How did you make up your mind(s)?

This may seem like a strange Q, but did you go into your consult with the surgeon with one idea and come out with another? E.g., were you set on the Lap Band (or RNY) and decide after meeting with the doc to do something different? Did the doc help you decide or tell you what he/she thought was the best option for you? I was leaning towards the band, but after further investigation, coupled with my health issues (hernia, GERD) that RNY may be the better route for me. I am just hoping the doc weighs (no pun intended!) in with what he thinks is best (Dr. Schweitzer, I hope -- when will his office call me with my appt? :angst:). Thank you all for the wonderful help and advice! Hugs, Nancy

I wanted to get the RNY and my doc comfirmed that it would be best for me and my size. She then went to tell me more about both, but we came out with RNY.

I had decided to have a lapband. DVR had initially presented both options to me. As my test results started to come back, he informed me that the RNY was the best option for me. It was the only option actually. I have Barrett's Esophagus and he explained that a lapband would not heal that problem. I went with his recommendation, and I am very glad I did. Since my surgery, my diabetes is resolved (gone), and I have had no problems with my esophagus. I also think in retrospect that the RNY was best for me. Good luck.

Aime, did you have several acid reflux?

Yes, I did. The acid reflux damaged my esophagus. The Barrett's is a precancerous condition from the acid reflux burning my esophagus.

I never considered anything but RNY but I did think that I wanted it done laproscopically but after consults with two different doctors I felt more comfortable having it done open. I was uncomfortable with the idea of having something 'foreign' (the lapband) inside my body. Best wishes on your decision making! Hugs, Mo

Hi Nancy, I actually researched for more than 2 years and still had not made up my mind. One thing that you will need to consider is your personal issues with food and the co-morbities that you are trying to get rid of. While Lap and RNY and Sleeves and the D Switch are all lumped into one group (Bariatric Surgery), they are all different and will help in different ways. The key is to learn as much as you can about each surgery (this site is a good resouce), talk to people that have had the different surgeries, and then discuss what you think with your surgeon. In the end, the choice will be yours for the most part. You should be guided by your surgeon and reasearch though. One other note. You will find that most of the people that post to these boards, have had some degree of success with this surgery. I went out of my way to find a couple of people that had not had success and went out to lunch with them. I wanted to hear what problems they had, why they were unsuccessful or unhappy with the surgery, and what advice they had. Actually, it was this input that pushed me over the top in deciding to have the surgery. In my case, I ended up choosing RNY for two main reasons. First, I knew my eating habits, and RNY gave me the best chance for a lifelong change. Second, just as Mo explained, I really did not want to deal with the whole foreign body thing and the port. But that was just my decision and yours will be a very personal one in the end. Choose what you feel most comfortable with and you will be fine in the end. Good luck and keep us up to date with how things proceed. Dave

Hi Nancy I had my mind made up that I wanted RNY but wasnt sure if I wanted open or laproscopic. But was leaning more towards open because I had heard that if you have laprscopic and have a leak they would have to open you up anyways so I was open to what the doc thought. My doc only did open RNY so I went with it. You have to do what is good for you.

Nancy, I (and my hubby) am a pt. of Dr. Schweitzer. I went in wanting Lap-Band and he asked me if I was sure and I told him yes. He said that if I am a sweet eater that he would not do the Band, but would do RNY. I am not a sweet eater so I did get my band. Dr. Schweitzer will most definitely give you his best assessment as to what he feels is best for you. Just tell him you are interested in the band, but are not 100% sure. Tell him what you have learned and he will guide you. Did you email his office or phone? If you only emailed, you can call 410-550-3345 and tell them you want to schedule a consult. You'll probably get Debbie (office mgr) or Alice (new lady).

Heather -- Thanks so much for the info. Dr. S said in his email his office would call me, do you think it's ok if I call them?? I'm just so anxious -- I feel a lot better when I actually have an appt. Thanks again, HUGS, Nancy