anyone changed their mind about the type of surgery they wanted. I started out lap band but couldnt lose the lbs, now I am going for RNY but I really want the lap band. Now I have to lose 20lbs so I could get the lap band. Has anyone been in this situation??? If I meet with him and have to go RNY but later lose the weight, do you think he will change to lap band? Thanks, Joanne

Joanne: I am not a patient of Dr.Barba but I wanted to reply to your post. You should be 100% sure of whatever procedure you want to go with. Does your insurance cover the band? You should sit down with your Dr. and discuss your options along with the pros and cons. Best of luck to you. Chryssie

Frankly, you sound really confused. It's very important you understand the major differences between the two surguries and choose which one is best for you based on you medical needs and psychological needs as well as the Dr's recommendation. Not based on how difficult it is for you to meet the pre-surgical requirements. You can get help to loose the 20 lbs in a variety of places, if lap band is right for you. Please ASK Dr. Barba which surgery is better FOR YOU, based on your medical conditions and dieting history. If he won't say or doesnt recommend one over the other, then it's time to get a new surgeon. One that will provide you witht he instruction and direction that you require from a medical professional that specializes in these surguries. This isn't a game of chance. You're permanently altering your life and body. You need to be sure of your decision. And you shouldn't make that decision simply based on how much weight you're able to loose right away or how easily you meet the conditions for surgery in one proceedure over the other. This is JMHO, take it or leave it. Good luck to you.

Thanks, I have not had a meeting with the physician yet. I am trying to look at all the options. I prefer lap band as I feel it is safer but if I cant lose the weight necessary I will go for RNY. I need to have the surgery. I just cant wait for my meeting with him so I could know which way I will go. Did you have BArba?