Now what?

I liked Dr. R a lot - he wants me to have a revision from band to bypass - I've got a lot of thinking to do.. He really does not like bands - he really believes the bypass is the way to go.... I am still afraid of bypass surgery - but I now know I will never win my battle with weight without it.... so I am pretty sure that's my direction - although not positive.... so here I am just doing a lot of thinking - he said I would not have sliming and stuck food issues like I do with the band...

Anyone gone from band to bypass?
Anyone regret their bypass?

Any thoughts to help me make a decision are welcome!

Tammy, I know you may remember me, We met at a few meetings a few years ago. In April I will be 3 years post RNY. I don't regret my surgery one bit. For me it was the way to go. I have not had any physical problems and now at just about three years out I can eat most things without a problem in moderation. The only thing that I need to be vigilent about is getting in my protien and taking my vitamins and supplements... But that is a small price to pay for losing about 120lbs and feeling like a new person and getting off 4 of my seven prescription meds.

I am watching closely my ferritine levels(iron stores) and have just found out I have osteopenia and need to increase my calcium and vitamin D and get some weight bearing exercise in. (I am not one for exercise).

On the plus side I have had some PS and feel like I have a new body and am amazed at how things have changed for me.

.

Have any questions feel free to ask me. It is not an easy decision I know. It took me a while before I decided for RNY but for me at my age I knew I had to do something quickly to help me regain my health and lose my excess weight.

With RNY you still need to change the way we use food, the first year the weight comes off steadily then it is much harder. And this surgery is for life and the supplements and vitamins and protien needed has to be done for life along with all the blood work to watch for deficiencies.

Would I do this again, you bet, with out blinking.

All my best to you.

Sher

Thank you so much Sher - I appreciate your supportive words and confirmation that the RNY is the way to go - I'm almost there - I just have to redo some tests - he wants me to have another PFT and sleep study - I have to go for an upper GI - and get a blood test.... it is such a time consuming journey....

The doctor said that most people only miss 2 weeks of work - I always thought it was like 6 weeks... whatever it is it is though...

Thanks again for letting me know your thoughts on your surgery and how you have no regrets - that's great to know.....

Hi Tammy,

I emailed you. 

Hugs,
Mickey

Mickey - Thank you so much for taking the time to send that very thoughtful e'mail - I haven't had much time so apologize for not responding....

Thanks for all the "food" for thought (no pun intended) - I appreciate it.

 Hi Tammy,

I have no regrets about my rny or my choice of Dr. Raftopoulos. It has been 1 year and I am feeling much healthier than I ever have.  I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or the constant knee pain I was suffering.

The decision for everyone is a personal choice. I wanted to feel comfortable with the Doctor and the staff as I was going to be having a lifetime relationship. I went to a few doctors before making my choice. I originally wanted the lap band, but after many conversations and much research I decided on rny.  I felt that was going to give me the most success. 

I wish you success on your journey.

Nancy

Thank you Nancy - I was so sure the band was the tool for me - but I was wrong - it was not good for me at all - it only worked right when I was pregnant! Dr. R. thought that was strange - he said he'd never heard of that before....

Thanks for the confirmation that Dr. R is a good doctor - he is a very confident man that is for sure - and his office is run very well from what I've experienced so far!

hey there...i have had so many problems since my first surgery with the butcher, but last year went with Dr. R...i LOVE him. he is honestly CONCERNED about you, your health, your future. i didn't feel like a cog in an assembley line. i've got issues now that i believe are really common to us RNY patients, and i will have to deal iwth them. i trust Dr. R. because I know he truly, truly, truly is a top-notch surgeon. i will do whatever he tells me, and that's saying alot because my life is in his hands. i've got ahusband and a child, and i want to live, and for me to turn it over to him really is a big deal. i was so severely screwed by the butcher that i felt i couldn't trust doctors, and dr. r. has restored my faith. so listen, closely and seriously, to him.

I switched to Dr just about a year ago.. Last year at this time I had some major issues taking place & it's just now starting to get straightened out under Dr R's care.
My issues.. were not caused by my RNY.. but by carelessness.  I trust Dr R.. something.. I didn't have with my former Dr. 
I wouldn't change a thing with deciding to have RNY surgery.. just thankful I have a Dr. who is "Top-Notch" and knows his stuff inside & out.

Mickey

Thank you for the sharing the confidence you have in Dr. R - he does seem like he's a very bright man with a ton of confidence! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!