Update on pre-surgery stuff.

I met Dr. Irgau on May 25. I like him..he was straight up and to the point. He was very thorough in his explanation of the different procedures available to me. It was made very clear to me that if I opt for the RNY, my risk of developing ulcers and bleeding post-op and for the rest of my life is higher than with most other patients. This is due to being on Plavix. I have 3 stents in my coronary arteries and I will have to take it for the rest of my life to prevent re-stenosis. That's what puts me at risk for the bleeding. He recommended the Lap-Band but I simply don't have the time to wait for the weight loss to come, cannot risk gaining it back so this step in guarding my future health must absolutely be as permanent as possible. He said with patient's who don't take blood thinning meds, the risk of bleeding is around 3%. With me, that risk is doubled. So now I ask myself, do I go ahead and have the Lap-RNY and swallow that 6% chance of possible bleeding and ulcers? Who is to say that after weight loss, my cholesterol levels won't return to normal without drugs to keep my veins from clogging up? Since statistically, about 90% of post WLS patients enjoy the return of normal blood cholesterol, without drug therapy. Why would I be any different than them? Or do I opt for the Lap-Band and it's record of complications, slow weight loss, and a significant history of regaining the weight? Because it is "safer" for me? If my health afforded me the luxury of slow weight loss, I wouldn't be considering such drastic measures. Given what has happened to my body in the last 8 months, I don't give myself another year. My co-morbidities are too great to waste any more time. My list of medications gets longer and longer, and my body will only tolerate so much more chemical invasion. The worse thing is, even with all the meds, my health is NOT improving and I am still gaining a couple of pounds or more a month. Simply put, I am dying in here and am willing to risk it all at this point. I am sticking the the RNY. I don't think I am asking for help in making my decision, but I would like to hear what you all think, and what you would do.

RNY also runs the risks of regain too....You have to be committed to changing your lifestyle permanently for either choices to be successful. I understand the dying slowly process in your own body. I had been there and done that. I went with RNY because insurance would not pay for lap band at the time of my surgery. But in a way I am glad I went this way....I am not crazy about going to Dr's alot and having to have fills done to the band does not sound like my cup of tea. There are pit falls for each surgery.....I feel surgery has to be the last resort decision. It sounds like it is that for you. I wish you luck with your new journey. Debbie

Any Weight Loss Surgery is a ''TOOL'' that one has to use wisely. With eating wisely and exercise (yes exercise) one can achieve their weighloss goals. Some lose weight more quicker then others. Some have complications while others don't even tho following all of the rules. I had the Lap Band Surgery on 11/16/05 and to date have lost 60 lbs and most yes most of my co-morbidities are gone. My Diabetes was normal until April when I had to have surgery for scar tissue unrelated to my previous Lap Band Surgery but this time I only take Half of my Diabtic medication. I have not only lost the 60lbs but Over 25 inches. I do exercise Daily 7 days a week. Sounds like alot of exercise but trust me its not because if I was then I wouldnt do it. I tend to be very lazy and dont like to sweat but this is what I NEED to do to keep my Blood Sugars in control and for me to continue to stay healthy. I eat what I want and when I want but much smaller portions and most if not all of the time I am Never hungry. For me, this surgery was the best thing I could of done for my health. Research your decision and work your ''Weight Loss Tool'' wisely...........

Kathy, I don't know if this will hel*****t. I am not sure of the other people on this site but me personally, can tell you this. I was on coumadin (which is for blood thinning) because I have the tendency to clot for some unknown reason. I was on coumadin before surgery, and was told I would be on this for the rest of my life. I took the chance of surgery even being on coumadin and by the way I had the RNY.... I am happy with my decision that I made. You take the chance of bleeding regardless, there are preventive measure that the doctors will take being that you are on plavix. Everything worked out fine for me with no problems at all, My levels are a little up and down (not sure have plavix works) but otherwise no problem at all, they just had to watch my bleeding and stop my coumadin to put me on lovenox. Just ask Dr. Irgau if you decided to go with the RNY, how confident he is being that you are on plavix. Dr. Peters did mine and he was confident that everything would be fine. Like I said I hope this helps some, if you have any questions please feel free to email me. Christie

Kathy Congrats on getting thru step one, the initial appt. All very valid concerns, and all the info above seems helpful. Here's my deal... And my insurance would pay for both RNY or Lap Band. I chose RNY. My blood has a tendency to clot due to a hereditary gene. When I had my RNY, I was not on blood thinners. I insisted on having a temporary filter prior to surgery and had it removed two weeks after. Six months later, I had an (unrelated?) infection and had to have another surgery, Dr Irgau had to open me up that time. While healing, I developed a clot and have been on blood thinners since and probably will take them lifelong. I've had complications such as ulcers (under control with meds, gone now), and I have a hernia that needs to come out -- really soon, it's getting bigger. I do not regret for a minute having the RNY. I do need to get my butt back in gear to work this tool and lose the rest of my weight and then to maintain it as this is a life long process. Good luck. Dianne

Hey, Kathy, It's good that you're seeking information to make your decision since it is such a major one. As you have already read, there are pros & cons to both surgeries and both are LIFE-LONG commitments. So you will hear stories of regained weight from both sides, as well as rapid weight losses on both sides. (My cousin, who had Lap Band on March 8th, has lost 63 pounds in less than 3 months while I'm 27 pounds lighter after 2 months. I think we're doing things in a similar manner but we're just two different people.) Both surgeries will also take a commitment for daily exercise and nutritional guidelines. Don't believe anyone who lets you think that weight loss surgery is an easy way to lose weight! What sold me on Lap Band was the idea that there is not a "window of opportunity" for weight loss, which is about 18 months for most folks on gastric bypass. If my band is looser, which is normal as the fat pad surrounding the stomach melts away, a quick trip to the doctor's office for a fill will tighten my band. At that point, I'll be satisfied on 1/2 cup of food at a time again. (Believe it or not, the fills don't even hurt.) Of course, if I'd choose to fill that 1/2 cup with full-fat ice cream or other high calorie foods, I would start gaining weight. (That kind of thinking is true for both surgeries, by the way.) There are also studies on this website that show the weight losses for both surgeries are about the same 3-5 years out. Anyway, my weight dilemma is really about portion control and the Lap Band is perfect for that. Only you know what will be right for you, so keep researching your options, visit some group meetings and you'll do fine. Good luck! Love & peace, Fran

Kathy, your Dr is the best to advise you and help you in the decision making. Check with your cardiologist also. Good for you for doing all this research. In the end the decision is not an easy one to make. But remember that it will be for a Healthy Life, and rules should be for the rest of your Life. Try to make it to a support group mtg, you will meet others that have similar issues. Getting it out and meeting others that are living it can help folks make a good decision for them. Lap Band and RNY both have similar results. I had RNY, still follow the rules, exercise every day and am still loosing, slowly now. The window of oppurtunity is open as long as you keep up with the rules and don't go back to your old ways regardless of which method of WLS you choose. Good luck. Elissa

Kathy, Did you look into the Duodenal Switch? You'd have to go out of state, as there are no DS surgeons in Delaware (although there are a few in PA & NY), but the risk of ulceration is far less with a DS, since there is no blind stomach still producing acid. Many people have the RNY without ulcer problems, but if you're already ulcer-prone or at undue risk of having them due to the Plavix, then I'd say your surgeon is right and it might not be the surgery for you. Take the time, please, and investigate the DS if you haven't already. Come over to the DS board and ask us about it there. You could also go to www.duodenalswitch.com for more information.