Consult Yesterday!

Well, I had my consult yesterday with Dr. Farhan at Hurley. Everyone there seemed really great. I did not get to talk to Dr. Farhan hardly at all though because he was running behind and had to get to a lecture. I was still very impressed. I already had my records from my physician sent there before my appointment, I had my PCP letter and recommendation with me, and I already have my appointment for my Pych eval with my shrink scheduled for the 26th of this month. Now I just have to wait until we hear from the inusrance on if I am approved or have anything else to do. The only thing I am dealing with is that Dr. Farhan said that because of my age I would be a good candidate for the lap-band, howver I was actually thinking of the RNY, for the procudure I wanted done. Because of the time we had to talk, I was unable to really talk to him in depth about this, but I talked to the nurse and she said I can really have either done, and it was basically up to me. So I was wondering what the thoughts are out there about Lap-band vs. RNY? Thanks Shawn 304

You hardly look elderly Shawn! I was 46 when I had lap RNY and they never mentioned my age. I considered the lap-band but decided against it because of the distance I would need to travel to get the required fills. I was also concerned about band slippage. Do your research. A lot of people on the main boards are revised to the RNY from the lap-band. You may find more information there. Good luck and best wishes.

Kim, Sorry for the confusion. The doctor meant because I was still so young. I am 35 and he felt that the lap-band would be better because of that. I had not looked into much about the lap-band and had not even thought about it slipping or anything like that. Thanks for the heads up about that, I will definitely check into it more. I am pretty sure I want to have the RNY done, but I was just wanting opinions. Thanks again. Shawn 304

Shawn, I would suggest you talk to Richard R. on this board. He had lap band surgery and was in the room next to me when I had open RNY. He did fantastic. Dr. Obied and Farhan did his surgery, too. Richard knows his stuff and I am sure would love to chat with you about this surgery. I'd suggest you post a message for him here and I'm sure he'll respond. I know he reads these boards regularly. Good luck to you - either way you go... you're in good hands! Dr. Farhan and Obied did my surgery... and Dr. Obied even wheeled me from the recovery room to my room... they're wonderful! Brandee

Thanks Brandee. I appreciate the info. It was really hard to tell what Dr. Farhan was iike since I only got about 4 or 5 minutes with him (at least that is what it felt like). It was actually probably more like 10 minutes, but he was reading my paperwork most of the time. I have read enough good things about him though and will get other chances to see him, I am sure. Well, thanks again.... Shawn 304

Shawn, I'm also going with Dr. Farhan. I felt like he was really pushing the Lap-Band, but I just know me, and my best chance of success is with RNY. Marie

Marie, That is kind of how I felt too. I just think that for my long term success I need the RNY. I kind of get what he is saying with it being so permanent and me being so young, that it will be many many years of needing vitamins and stuff, but I can live with that if it mean keeping the weight off. I am weak, I taste something I like and I endulge too much in it, or too frequently, I graze a lot too. I need that permante tool from the RNY. I guess I just don't think I will be as successful with the lap-band. Thanks for your input Marie, I really appreciate it. Shawn 304

Hi Shawn, I just finished posting about my own first consult and I too was advised to do the lap-band. My initial feelings were much like yours, and in fact I told the program coordinator that I felt my chances for failing would be much greater with the lap-band. Without the possible built-in behavior modification of dumping, I would have to rely on my own self-discipline much more, I feared. And if I had a LOT of self-discipline, would I be in this situation???? But, I did some more research, and I'm feeling much better about it. I love the fact that my internal "stuff" would remain unchanged, and that I can be back at work fairly quickly. (i love my job!) Not being able to take anti-inflammatory drugs after RNY though, was the clincher. One of the reasons I began looking into WLS is that I'm going to need a total knee replacement next year, and until that happens, and maybe even afterward, I take a lot of those drugs. We all have to make the choice that is right for us and I wish you the best. Just do a LOT of research before you make your final decision. Good luck! Barb

Boy do I know about the knee problems. I had surgery on my right knee in June of last year and I had surgery on my left knee about 3-1/2 weeks ago. I do take anti-inflammatory drugs for my knee right now and occassionally for my fibromyalgia, but I am hoping that with the WLS those things will get better and I won't need them anymore. Tylenol works best on my headaches, so that is not a problem. I guess right now I am really thinking about the RNY. The funny part is that when I emailed my ex and his wife about it, I found out that they are looking into the surgery as well, for both of them. Kind of weird. Too bad they moved from Michigan to Texas a couple years ago or we could help each other out through the proccess. (Yes, we are all good friends now). I just though it was kind of funny that we would all be looking into it at the same time. Shawn 304