Bypass VS. LapBand, opinion anyone

Hi. I am new to the site and am working on getting a surgery date for WLS. I am wondering what y'all think about the different surgeries. I am leaning towards the bypass. I know that there are a lot of possible complications and I am aware that the pouch can be "stretched". Still I feel that bypass is what I need. I am working now to get prepared for the changes needed after surgery and for the rest of my life. I have read a few of the other posts and know that you all have a lot to offer. Also, what support groups are close to Howard County, MD? We are renting in Columbia. Just moved here, military family. There is a support group meeting at the hospital where I am going to have surgery but it is a little bit of a drive so I am wanting to try others nearer to my home. Looking forward to hearing from y'all! Robin

Hi Robin, The one piece of advise I will give you is to do all the reseach you can. And do it on your own (don't take anybodys word for it). I'm wondering why you think bypass is what you need? And yes there is the possibility of complications with any surgery. But a death rate of 1:200 is out right scary. Research, Research, Research Check out some of these sites: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-gone_wrong/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/index.php? http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/183_06_190905/obr10369_fm.html This is just a start. I favor the band, because of the research I did, far to many complications with RNY, many people I know have gained all the weight back after 4 years of having RNY. Not to mention two I know have died. You can loss just as much with lapband as with RNY. It might be a bit faster loss with RNY. I prefer slower more natural (no hair loss, no malabsorption), and it's ADJUSTABLE. If you start to gain weight you get a fill and can be easily on the lossing track again. I wish you the best and urge you to take your time to make the best decision for you. Be well Cristina

Thank you for the information Cristina. I am checking out the websites you mentioned. I don't know how to explain why I "need" bypass. Mostly because I feel that I need something that I can not back out of and cannot change. I have struggled with overeating and overweight since I was 14 and I haven't been able to conquer the problem alone in more than 20 years. I don't want to be able to go back in 6 months and say this is too hard, take it out. That is the best way I know how to explain my choice without taking up your whole day. I will be continuing to research my options until I have to make a final decision and talk with the dr to set a date. How is your journey going? I have one more consult to attend and then I talk to the dr about a date. I haven't made it to any support group meetings yet. I really want to meet others that are in this journey too. Also, I want to make some new friends since we have just moved to Maryland. Talk to you later. Robin

Robin Hi, Research and don't be afraid of more than one surgeon consult. Have your questions ready and then always go with your "gut" feeling. I'm two years out today from rny and it was the best decision of my life. I wish I had only made it sooner. I can tell you with any choice, compliance is the key to success. I am fortunate with really no complications and most important my co-morbities are gone! The other positive is my husband has not only lost some pounds but the couple of health concerns he was treated for are gone in part because of his change in eating and exercise habits. I know the program at Sinai does both lap band and rny. It's a worth a call while you research. Best wishes to you on your journey. Lisa

Hi Lisa, Thanks for your reply. I am doing all the research that I can before I have to make a final decision. I have one more consult appointment and then I meet again with the dr to schedule a date and give him my decision. I am glad that I made this decision and that my insurance has finally come around to help me. I am glad that your journey has been a positive one. I am looking forward to my journey and the new me! I have a friend that had the surgery and she went back to the ER three times after her surgery but she said that each time it was because she did something she shouldn't have. She has lost her weight and after learning to change her eating habits she is happy with her decision too. I know that I really need to change my habits. I am working on that now so that maybe after surgery it'll be a little bit easier. Thanks again for your reply. Robin

Hi Robin, Definitately do your research!! I chose RNY because I have the worst eating habits and I needed to know that I would be restricted on that and forced to eat heatlhier! So far it is worked. I haven't craved a coke or McDonolds or fast food in 10 weeks now. I know I am still early out, but I have definitatly made progress in changing the bad habits! Good luck on your decision! Billie

Hi Billie, Thanks for your reply. I am researching all of my options. I know that my eating habits will really have to change. I also know that my choice of foods will have to change too. I am working now with the nutritionist and following her advise now so that I can hopefully have a better time of it after surgery. I hope that your journey continues to be a great success. Please share your successes with me so I can celebrate with you. Robin