Lap band or RNY?

I am so tossed up. PLEASE HELP!! I have been researching both of these. Any advice? Thanks

Hi Michelle, I believe the best thing you can do for yourself is to attend a few seminars...seek out the surgeons who do both then find out the options. Most will be happy to answer your questions at the seminar.. Some surgeons do prefer one procedure over another then there are the surgeons who want to educate you on both procedures...those are the ones you want to find out more about. I don't know the ones in Louisville but if you want to go from LExington up to Cinci, maybe I can help you find someone who will help you.. Brenda email me direct for more info

Hi, Michelle... There are different reasons to get either surgery. A lot depends on what type of eater you are. If you are a volume eater (like I was!), the Lap band could be right for you. If you nibble all day or are a big sweets eater, the bypass might be best. Your decision should be based on how comfortable you feel with the methods of each procedure. I didn't want my stomach and intestines rearranged, or to have to wory about my vitamin and iron levels as bypass patients do. Your decision should be based on how quickly you want the weight to disappear. I am comfortable with the slower weight loss of the band. Maybe I might not need extreme plastic surgery if I give my skin a chance to shrink a little with the slower loss. I know there will probably be some skin issues for me but losing weight quickly can bring them on so fast. You are just getting happy about the weight loss when you are hit by the droopy breasts, batwing arms or a saggy abdomen. There are many more reasons to get one procedure or the other. Ultimately it all boils down to how comfortable you feel about them after getting all the information you can gather. The Lap Band was my choice and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to chose by going to Bluegrass Bariatric in Georgetown. They offer both procedures and can educate you so you can make a well informed decision. Hope this helps. Phyllis

Oh Phyllis, thank God I have a good sense of humor..I chuckled as I read your note about the "droopy breast, batwing arms and saggy abdomen" thank goodness I can laugh about it or I would cry each time I look into the mirror. ...I try to nip, tuck and pull everything into place to where I look fine in clothes..I try to pretend none of those things exist- many of us really would hope everyone isn't thinking it when they look at us..I think I pull it off until I read a post or someone ask me a question at a meeting about it..then it's back to reality..LOL I would still take all of that saggy skin anyday over the weight and comorbidities I had..I was very ill and pretty much convinced I would be dead today had it not been for my bypass surgery..I would do it again in a heartbeat!! but you are so right about learing both procedures and again right about some centers charging 250.00 per fill after the first year. Doing your homework is the so important..Right now I am spending alot of time with bandsters trying to learn what I can through them..I have watched fills, asking patients tons of questions..I am also very privileged that Dr. Weiss and Dr. Oldham allow me to observe procedures in the OR(they are awesome by the way)..I recommend them highly!! Have a wonderful day!! Brenda