Confused Newbie

ROFL!  It took a little more work that just my eyes closed...my hands were tied around my back too!   But seriously, when you start with 250+ pounds to lose, the first few are easy.  I started this journey back in February.  I started to re-attend my Weigh****cher meetings while I made the rounds of all my doctors to make sure they all approved of WLS.  Then, I started eating like a WLS patient...not in quantity, but in quality.  While I'm not perfect (we had pizza for dinner tonight 'cause I wasn't feeling well) I think I'm headed in the right direction as far as my eating habits for post-op.  With a little luck, I'll be joining you on the losers' bench in late winter/early spring.

-Elli

I'm waiting for you!  Come on over....When you get here please send me a note, okay?

Cpcampbell

Highest Weight = 206 lbs.
Surgery Weight = 185.6 lbs.
Current Weight = 160 lbs.
Goal Weight = 130 lbs. (5'1")

First, let me say that I commend you for looking at multple surgery types.  I would recommend you look at ALL your options...including DS, VSG, etc and see what works best for your BMI, your lifestyle, etc.  The goal is to cut once (in the case of surgery) and that is it.  No revisions or anything...that is just extra work and recovery.

I went a different route myself, and had the DS...but I won't go into details since it wasn't one of the types you looked at...I will say my BMI was 56.1 when I started and a year later it's 29.9 and have lost 158lbs and still losing.

Hey! I chose RNY because I need the "fear" of dumping! I have actually dumped twice! It is NOT fun! I dumped on cream of chicken soup (i dont really get that one) and on a SB high protein bar (i ate the whole thing at one time instead of 1/2 and I think it was just too much sugar for me at one time).   With the band...I knew that I could still have soda and sweets (even though I knew I couldnt have as much at one time).  I was scared that I would out-eat the band. I was also worried about the fills and slippage! Also, I had two doctors tell me that I needed my excess weight off NOW! So, RNY was the best choice for me!

I'm happy to report that I'm almost 8 weeks out...and have lost 57.2 lbs!! 

Good luck with your decision!

WEll I didnt really choose it...It kinda choose me!  What I mean is I originally had my mind set on Lapband as it is less invasive and that was really appealing to me!  After getting closer to surgery date and my test were complete at the last appt before my surgery my Dr told me about a large hernia he found and didnt think I would be happy if I had anyting other than RNY as he stated I would have suvere acid reflus and be miserable.   So that is why I say it choose me!  I am however glad it choose me as now that I look back I do not think I could have the self control that RNY MAKES me have!!!   It is a very personal choice and plus and minuses both ways so Im sure you will decide what is best for you. 

Look at what type of eatter you are and that should help you decide.

If you are a sweet eatter then I'd stay away from Lapband ad you can sneek and eat sweets with it. 

Good luck!!

G

Thank You so much for the info. I am a sweet eater but I am AFRAID of RNY.. HELP>>>>

Think about why you are afraid of RNY?  What are your moralities??  Compare the two. Weigh out the differences.  If you can put up with your moralities vs surgery then you are not ready in my opinion.  I was ready then I was not off and on for several years.  When I woke up on the 1st of Jan 08 bad sick with my diabetes out of control I knew I had no choice but to do something drastic!!    Make sure you consider a great Dr.  Go to the seminar's and I believe you will find that talking to many others in a group and meeting with the right DR.  will set your mind at ease.  If you go to a seminar and you walk away still confused go to another and another if this continues put it off.  You will know when you are ready!!  Good luck!!  If you would like to talk pm me. 

Ginger

Have you considered the DS?  Studies suggest it provides the greatest weight loss and greatest sustained wieght loos as well as ecxellent resolution of co-morbidities.  There's no dumping, so you're not physically punished for making a poor food choice.  In fact, as long as you maintain a low-carb, high protein diet, you should be able to eat anything you want.  Take a look at the DS page for more info.  You'll notice a fair amount of RNYers and Lap banders looking for revision to DS.  As they say, think twice, cut once.  Good luck on your journey.

Hi Kim,
I was actually confused when I got this email sayig I had a responce to a post because this was actually posted back in november and I forgot I initially wanted the band. I actually am going to have the DS. My surgeon as of date will be Dr. Voellinger in Charlotte, as Dr. Smith is out of network. Thank you for the info though. U know I really never understood the low carb high protein thing can you give me more info???

Congratulations on your surgery decision.  I've heard good things about your surgeon.

High protein/low carb is particularly important with the DS.  As I understand it (and I caution here I'm not a doctor or nutritionist), we DS'ers will not absorb nearly the amount of protein regular people do.  It's important to get it in because it's important to muscle development and energy.  Carbs are absorbed by the large intestine -- and that's largely what's left intact in us after the surgery.  Carbs are stored for energy, but when we take in more carbs than we need for energy, it gets stored as fat.  Hence the danger of too many carbs.

I'm sure you can find more in-depth info online.  And be sure to check in one the DS boards; the people there are full of information and experience.  Good luck.