Help Undecided

My insurance company has approved me baratric surgery. I could either do the lapband or gastric. I wanted the lapband and had my surgery set for 3-30, but after meeting with my doctor yesterday I am undecided. He stated he does not feel that the lapband will get me to the goal weight that I need. Also, with my BMI being in the 50's that my increase from problems would be greated and recommended the gastric sleeve as part of a 2 phase process. Has anyone had this procedure done? Help! 

When I started this process my BMI was 47.  I had diabetes, high blood pressure and a whole host of other medical problems because of my weight.  I decided that I wanted a Lapband but after consulting with my surgeon who told me that my weight loss would be better with RNY and the difference it would make considering my diabetes I listened to him and went with the RNY.  I have never regretted that decision.   I have lost 120 pounds to date-no longer have diabetes or high blood pressure and all of my other health issues have melted away with the weight.  Listen to your doctor, pray about it, talk it over with your family and then make your decision.   Do what is best for you.

Thanks for the response! I think I will have the gastric Sleeve done. I have researched it and spoke with mr Dr office and I am thinking it is the best way for me. I know this pre-op diet has about killed me lol! I don't want to cheat and if I am honest with myself, I would admit to being to being tempted. Thanks so much!

There is a forum for people who had the gastric sleeve done. If I were you I would check it out. My BMI was in the 50's too. My surgeon told me that if I wanted to succeed I should choose gastric bypass. He said that the procedures that restrict intake only are NOT the best choice for someone who eats/grazes through out the day. Since you can still drink McDonals milkshakes all day long and never lose any weight. He said that works best for people that are not sweet eaters but only eat too large of meal. If I were you, I would definitely check out the sleeve forum. Good luck!

Thanks! I will read some more on it! I think the sleeve then gastric will be better for me. I know that I would be subject to cheating and want to eliminate  that as much as possible!  I want to be smaller and healthier! Thanks so much for responding.

When I started the process, I wanted lap band as well.  My BMI was only 39, but I have (had) diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesteral.  My surgeon explained that if my goal was to get rid of those medications, that lapband was not the answer.  They recommended Gastric Bypass - never mentioned the sleeve.  Not sure if anyone in this group does that.  I have never heard of any at least.  But, I am very pleased with my results (I am a slow loser) but still happy with results, had no complications and would do this again tomorrow if I needed to.  I no longer take medications for any of my 3 co-morbidities and feel better than I ever have.

BTW... You are not a slow loser... You are doing fine! You have portionately less weight to lose and so it seems slower, but honey, you are farther along than I was at the same point in my journey and you can see that I got it all off...

Congratulations on your success.

Thanks Barbara.   Sorry I won't be meeting you on Saturday at support group, but DH wants to "get outta town", so maybe next time!..

I'm jealous ;-)... It should be a beautiful weekend. I look forward to meeting you soon.

 

I think the biggest issue is (as stated earlier) what type of eater you are.  If you are a "bulk eater" at meal times and not a snacker or grazer (like me), then the LapBand may work for you.  I also had diabetes and was persuaded to look closely at RNY due to the benefits for diabetics.  I have not taken ONE pill/shot/etc for my diabetes since the day BEFORE surgery. 

I also needed something to kick me in the backside if I slipped and ate the wrong foods (think sweets). I NEEDED to dump if I did this, that's just the kind of eater I was.  Unfortunately, I can still eat a goodly amount to unhealthy food with little backlash from the pouch.  :(

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

Jason