Back and forth...LapBand/RNY....

Hello, I am new to this site and new to the whole WLS thing period.  I am in the process of beginning my journey and I am sooo confused.  I went to an informational meeting about surgery where they covered both surgeries, Lapband and RNY.  I absolutely cannot decide what surgery to go with.  I have not met with a surgeon yet so I may be fretting over nothing cause there might be a reason for me to have one over the other.  How did you decide?  I am really unsure of what to do.  Thanks for any advice! 

Lori

Hi Lori...WELCOME

You are in the right place if you are confused.  That is where we all start.  I can't tell you how many times I bounced back and forth.  My decision was kind of made for me by all of my doctors which was nice because I didn't have to drive myself crazy anymore.  Meeting with your surgeon will be a HUGE help and they will give you the pros and cons of both WLS's regarding your situation.  Everyone is different and has different issues to consider.  Which surgeon are you looking into?

Candi

Thanks for your reply Candi!  I am thinking of Matthew Christopherson who is with Genesis Bariatric Center in Davenport Iowa. 

It may take awhile but eventually you just know when you have found the right surgery for you- do take the time to look into VSG and DS- knowing all your options make it easier to decide- take the time to lurk and/or participate on all the boards- as you read about each surgery's pros and cons you will be able to see which surgery would be best for you.

I was all set to get the Lapband but insurance/financial cir****tances and my personal eating habits made VSG a better choice for me-

It all boils down to what kind of eater are you? What are your eating habits? Some people can be successful with just a restrictive procedure, some need the malabsorption component-
Do you have any other health issues? Do you have to take medication? Does your insurance cover fills/unfills? How many per year? Can you maintain the discipline necessary to be successful with the band?


Take your time researching and deciding- I started in November- changed my mind a dozen times- and finally decided in March and had my surgery in May-

Hi Kristin--what is VSG and DS?  I don't know the lingo yet!   I guess that I am leaning towards the band because of the supplements issue and what kinds of foods that I eat.  I honestly, don't know what the heck I am doing.  thanks for your advice though.  Could you tell me about your experience?  Thanks so much.  Lori

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and duodenal switch (DS) are just 2 more options- but they may not be right for you- but I think you should know all your options before making a decision. That is the best part of wls- there are different options for different people- it is not a one size fits all!

I went with the VSG as I was a self-pay and having to pay for fills/unfill for the rest of my life was an expense I could not afford. I knew that I could not deal with the food restrictions of the lapband or the malabsorption of the rny. If you get a chance you can check out my profile- I went to the same surgeon as hawk_at_heart- check out her profile also


Take your time- talk to your doctor- evaluate yourself - research your options- evaluate your finances/insurance coverage- you will know whan you have found the right surgery

That is a difficult decision to make!  It is also a very personal decision so one person's reasons for doing one or the other may not be the same for you.

You really need to do your research and look into every single aspect of both surgeries and figure out what it is you need help with.

I think the best resource is going to the RNY (Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass) and LB (LapBand) boards and posing questions to them.  I was having a difficult time with my decision as well until I started talking to people who have had both surgeries and then I decided that RNY was the right choice for me.  I will be having surgery on Wednesday!

The biggest deterrant to the Band for me was the fact that it is really easy to cheat.  Things like milkshakes and chewed potato chips will slide right through.  I didn't get this big by having a lot of will power so I knew I could beat the Band.  I need the threat of dumping syndrome that comes with RNY to keep me away from unhealthy food choices.  But like I said, this was part of my decision and may not be something that factors into yours.

Good luck in choosing!

Kari

Kari, how excited are you right now???  I am so happy that a week from now, you'll be on the road to great health.  Congratulations!  I am so confused I cannot tell you how much.  I keep going back and forth.  Anyway, keep us posted about your events.  I want all the details I can't get. 

God Bless,
Lori

Lori -

Just keep researching and asking questions until you are confident with your decision.    Talking with your surgeon will help.      It IS a personal choice - and what is best for one person may not be best for another.     

Good luck!

Jody