for Newbies debating surgeries

I know there are some lurkers out there debating different surgeries, this is my take. Am I sorry I had Lap Band?  Absolutely NOT!  yes I am impatient, and have not seen ANY loss yet after 7 weeks, but it was my only choice, my last chance at "Maybe someday" being healthy and comfortable.  I am very optimistic that after a few fills I will begin to see a loss, as slow and small as it may be, I'll be waiting when it happends.  I know alot of people think the band has alot of maintenance, having to go for fills and all, but, hell, shouldn't you take an hour every month or so for your health??  RNY was not an option for me, my family and I were not ready for that choice. I am willing to make changes in my life, but I'm too selfish to give up so much.  I believe those who have gone with RNY are very strong people and are willing to accept that responsibility, and I didn't want to.  That being said, I think WLS is wonderful and we all have different agendas and goals.  This was the right choice for me.  ONe more thing, I"m confused about:  Dr. Loggins tried to talk me INTO RNY, and my roomate Jill had to have the BAnd instead of RNY due to complications?  that confuses me some? could anyone tell me why he would do that? What have you post op people have to say, about your choice, to help all those pre op people trying to decide.

I choose Lap Band because I saw first hand the complications that some have with RNY my brother almost died from internal bleeding and this was from being post op 3yrs after. Then I saw the dumping that he and his girlfriend would go thru sometimes it was because they ate some pasta it wasn't always because of them cheating on foods, Ulcers that my brothers girlfriend has.  Also yes I know that Lap Band is a slower weight loss, but I have other medical reasons for not loosing faster. I can not excercise like most people because I suffer  from severe migraines that limit me. I know I will get there it will just take me a little longer. You do not have to go for monthly fills for Lap Band that is a misunderstanding once you have a good restriction it could be awhile before you have to go back. I know someone that is seeing Dr. Loggins and he tried to talk her into RNY. I have been told that he prefers RNY but will do Lap Band if you want him to.

I chose the RNY for several reasons. Mainly I HATE NEEDLES so fills would have been very stressful.  Secondly I was becoming insulin resistant and have such a huge family history of diabetes that I really did not want to risk it.  Thirdly my difficulty with food was not overeating it was eating the wrong foods mainly stress and or boredom knowing I can't have those problem foods has done wonders for m.. Yeah I have had a few things stuck in my little pouch and thought I was gonna die it hurt so bad. Do I regret having my surgery NO WAY!!!!! I would do it again in a heart beat. I feel so much better about everything.

RNY is the "gold standard" of weight loss surgery. I think Dr. L is completely committed to the health improvements that the RNY automatically does-like for diabetes.  I did so much research 3 years worth, started in Portsmouth for Lap Band, As my health deteriorated-and the loss of two1/2 siblings, I knew that the more invasive surgery had to be my choice. At 56 yrs old, my biology was dictating! I needed to do this now. Dr. Loggins doesn't operate on people over 60, and I had become diabetic.  So....my decision FOR ME was a no brainer. Plus, I couldn't handle the thought of a plastic device in me, needing fills.  I applaud anyone and everyone who has the courage to make A change, it doesn't matter which one,  jsut a change for HEALTH!! Yay us!!

this is totally very interesting, thank you for responding.  I think if I was diabetic or pre D, I would have gone with RNY also.  your right Kate, that is a no brainner... thanks guys

I should have said  I too was diabetic, had high blood pressure , high cholesterol ~~ I do not HAVE ANY OF THESE ANY LONGER  , I too was scared to death of needles and still am but you really do not feel it,, it is no more than going for a blood test. You do not feel the band inside of you sometimes you can feel the port but most of the time I do not. What I also like about Lap Band is that it is reversable that if some health problem comes up it can be removed , if the pouch streaches the band can be loosened up pull the slac down and reposition the band .(this would be in an extrem case not done rountinely but could be done)

LInda, do you think you are no longer diabetic and your other co Mo's because of your weight loss, in its self?  I know my blood pressure has always gotten better when I lost weight.  Where I understand that with RNY it is immediately gone.  I find that amazing, how that happends. 

Yes Cheryl, I no longer have to take meds for my co Mo's because of my weight loss in its self. My brother's blood pressure was immediate right after his RNY about 6 yrs ago now he has gained about 40lbs of his 200 lost and his blood pressure is starting back up again. He knows he needs to loose again but finds it really hard to do.

"I know alot of people think the band has alot of maintenance, having to go for fills and all, but, hell, shouldn't you take an hour every month or so for your health?? "  That is one of the factors of why the band wouldn't work for me... I don't want something that has needles and is or keeps the Ghrelin active which causes the cravings, not to mention if you move you have to find a doc and be much more active with the doc in the first year... up to 21 visits! What if you didn't have insurance at one point for a reason... that could be costly.      As for RNY too drastic for me, and with the malabsorbtion it is too scary, along with watching my SIL having had it 8wks ago and has had to have three stricture endoscopys with some major ulcers too, but has lost about 55lbs due to starving herself, and reading about people's experiences "dumping" is too yucky ( I hate to  and frankly wouldn't put myself in a position where that is a side effect.) We have to remember that being in Maine there is a small WLS community, and not everyone had either a Band or RNY, there are other types of surgery that should be included in conversations or topics, even if people choose to have surgery not by doctors here in Maine...

Kat- What are the other choices? I guess you have me there. I have lost weight on my own in the past, only was able to keep it off for 10 yrs, gained it back and then lost it again, then gained it back quickly which they claim may of caused my fluid on the brain. Now, I am not able to exercise, very little. I am new to this site and am currently scheduled for the lap band on 6-10-08. I am opened to other suggestions and inputs. Thanks, Barb