Li & Gandsas: Banding or Bypass... can't decide

Hello, Maryland folks. Can I hear from those of you out there who had a lap-band with the Sinai team OR a gastric bypass with them? I was leaning towards a lap-band, but now I'm thinking the bypass is better long-term. Feedback, please! I have a lap-band date scheduled for April, but I might change my mind. I didn't get a chance to really ask all the questions I wanted to ask during my first appointment. I love the staff at the office, don't get me wrong! They're great. I just didn't realize I had all of the questions that I did. Andrea

I had the bypass with Dr. Gandsas and it was the best decision I ever made. He is great and so is everybody else in the office. At the time, Dr. Li was not with Sinai so I don't know her personally, but I've heard great things. Mike

I had my RNY on May 6th with Dr Li. My weight at surgery was 282, I now weigh 166. RNY was my choice, I wanted something more restrictive,and the dumping would keep me on the right path. (no cheating) Believe me one dumping episode and you won't do it again!!!! Dr Li is a great doctor, she takes her time with you, and cares a great deal for her patients, you could'nt have made a better choice. Whichever procedure you choose is up to you, but choose what you think is right for you,if your leaning towards Rny call the office and speak with them, they will work with you. I will never regret my decision, it's the best thing I have ever done. Take care if you have any questions feel free to contact me. Barb

Andrea Hi, The Sinai Program is great, both pre- and more importantly post-op. They have now included banding for those patients. Dr. Gandsas is my surgeon. I had rny 11/4/2003. Again, the best decision of my life. Both are just tools provided you to use in your lifelong journey. You'll have much success if you use all the tools the Sinai team provide you. Best wishes, Lisa

I had RNY with Dr. Li. I think she's great and I'll echo everyone else saying it was one of the best decisions I've made. I've lost 125 lbs in a little under 9 months. If you are not sure which way to go, talk to Dr Li! She does both surgeries and can talk to you about the pros and cons of each. I know she's only working part time right now because of the baby, but she is keeping regular clinic hours. And the rest of the staff is there, of course, full time. For your next appointment, keep a list of the questions that pop into your head. I tend to walk in with a bunch of sticky notes that I jotted down since the last time I saw them. And always make an appointment to see Nancy whenever you go in to see Dr. Li or Dr. Gandsas. Even if its just to "touch base." She has so much good information to share -- including the post-op nutrition needs for both RNY and lap-band.

Andrea, I havent had surgery yet nor am I going to sinai but I am going to Bayview Medical Center with Dr. Ann Lidor and I can say I was looking into the band at first but she told me that she was worried about my sweet toothe and that the band may not work for me because it doesnt have any restrictions so I went with what she thought was best........... As for you maybe you should call the Doctors office and see if you cant talk to your surgeon about the surgery and let him/her know your concerns and I am sure they will be glad to talk to you......ultimately what everyone is telling is right it is a tool and how you use it is up to you I know that I cant resist sweets so the band was not even an option. But I know mentally that I may dumb and get sick on sweets with the bypass so I am not going to take the chance......so each person is different but dont go into this blind or not having all the answers you need to get the answers before you decide what surgery to have best of luck and hope to see you on the losing side Lisa

Hi Andrea - I had Lap RnY with Dr. Li two months ago and I had to meet with her for one year in order to get approved. It was the best decision I ever made and was well worth the wait. I chose the RnY because I too wanted something more restrictive. I didn't want to eat sugar, carbs, etc with the band and not lose the wait -the temptation is too great! Whatever choice you decide will be the right one for you! - Heather