lap band or Roux?

I am getting close to my surgery date and I need to make a final decision. I travel overseas lot and have to be able to eat weird foods especially in asia. I am concerned that about the bypass is not reversable especially if I got sick or when I am old. Any advice?

Hi, Robert This sounds like something you should definatly discuss w/the Dr before making final decision.Also if this is something you think you would want reversed then lap band is the way to go.Good luck no matter what you decide Cathy

Hi Robert, The decision has to be the one you will be comfortable with. I knwo a lot of people do the lap band for reasons of not wanting to permantly change their bodies. I chose the gastric bypass only because I know my past with diets and I didn't want to have to ever go back to being over weight again (although there is still that possibility). Hopefully someone with lap badn can give you some more info. Hope

Hi Robert, Unfortunately I can't think of anyone that posts on the DE board regularly that has had the band. I know one gal that is getting one but has not had her surgery yet. Definately talk to your surgeon about your specific concerns & get their input on it - such as how the bypass will effect you when you are sick or old. From my questions there have been no major reports or studies of serious complications simply due to time when you get old. WLS has been evolving since it began and they consider the RNY to be the safest *bypass type* procedure yet if I remember my research correctly. Obviously the band is different. While it is meant to be in place for life it can be removed if necessary. I did not choose the band for 2 reasons, 1. My insurance did not cover it. and 2. - I did not want the choice of turning back, ever. Having reached the point in my life of needing surgery to help me lose weight and make my self whole - well that was a very low point for me. If possible, a point I never wish to revisit. Best of luck to you with yor decision. I think it is a very personal one that you must be comfortable with and I think the surgeon can play a big role in helping you answer some of those questions. You may also want to post yor question on the main board where thousands more eyes will see it. ~Kathy V.

Robert, I can not really offer advice here I didn't do a lot of research on the band because Dr Irgua didn't really think that it was a good option for me. At any rate, I just wanted to let you know that the nurse that prepped me for surgery was a patient of Dr Irgau's also and she had the band and was quite happy with it. As a matter of fact, she told me not to wear him out during my surgery because she was scheduled right behind me for an adjustment *grin*. Just to let you know ... I too am extremely pleased with my surgery. Would do it again without hesitation. It has been a true blessing for me. But just for comparison, I don't eat a whole lot of strange foods, but I do chilli, mexican, italian, hot spiced foods, and plenty of bland foods as well and have only really had problems consistantly with eggs. But everyone is different so what works for me may not work for you! Best wishes in your decision for what is best for you. Oh and BTW - Welcome to the board!!! Please be sure to keep us posted!!! Hugs, Tammy

Welcome to the board Bob!!! I'm glad to see you online--this is a wonderful group. Hugs, Kimberly (H)

Hey Robert. The lap band or RNY is a personal choice. The doctor can tell you success rates and percentages and you need to read everything you can get your hands on. As far as traveling and eating wierd foods all I can say is good luck. No matter which surgery you have getting your protein in is critical. I supplement with protein powder every day to get most of my protein in, and you have to drink a lot of water. I would check out websites for global participants to make sure that the places you are traveling have adequate medical facility that can handle the surgery. Also get a medical ID bracelet. If you get the RNY, you should go in with the knowledge that it is not reversible (not certain I even want to know about the exceptions). As far a getting old, I keep thinking that without the surgery that getting old was not much of a concern for me. Let me know if you need other input. Rob