I made a big mistake

I went on the failed weight loss surgery forum and started reading.......

Before I was on the LapBandwagon and now im freaking out a little bit.  People talking about vomiting acid 7 years out.  My initial thought was to have an RNY, but the idea of having to take so many dietary supplements changed my mind.  Not to mention the disconnection of my stomach. 

So now Im freaking out a little.  Some ofthe posts also freak me out ecause people there have had the surgeries and a lot of the time lost all the weight and then gain it all back when something goes wrong.  I dont think i could handle gaining it all back. 

*big sigh*

Now you need to go to the regular band forum and balance out your thoughts....

 First of all,  take a big breath...

Second, while I think it's good to educate yourself about the surgeries, it's also a good idea to take everything on OH with a big grain of salt.  People tell you what they want to hear.  For example, everyone and I mean everyone that I've talked to in person that has gained weight after RNY had one way or another slipped into some old habits.  For example, some stopped exercising and some started overeating, grazing or drinking with meals.  All of these things we're warned about in the educational part of WLS.   Most don't admit to slipping into the old habits.  They simply blame the surgery instead of putting the blame on their own behavior

I have heard of a few people with had problems with the Lap Band or Realize Band, but I've also heard of many, many more that have been hugely successful.  One of my best friends has lost almost 100 lbs and loves her band!  She has nothing but good things to say about it.

Remember, a board like this draws people who are looking for support when they have problems.   The majority of the people in the world that are successful with Bands, RNY or any other WLS don't visit this board.  

WLS is difficult no mater which surgery you go with, but if you stick with the program, you will be hugely successful.  

I wish I had the balls to do the RNY but it scares the crap out of me.  I like that the band is removeable if there are complications, etc.  I also like that it's not a permanent change to my digestive system.  I chose the band and knew it was going to be a lot of work and it is but I'm still happy I went this road.  Did you read the failed and scary RNY stories too?  Plenty of those out there.  It's a tough choice and entirely personal just make sure you read up on both sides and really decide what's best for YOU.  The only problems I've had with my band was when it was too tight.  As soon as I had a little taken out it was and is much much better.  Anyone, band or RNY can regain the weight.....anyone.

First of all, yes, wls can fail, but i'm guessing alot of the Fail, is our own fault.  A Knee surgery can fail, if we are not careful.  as we have all said many many times, wls is on our stomachs and not our brain, and we still have issues with why we eat and wanting to eat ice cream, cookies, chips.  as i'm sure you've heard it is a "TOOL"  to help us loose weight.  I have the band and yes, I worry about issues, the number one way I am dealing with that is not getting too tight.  and because of that I have had a "VERY SLOW" weight loss.  being too tight is bad for your body and the band.  so making this decision is very personal.  I am not sorry I went with the band,  I would never have RNY.  BUt if loosing weight fast is what you want, then RNY is probably for you.

Well what surgery you decide on is you! no one can make that choice for you! they all will help you lose weight. there is a 10 % failure rate with RNY  10% of patients gain back the weight!  so thats like 1 in 100. thats a really low percentage! every one i know that had weight loss surgery have lost the weight and keeped it off for years! i remember when i was debaiting between the two! i decided to go for the RNY because i wanted as meny tools as i could get to be a sucsess!! 

I agree with everyone else on here!  Read all this stuff with your eyes open!  Yes, some people do regain their weight, but also look at if they are following all the "rules".  Our surgery gives us a tool and it doesn't change our heads.  You really have to work your tool for it to work for you. 

Only you and your surgeon can decide which surgery is best for you.  I went with the RNY because I needed the fear of dumping to keep me on "the straight and narrow".  I knew that I could have "eaten my way around" the band and I didn't want to be able to do that.  Of course, I don't really dump anymore, but still, the fear is there.  Just because I can eat something today, doesn't mean I'll be able to eat it tomorrow.  I still have to be careful, which is the way I want it!  Not everyone wants to live the way I do though.  It is a VERY personal decision!

Just for perspective.....I am not a veteran at this by any means, but I am rapidly approaching my 2 year surgiversary (April 2010) and I had lost about 140 pounds to get to my lowest weight.  I've regained about 4-5 pounds and my body seems quite happy maintaining at about this weight.  Like I said, just be prepared to work whichever tool you get and you'll do fine.  Follow your doc and nut's recs and things will work out in the end!
Good luck!