Which surgery to choose?!?

I have been approved for surgery as of TODAY, but I'm freaked out.  Don't know which surgery to have.  My doctor says that because I love ice cream so much that I should have the Roux-en-Y instead of the lap band (which I THINK I would prefer to have). I weigh 246, am 5'5", 54 years old. I have been reading, been online, and have spoken with several people who have had the surgery (one having the lap band, but she is kinda new), and praying hard for an answer. I am sad to give up my old friend "Food", and scared of the dumping, diarreah, extra skin, etc. Do you have less skin issues with the Lap Band? What comments can I get from you experienced people? Thanks for your time and help.

please please please check in to verticl sleeve could b the best thing that ever happens to u                       royl

I know the opinions go back and forth, but the "ice cream" theory always seems like such a lame reason to choose one type over another. There isn't a tool that replaces portion control and personal decisions. I love ice cream too -- Blue Bell in particular -- but ice cream in itself hasn't deterred my lap band progress. Since dumping isn't a given in the RNY, please know that there are ways to control ones sweet tooth and incorporate regular food in wise portions even with the lap band. It may be difficult for some, but not impossible. At my highest weight, I was more than 100 pounds heavier than you are now. I have skin issues, but I have also had several abdominal surgeries before and after the lap band. I do feel like I can say I have a good healthy respect for all the surgery types. I have many very happy and healthy RNY friends and I'm thrilled about the options offered by the sleeve. There are so many pros and cons and while ice cream might be one of them, it's in a long line of things to be considered. Good luck in your decisions. Frances

I have not had surgery yet, however, I have been told to research, research and do more research on all types of WLS before settling on one. Go to the different forums and read the entries from people who have had the different surgeries and see what problems, issues they have.  There is the:  Lapband  RNY Duodenal  Switch VGS Mini gastric bypass probably even some I missed.  Just do your research because if you are like so many of us it is going to have to be a one shot thing.  I am going to be personal pay and I have to do it right the first time.  Good luck on any decision you make. 

On the subject of ice cream.  My husband (Oct 06 Surgery 6'2" 233 now started at 350) eats blue bell little cup almost every day....no dumping..portion control with buying the cup...plus that is all he wants....before surgery it was 1/4 of the half gallon tub at each setting....BUT on other hand my daughter had RNY Jul 05 she gets dumping with ice cream....but has learned she can tolerate only a couple of tablespoons and it satisfies her craving for ice cream...again this is portion control...if she goes over that amount she gets the ole dumping!....  she is 130 size 10 and been at that for over 18months!..... My husband eats everything he desires.....without dumping...but the desire is not there  as it was before surgery and he loves not having the desire....and the amount is very little to satisfy when he does get a crave.... Good luck on you journey....