Jen, I am 4 years out and I am still trying to get back down post baby mind you. I would definitely add a bit af cardio to your exercise program. I would encourage you to go back to the basics from the beginning just after your surgery and see if that helps. I did that and I have dropped 27 pounds in 2 months. I also drink lots of water. I get at least 80 oz in a day. That is all I drink. No pop, milk or anything else jus****er. I never did get to my drs. goal however I did get down to where I thought I was healthy. I hope that this helps. I did weigh****chers last summer on my own and I lost 22 pounds in 5 months. It is up to you what you want to do. Good luck. Stephanie

I came to the decision of lapband because I just couldn't see RNY as an option for me.  There were just to many risks and the malabsorbtion factor.  Don't get me wrong. I have done my homework.  I know of all the risks with the lapband also.  I researched the lapband and RNY and they success rate is the same for both surgeries at 3-5 years out.  With lapband you do have to go in more often and have fills but I made the decision to put my health first.  I am ok with seeing my doctor and following up as often as needed.  I think it will better keep me on my toes.   There was one time through the process of insurance approval that I considered RNY and that is because the insurance had approved the RNY or lapband but I just could not get myself comforatble with the idea of having the RNY.  I know for my I made the right decision.  I read several statistic reports and talked with my doctor and I was told by him that they both do the same thing but RNY works faster but also has more risks.  I am ok with it taking longer to loss it. I didn't gain it all at once so I am fine with taking more time taking it off.  They both take dedication to work. One of the other deciding factors for me was I know a few people who have had RNY and they have regained their weight. As a matter of fact I have 1 friend that had RNY and is now scheduled for lapband in September.  Please do not misunderstand me I know that there are many people very successful with the RNY.  For me it just was not an option I considered.  I am confident with the decision that I made.   When you make your decision you will choose the right one for YOU.  Good luck to you!!!

I did a lot of research...and everyone kept telling me that the RNY gives results faster, it is permanent, and better for people with a sweet tooth.  I wanted it to be permanent!!!  And I wanted the RNY surgery to be the end of the procedure, meaning  I didn't want to have to go in for fills or adjustments.  So far, I am very happy with my decision.  The most important decision is what Dr. you choose...and how much faith you have in him and his abilities.  Best of luck to you! Sharen

I think if you look to the left on this page it shows Members In Iowa, under that caption click on Find Peers.  Once you are in that screen click on the title header "city" and it will sort by city.  Hope that helps.

I never even considered lapband, mainly because my father had RNY in December of 2003 and has been very successful and at the time of my initial consult with Dr. Eibes, I don't think they were doing lapband quite yet, just getting ready for it.  I also have a friend whose mother (who I've never met) had lapband.  She said her mom was totally unhappy with it and then got RNY.  Now I don't know the reasons or anything because this was before I knew anything about lapband and I had already made my decision so I didn't ask questions.  It was probably a personal preference, like maybe she needed the sugar & fat dumping reactions, who knows?

Now having done the RNY and looking back and thinking "what if?"  Would I change my decision?  Absolutely not!  My reasons:  I like the fact that I might possibly dump on too much sugar - I haven't really tested the waters yet but the fear of getting sick is enough for me.  Does that mean I have absolutely no sugar?  Nope.  It's just that now, a little bit will satisfy me.  For example, I might snatch a hershey's kiss from my co-workers desk....yummy, that was good and I don't need any more.  Before, I would empty the whole jar in a day or 2 and then go buy her more!  My mindset so far has been that I can have anything in moderation.  Others are very strict and say no "bad" foods, very little carbs unless they're whole grain, etc.  Those people are the ones who can't eat just one and be ok, that's what works for them.  I'm hoping my way of thinking will continue - if it doesn't I may have to make some adjustments. A couple other reasons I'm glad I had RNY rather than lapband is that I don't think I'd be too excited about having to go in for fills so often.  Again this is just personal preference. I don't want you or anyone to think that I'm bashing lapband because it might just be what works for you.  All of it is about personal preference.  I would just say that if you have ANY doubt in your mind that you might be a sugar/carb addict and need the fear of dumping with the RNY then think really hard about it. Hope this helps and if you have any questions or need advice, please don't be afraid to ask or PM me. Best of luck in your decision! Carrie