Saying "hi"

 Just wanted to say "hi"; I've been lurking for awhile, deciding on whether to have surgery. I had my initial consult with Dr. Adolfo Fernandez at WFUBMC yesterday morning.  I thought I had decided on RNY, but he had some really good points in favor of Lap Band for me. I'm still thinking about it, but I am now on the path toward WLS.   Anyway, just thought I would poke my head up -  Heidi in Lexington

Hi Heidi:      Welcome to the NC boards. Best of luck in making your decision about surgery. It is a life changing event and needs careful thought. I hope that you will come to a decision that is right for you. Glad you have made an appearance here and hope you will post more often. Lisa

Hello Heidi!  Welcome to the boards.  When I went for my first visit, I was going to have lap band but decided to have RNY instead.  LOL  Women.. they just cannot make up their minds!! Welcome and good luck on your path!  

  I was leaning toward RNY because sugar is my drug of choice, and I want the dumping syndrome. However, he said that since I am young (ish) and have no real health problems yet, he encourages Lap Band for people like me.  I don't know - he is the doctor, and I know it is ultimately my decision, but he is the expert. I know my mom will be happy to hear that Lap band is a possibility; RNY completely freaks her out, although she is trying not to show it.   As long as Lap band can get me to the weight I want to be at, then that's my main concern. I know it is slower weight loss, and a lot less invasive, etc.  I have 140 lbs to lose.  LOL - yep, still indecisive!

Hey there, Heidi!!   How are you, neighbor?? We're relatively close by.  I'm in Burlington!!  Welcome to the NC Boards!!   I am a newbie just like yourself and am looking into RNY.  You're a little further along in the process than I am, as my first evaluation is not until February 7th. So, I am very intrigued to hear your story!!  I, too, am hoping for RNY for several reasons. Results, like you said is the main one.  This is going to sound extremely funny coming from a dialysis patient, but I dearly hate needles!!  The idea of having to go in to have a Lapband adjusted by sticking another (@#$%^) needle in really doesn't make me happy at all!!  I want to have the permanent proceedure and not have to worry with it again.  Does that make sense?  Plus, both my Medicare and BC/BS insurance cover it, so there shouldn't be too much out of pocket expense. How/Why did you chose Wake Forest as your WLC?  I was referred to DUKE by my nephrologist (kidney doctor). I've been to Baptist on many occasions, both as a patient and as a visitor, and always had excellent experiences.  Take care of yourself and I hope to hear from you again soon!! Kelly :)

  Burlington is very close - I work in High Point! Glad to hear from you!    Yes, part of why I thought I had decided on RNY was that I only wanted to do this once. So I understand your reasoning!   I know a bunch of people who have gone to Carolina Surgery, but I ended up looking at Dr. F. via the research I did on these boards. Turns out, he's one of the best!  WF is a Center of Excellence, and Dr. F teaches others how to do bariatric surgery. As I was making my next appointment, the appointment maker said, without being asked, "Dr. F is the BEST. He operated on my best friend a few months ago."  I thought that said a LOT.   Choice of surgeon is individual and personal, and we need to be very confident in whoever is going to cut us open! :-)   BTW: I'm the opposite of you. If I watch my own blood being drawn, I pass out! But somehow, the fills for a lap band don't scare me. As long as I don't have to watch the needle go in...!  Heidi  

Hi Heidi -

First of all, welcome to the NC Forum! I hope that you find it as supportive and informational as I have. Please be sure to post any experiences, questions and comments. We all learn so much from one-another.

Second, I would seriously consider looking at what your surgeon had to say re: Lab vs RNY. I had RNY because I have an iron loading disorder that actually benefits from the malabsorption issues associated with the RNY, but I was leaning towards the lap before that. I think that the other thing that really pushed my decision for the RNY was that there seems to be some evidence that with the RNY diabetes is often resolved. I had just being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. In my case, the RNY has done the job for me; my diabetes is resolved and my iron absorption has slowed to a manageable rate. You should also know that most people do not dump with an RNY. While about 40% do, 60% don't ... I don't know if that will have a bearing on your decision or not ... what I'm saying is you could have the malabsorbtion issues and still not have the dumping syndrome to "keep" you from indulging your vice of choice.

It sounds like you are doing your homework and will make a well-informed decision.

I look forward to getting to know you.

All the best,

Barb

Welcome to the boards Heidi!!! I originally wanted LAP but my insurance only covers RNY... blessing in disguise for me.. I had RNY and have never been happier!! best of luck on your journey that lies ahead of you

Darcie