How do you know which procedure to choose?

I have a choice between the lapband and the bypass and am stymied. I went to the introductory seminar and from what Dr. Li said, since I am a stress eater and a sugar eater, I should get the bypass. I am very afraid of the complications that could come with the bypass. Would appreciate your thoughts and sharing how you decided which to do. Thanks, Julie

I originally wanted the lapband - the bypass scared me too much, and I wanted an "out" so that I could just 'undo' everything if I wanted to. Unfortunately, insurance would NOT cover the lapband, making the point moot - I sure couldn't afford to pay for it. But I still did it - and to be honest, I think given the choice, I'd still go with the bypass. It forces the issue on many things - dumping FORCES you to make better food choices, the vitamin dieficiency and malabsorptive consequences force you to take care of yourself - and it just works more effectively. I guess one thing I didn't want - I didn't want to go back to being fat. That cinched it for me - the lapband in that respect was too much of a risk. Your mileage may vary - I just think it was the best choice for me.

Julie, I wanted the Bypass from the beginning, because I am not fond of having foreign things in my body. However, I also feel like the band is an easy out for me, I know it isn't an easy out option for weight loss, but it basically is a way to say, I just can't have those things or I am going to get sick. The band gives to much lee way for me. It also is reversible, even though she won't take it out for just anything. It is up to you as you are the one who has to live with it forever more, but I will be going to my 5th seminar for sinai in July and I would recommend going to more than one. Also you are able to attend the post surgery support groups too, maybe you should go to one and talk to those people, they might have some more insight. In any case, good luck with your decision and surgery kymme

For me, LapBand was never an option. I've beenf at all my life and, once I'm post-op, I never want to be fat again. For me, banding was too easy to get around. I could graze all day and stay fat. My choice was between rouex-n-Y or duodenal switch (without BPD). I read the info on both procedures. I read risks and benefits and, IMO, the duodenal switch is a better option for me. It's got a great weight loss for patients with a larger amount to lose and also has more long term success. My "pouch" will be bigger so I will be able to eat more normally, but more of the intestines is bypassed. There are benefits (greater weight loss, greater long term success, less likely to have dumping) but there are also risks (high risk of vitamin deficiency, etc). You have to look at each procedure, weight the benefits/risks and decide which will work best for you. If you're the type of person that has good control if you have a little help, banding may work well. But, if you don't ahve much willpower (that's me) the bypass may be a better option since there are consequences (dumping, cramping, etc) from over-eating or eating the wrong things.

Julie, Congratulations on your decision for a healthy lifestyle. I would call Dr. Li's office and ask to talk to band patients just to give you some perspective. I had my surgery +2 1/2 years ago with Dr. Gandsas (Dr. Li hadn't joined him yet) so I didn't have a choice. Regardless of your method, you have to be compliant. You'll only get out of it what you put into it. Even with rny, people can eat sugar it is really individual. You can read all the time, people long term struggle with weight gain, have revisions, etc. My experience is that changing my lifestyle is key to success. My husband and I both eat and exercise right. He didn't have surgery but went from 50 suit to a 44 suit. It's a daily commitment to make the right choices. I'm sure Eileen in the office can help you talk to post-ops to help you. Best wishes on your journey. Lisa

Thanks to all of you *****plied. Your feed back is really appreciated. I hear that this really is a commitment to myself, to a new lifestyle and that I need to be honest with myself and follow directions. Thanks again, Julie

Do your research. Check with your insurance to see what they will cover. Hang out on all the boards to see what they have to say. It took me over a year to get my ducks in a row. I was banded on Monday. Hope this helps Barbara