CANT DESIDE...

I am wanting to have wls, But I cant deside which one to have band or rny. I have 3 kids and am terrified of dieing and leaving them so it scares me to have the rny, but Im affraid that if I have the band that I wont lose enough weight to make me healthy enough to live a normal life.Im 5'1 and 290 lbs. Also I have a hard time sticking to a diet and Im scared that Ill fail. I want someone thats had the band to tell me if they think it would be good for me or if they think rny would be better for me.I know we're all differant, but if you were in my place what would you do if you were me? Any help would be great.

I had the same concerns & fears as you. This is my 1st surgery ever. I even had my funeral planned down to what I wanted to wear! I'm happy to say that I'm still here. I had rny in March at Georgetown & I can't say enough goods things about it. I've lost 38lbs so far. Like you I can't stick to diets & needed something more permanent, that's why I chose rny. Have you been to any Dr.s yet & discussed the pros & cons? Everyone is different but don't let the fear of death keep you from gastric bypass.

HI Amanda, Now is the time for you to REALLY thoroughly research your options. Unfortunately no one can decide for you or tell you what they would do in your place because..well, they AREN'T in your place I know for ME the rny was the correct decision. I made that choice based on the fact that I thought that the lap band would be too easy to cheat on. Also, I had a HUGE fear that the band would slip off and harm me, which actually happened to a person I know. Neither option is without risk. If I were you I would write down all the good and all the bad about both surgeries and take a look at what risk and reward fits into your life style. Hope this helps!

HIGHEST AND SURGERY WEIGHT: 303lbs CURRENT WEIGHT: 239LB,,, OMG I JUST WEIGHED ,, THATS AMAZING OMG!!!!! 64lbs DOWN ,, WHOOOO HOOOOOO GO ME GO ME ALOTTTTTTTTTT TO GOAL ,, AS MY GOAL IS 125lbs !!! I can do it ,, right!!! lol!!!! I hope I keep my ghetto butt when I am 125lb!!

HI Amanda As you have heard here, there is risk involved with any type of surgery. With that being said, the lapBand surgery is less invasive for a couple of reasons. The RNY is very permanent and should have alot of consideration. I had RNY almost 3 yrs. ago and I would do it again in a heart beat. I am limited to my intake and I will get that awful feeling "dumping syndrom" when I eat to many carbs or sugars. (that by the way is a good thing, and the reason I had the surgery) .. Lapband is a slower weight loss, you don't get the dumping syndrom but I have seen some awesome successes just since working with Dr. Weiss and Dr. Oldham on the conference. I didn't know alot about lapband until then..I do know now if you are a volume eater it's a great tool..If you eat frequently, junk eat..eat alot of sugars and carbs it may not work as well. (so I have been told by patients I have interviewed) I think what you need to do is talk to the center..go to seminars and check things out..go to a support meeting to hear and see what others are questioning or asking..and definately talk to banders as well as bypass patients. If I can answer any questions please let me know, if I don't know the answer I will guide you to the person/professional who can. Brenda

Highest weight : 396 September 2005 Surgery weight : 386 October 2005 Current weight: 271 Loss pre-op: 10 pounds Loss post-op: 115 pounds Total loss (pre-op and post-op): 125 pounds 106 pounds to goal Kellie

just wanted to give you my 2 cents worth. I had the lapband two years ago. I weighted 298 and am 5'3 so I am not much taller than you. I have lost 120 pounds. I went from a size 24 to a 12. I am VERY happy with the band. I only have three scars that are less than 1/2 inch each. It is truly wonderful! When I go on vacation, my doctor lets out my fluid so I can enjoy myself without restrictions, then when I get back from vacation he puts me back. I would never have gone any other way! My only restrictions at this point is no steak and no chewy breads. Other than that I eat what I want because I can only eat so little it doesn't matter how fattening of a food it is. Its GREAT!