Hey everybody!

It's been a while since I've posted so I thought I'd stop in and say hi!! Last week I went to my orientation meeting at Pennsylvania Hosp. I met with the coordinator and the nutritionist. They were pretty helpful but didn't tell me much about the surgery that I didnt already know so that part was pretty uninteresting. lol.  I didn't realize the huge difference in successful weight loss between the LAP  Band and RNY. Wow.. I was pretty shocked. They also put my mind at ease with the whole death thing hehe.. They told me that's the last thing I should even be thinking about!! LOL.  I have my appt with Dr. Wernsing next Wed. I have that huge packet they gave me with all the info I need for what appts Im going to need to make and the support group visits I need to attend. Can some of this stuff be done prior to the actual Dr. appt? I was really silly for not asking that question!!!  TIA, Ryanne

All can be done before next visit if you are lucky enough to get appts.  I had all clearances done and one support meeting under my belt before my next visit with Dr K.  So what did they say was the successful weight loss rate between RNY and Lap....interested in hearing what the experts think. You are on your way.  So what did you think of Dr. Wernsing?  Lots of people that go to him love him.  If you go to the support group at PA hospital you will meet lots of them. Debbie

RNY success between 50-70%. Band is 40%.   I haven't met with Dr. Wernsing yet. Just did the orientation meeting at PA Hospital. I meet him next Wednesday. I filled out my health packet for the NUT already.. The only thing I think I can go ahead and do right now is attend those support meetings. I think the Dr. has to order tests for the other clearances.  Ryanne

Ryanne, Those stats for the band are out of date. In a recently released study, the success rate at 2-3 years was the same for both. I don't have a link but if you are interested, you can go to the OH Lap Band forum. Everyone's decision is personal. I chose the band because I was concerned that I'd regain after the 18 month window. What ever anyone choses, success is completly dependent on how well you comply with the WLS rules. Don't wait for the appointment if you have that packet. It takes long enough. Anything you can do in advance save time later on. Good luck on your journey, Kathy

Thanks Kathy. Wonder why such a big hosp. would give such out of date stats?? Weird huh.  Im gonna try to get everything I can schedule done now. I can attend one support group that's not affilitated with PA Hosp.. the other has to be done at PA Hosp. Theres one up in Smryna that Im gonna get the info on and attend there so Im not trucking up to Philly for both. The NUT I see I think after I see the doc.. I got that info packet.. it doesnt seem theres a whole lot I can complete before seeing him.

What are the stats you are referring to?  Is it the amount of weight loss in a particular timeframe?  Is it the success of a patient?  I am very confused by all these statements.  What success is being measured?   I do believe success is what you put into it not what the procedure is.  Because a procedure is just a tool...you are the real success because you know how to use that tool. Debbie