Hi- I'm new

Hi everybody- I am new to the site and I am looking to get the lap band surgery soon. I go to the seminar on 8/9 and after that I have my initial 1on1 with Dr. Shayani. I have read a lot of posts and am a little concerned that I am not making the right choice by going with the lap band. I don't think I have much of a choice at this point, but I want to do the most inevasive treatment possible. Can anyone help me with this?

Hi Welcome aboard!!! I bet you are so excited about your consult with the Dr... I would recommend that if you are 100 pounds over weight you might want to consider having the Rny. But this is all your choice and l have heard the lap band does well for alot. I am 13 months out and i would do this all over again down 145 pounds and less then 30 away from goal Best of Luck to you!! Marsha

Christine, I have thought long and hard about surgery, I am also concerned whether or not I have choosen the right surgery. I want the least evasive so the lap band seems to be it. But there are still some questions. Also on the decision part. I have a very large hiatal hernia, Dr. Shayani didnt really want to operate on me, I am going to see another surgeon for the lap band on Aug. 2nd for a second opinion. If he wont then my choice is made I will do the RNY. I think it all comes down to you and how you feel. The lap band recovery time is faster than the RNY, but its easier to sabotage yourself with the lap band. Its really tough to decide.... Call Dr. Shayani's office the day after you go to the his seminar, tell them you were there and they will schedule you faster. Dont wait for them to call you.... Good Luck with your decision! Debby

Christine, The lap band is definately much less invasive, and more easily reversible, than the RNY. It is also much easier for the patient to sabotage, as you never have to worry about the joys of dumping. Choosing which type of WLS is appropriate for you is a very individual thing. You need to do your research, and discuss it with your doctor. I originally had intended to have a lap band, but realized that it would not have been the right surgery for me. I need that threat of dumping hanging over my head. I needed to develop the physical aversion to sweets, which have always been my downfall. I am very happy that I had the RNY 7 months ago, and am feeling amazingly good these days. But that is me, and I wouldn't presume to tell you what the right choice is for you. I believe that there is a lap band forum here somewhere. Why not check it out, and see what they have to say? Deb

Thanks for all the responses. I am really looking forward to the seminar and finding out what I can do. Part of me thinks I should do the RNY, but I don't know if Dr. Shayani does it and at this point I have to work with my insurance and what they say. LAP sounds like the easiest way to go, but I am thinking RNY would be better. I guess I just have to keep doing my research and wait until I find out what he is going to say

Christine: I am a lap bander, banded in May. I have lost about 33 pounds so far. I researched the heck out of RNY but was not willing to go through with it. I am a single mom and was not willing to risk the what ifs. Yes, initially the lap band seems slower, but the five year data shows that both surgeries are about equal in results. The great thing about the lap band is that when you hit a point where you are not losing, you can get an adjustment. If you stretch your pouch with RNY, you need a revision surgery if you're not at goal. I believe you can sabotage either surgery by not being careful, but taking the step to go through surgery should guide you on the right track. Please take a moment to check out the lap band message board on this site. It is filled with success stories and others who are in your shoes. If you want the least invasive surgery, with minimal recovery time, lap band is the way to go. I had my surgery on a Thursday and was back teaching on Monday. Good luck with your decision!

Hi Christine - I had lapband surgery done in February and I am down 54 lbs. It's been a steady weight loss with practically no recovery time after surgery. If I had to, I could have been back to work the next day. I did a TON of research on both RNY and Band before making my decision and it's my opinion that you can sabotage with BOTH surgeries. They are BOTH tools. It's up to you to make them work. The beauty of the band is that it is adjustable to fit your lifestyle needs and weight loss needs, its a slow loss so your skin has recovery time to "spring back" and reduces the need for plastic surgery later (if you have a lot to lose especially) and that it's reversible if need be. What is also wonderful is that the long term studies show it has a comparable rate to RNY. I could go on and on about why I chose the band and why I LOVE my band, but no matter what it is your decsion. Just do your research and question anything you find in your research that's not from an official source (medical, scientific, etc.). There's a LOT of mis-information and misguided opinions out there regarding BOTH surgeries that people take as the truth. The best sources for experience and clearing up the falacies are from Dr's who do BOTH surgeries (not just one or the other) and from those who've had it done...ask a bandster about the band and ask a RNY patient about RNY. Otherwise it's like comparing apples and oranges. Good luck and come see us in the band forum! Joyce

Christine Dr. Shayani only does the Lap Band and I think he is an excellent surgeon even if he turned me down for the surgery.... GOod luck!!! Debby