Lap-band? oh my... changing gears

I just had my first consultation with GT Surgery and it was quite an experience. The staff are great and the doctor was down to earth, but they threw me for a loop! I have been researching and preparing for Roux-en-Y, but I was told that I am NOT a good candidate after all. Seems that as a person who has had life-long arthritis (diagnosed with theumatoid at 2 years old), it would not be the wisest thing to try and live without anti-imflammatory drugs for the rest of my life. At first, I was very disappointed because I most of the information I have read said that lap-band is not as effective as bypass. But it seems that statistics have a way of changing as time goes on, and many patients are quite successful. As the nutritionist told me, "So, if you don't get 100 pounds off in 1 year, you'll do it in 2." I am concerned that it appears I will be one of their "inaugural" patients as the practice will first being doing the procedure in September. Just about the time I'll be through with all my pre-op testing. They seem so thorough there though, that I'm only a LITTLE concerned. Anyways.... I'd love to hear from anyone who has had lap-band elsewhere and how it's going. Thanks for listening! Barb

Hi Barb, I haven't done anything yet. I had originally thought of the Lap Band, and then decided to go with RNY because I didn't think I'd be as successful with the band. But I have heard from some that with the band it just takes longer, and others say you don't lose as much. But if that's your only option, I say "Go for it!!" My concern would be not having someone who's done a lot of them. If I were you I'd research surgeons in my area that were very experienced with it. I don't mean to throw a wrench into the mix, but that's what I would do. I, personally, wouldn't want to be one of the firsts. And, in case you didn't know, there is a lap band forum. A lot of folks there have had good successes.

Hi - a couple of things. One...I put up a post on the main board today you might find useful in your thinking on various forms of WLS. It compares the similarities between the various kinds. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/board_id,4856/cat_id,4456/topic_id,3054911/a,messag eboard/action,replies/#23437611 Also, I'd like to suggest you post also to the lap band forum here at obesityhelp - it's a very active and friendly board and I'm sure you'll get a lot of responses to your questions. You can find it by clicking the forums tab up top and then choose Lap Band from the Surgery Types Forums list. Best of luck in your endeavors! And you are MOST welcome to continue posting on the mainboard as well - just that you'll find more of those with your surgery type on the other forum. ~Tooter