Did I Do The Right Thing?

I also had Dr. K for my surgeon.  As I recall from his orientation, RNY is the way to go according to him.   He also said it is difficult to switch from the band to RNY if there becomes a need to do so.  I am really proud of all of you posting here, I have not really shared my decision to have surgery with many people.  I changed jobs about 1 year into my surgery, so no one really knows me other than the weight I am.  I did share with a coworker that has had difficulties with weight issues.  Other than that, I have not felt like I wanted to share.  I have a relative who was not successful with RNY, she gained it back.  So, I have not wanted to be compared to her or to set myself up for failure.  Not sure why I am sharing all this, maybe I am thinking it is about time to tell?

Thanks so much for responding.  I always like to hear from other patients of Dr. K's.  I think RNY is the only surgery that he does.  I remember him going into a scarring issue when people want to make the switch from lap band.  I really never considered lap band with the amount of weight that I have to loose and the diabetic issue.  I do know a few people that have had this surgery.  One not successful and I sure don't want to do that either.  I feel like this is a last chance for me and I want to make it the best possible venture.

Lisa,

You've heard from the rny crowd so now let the bandster answer   You did absolutely the RIGHT thing!  She needs to do the footwork and decide for herself.  If her concern is about the diabetes you CAN tell her for me that after my surgery I no longer had to take insulin or any diabetic meds, but that has nothing to do with the TYPE of surgery I had.  It's a matter of losing weight.  As for fills, they are not a nuisance.  Band patients have the fills probably only 4-5 the first year TOPS compared to follow up visits for bloodwork or whatever a RNY patient would need; it's really all even visit wise and fills do not hurt.  It is going to be down to what type of surgery she wants.  They both have positives and negatives.  I only went with the band because it was less invasive and had less complications than RNY.  I was just more comfortable with it.  Good luck to her in deciding.  If she wants middle of the road between RNY and the band she should consider the gastric sleeve.  Dr. Schweitzer has had GREAT success with it.

Heather:
Thanks for responding.  Knowing nothing about the band, I didn't want to lead her the wrong way.  I had heard about going back for fills, but wasn't sure how often this happens.  Plus she'll be going to Baltimore from the Eastern Shore, and that's not a little way.  I hope she checks into it if it's something she really wants.  I always said that the doctors make us jump through all these hoops just to see who is really capable of handling this surgery.

Well, typically we get a first fill around 6 weeks after surgery (after we are healed very well) and then we can have a fill a month after that and it takes a good 3 fills to get good restriction and you don't get any more fills until you stop losing weight for 3 weeks or you can start to eat more than you should be which is no more than 1.5 cups of food at a time.  So that is where I got the 4-5 fills in a year.  It could be more or less, but definitely not a nuisance.  We have less aftercare if you ask my opinion.  No need to worry about vitamin deficiencies, no counting sugars (because there is no dumping - we still do SF stuff), our protein requirements aren't as high either.  But like you told her, it's a very personal decision.  If she wanted to ask any questions you can give her my private email addy (you have it already).  I'd only tell her my experience.  I wouldn't try to sway her either way.

Thanks a million!!!

Yes Yes Yes!!! I think you did the right thing. What works for some doesn't work for all. The last thing you would want to do is persuade someone and have something go horribly wrong. Then who would they push blame on? I think it is IMPORTANT that everyone do their own homework when considering ANY surgery. It took me years and years to decide because I have been overly researching.
Dr Kligman had said to my husband and I that he doesnt feel comfortable doing anything but RNY. He said the complications are sooo much LESS then the others and the weight loss success is higher with RNY then the others so he DOES push the RNY. The good thing is that despite him telling everyone how much he prefers to do RNY ONLY he will still tell you the pros and cons of ALL of the surgeries and that I liked. He is a great guy. I cant wait for my surgery. (((Hugs)))

Thanks so much for responding.  I always take the opinions of other people, but then always do my homework to come to my own conclusion, but there are many people who just consider the opinion of others as law.  I'm glad that everyone agrees that I shouldn't have tried to persuade her to make a decision.  (Even though I know mine was the right decision, LOL, for me that is)

Lisa,
I agree that I would have said the same thing.  She needs to find out for herself and make an educated choice.  I have several research articles in my profile if you would like to share them with her.  Specifically, there is an article that addressed resolution of diabetes and compares all the surgery types in regard to this HERE
For me, it ended up being a really good thing that I did not rush through the 6 mos and get scheduled right away.  I needed more time to thoroughly research it and to decide what was best for me and my lifestyle and comorbidities. 
I know what you mean about people asking you about WLS.  I still haven't had it and they have already started asking me.  I was in HR today filling out paperwork and the woman asked me, so tell me about this WLS I want to know all about it!  LOL.