Seriously considering RNY over lapband
Hi everyone,
I just had my appointment with Dr. F and everything went well. I see the surgeon Sept 21.
Going in, I was 99.5% set on the lapband. Now, given my own individual health, lifestyle and preferences, I am seriously leaning toward RNY. If the only way to get RNY was the open procedure, I would definitely do lapband, hands down. However, with the laproscopic RNY and the apparent additional health benefits I would get from the procedure, the RNY is looking like the way to go for me at this phase in my life (again, if I was, say, 10 years younger) lapband would be the route to go.
The only issue I may have is convincing my DH. He has just warmed up to me having lapband. Ultimately, it is my body and my health but it would be good to have his full support.
Has anyone out there been set on one surgery (and dead set against another) but then, as you became more educated, changed your mind? thanks, Suzette
I just had my appointment with Dr. F and everything went well. I see the surgeon Sept 21.
Going in, I was 99.5% set on the lapband. Now, given my own individual health, lifestyle and preferences, I am seriously leaning toward RNY. If the only way to get RNY was the open procedure, I would definitely do lapband, hands down. However, with the laproscopic RNY and the apparent additional health benefits I would get from the procedure, the RNY is looking like the way to go for me at this phase in my life (again, if I was, say, 10 years younger) lapband would be the route to go.
The only issue I may have is convincing my DH. He has just warmed up to me having lapband. Ultimately, it is my body and my health but it would be good to have his full support.
Has anyone out there been set on one surgery (and dead set against another) but then, as you became more educated, changed your mind? thanks, Suzette
Ultimately Suzette, it is your decision. You need to do what is best. I had lap band at 50 years old. I have never regretted my decision. I thought long and hard and did a lot of reading, and came to the decision that lap band was more for me. There were other non personal issues also that figured into my decision, like time off of work and such. I have known many who have changed their mind from one to the other, each way. You do what is best for you, and what will be more successful for you. It is your health and your body. Talk to your DH, he will understand. The more educated you both are, the better.
Good luck
Good luck
Suzette,
I opted for RNY for the the extra health reasons as well. I was told it would probably cure my diabetes...and it did. If your DH has warmed up to the lapband there is good chance they would be just as happy with RNY...it boils down to them seeing that you are comfortable with your decision and why you chose one over the other. Sometimes they are not warming up to one over the other but WLS in general. No one on this sight can make this decision for you and you will find just as many satisfied lapbanders as RNYers.....make yourself a list of pros and cons and research both.....a lot of people change their minds...thats part of why we go through the preop program.
Goodluck and follow your gut instincts.
Rhonda
I opted for RNY for the the extra health reasons as well. I was told it would probably cure my diabetes...and it did. If your DH has warmed up to the lapband there is good chance they would be just as happy with RNY...it boils down to them seeing that you are comfortable with your decision and why you chose one over the other. Sometimes they are not warming up to one over the other but WLS in general. No one on this sight can make this decision for you and you will find just as many satisfied lapbanders as RNYers.....make yourself a list of pros and cons and research both.....a lot of people change their minds...thats part of why we go through the preop program.
Goodluck and follow your gut instincts.
Rhonda
While I certainly wasn't "against" RNY when I started out on my journey, I started out thinking I wanted to have the lap band. However, the more I researched the more convinced I was that RNY was a better choice for me. One of the deciding factors was the on-going maintanence of fills and the potential of someday not having that cost covered by insurance. I am very happy with my decision to have had the RNY, but only you can make the decision of which surgery is right for you. Be sure to do your research and make your decision based on what is best for YOU. My husband had concerns about my having the RNY but after listening to my reasons for chosing bypass, he supported my decsion 100%. I hope your husband will be just as supportive with whatever path you chose to take.
~Donna
~Donna
Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like nobody's watching!
Hi Suzette,
Good for you for REALLY thinking about your options ahead of time. I had the lap band done in March after several months of thinking about it. Primarily I did not feel I could take the time off work required for RNY and as the only one working in my house, I did not want to take the risk of any complications. I'm happy with the lapband, but if I had to do it over again, I would choose RNY. I've had 3 fills and haven't yet gotten to where I feel the band is really working yet. I believe it is helping me not put back on what I've lost, but it hasn't met my expectations as far as helping me feel full. I am hungry all the time. I hear from RNY patients that they are not hungry at all.
If for any reason I have to be opened back up...I'll ask to have the conversion to RNY.
Positives I have to give credit for though: I'm off all diabetes meds, cut my blood pressure meds in half and I can DO so much more!! I was almost crippled in my obesity before, now I am so active!
Best wishes whichever way you go!! I'm hoping in the next fill or two to find that sweet spot they keep talking about.
Diane
Good for you for REALLY thinking about your options ahead of time. I had the lap band done in March after several months of thinking about it. Primarily I did not feel I could take the time off work required for RNY and as the only one working in my house, I did not want to take the risk of any complications. I'm happy with the lapband, but if I had to do it over again, I would choose RNY. I've had 3 fills and haven't yet gotten to where I feel the band is really working yet. I believe it is helping me not put back on what I've lost, but it hasn't met my expectations as far as helping me feel full. I am hungry all the time. I hear from RNY patients that they are not hungry at all.
If for any reason I have to be opened back up...I'll ask to have the conversion to RNY.
Positives I have to give credit for though: I'm off all diabetes meds, cut my blood pressure meds in half and I can DO so much more!! I was almost crippled in my obesity before, now I am so active!
Best wishes whichever way you go!! I'm hoping in the next fill or two to find that sweet spot they keep talking about.
Diane
I have a friend who went through the process with me and was set on the lap band, primarily due to time off from work. She realized about 1 month prior to surgery that RNY was a better fit for her due to her personal habits and preferences. She did end up switching to RNY and has done fantastic. She only ended up with a little over a week off from work, and scheduled it a week before a holiday week to fit her schedule better.
I initially wanted lap band but after much research realized that RNY was better for me due to grazing and liking sweets. I also have two acquaintances with lap band that led to minimal weight loss. I wanted more of a "sure thing" -- the speed of the loss was less important to me than the long term success. The final decision was when I asked my doctor what he thought and he said if he had his preferences everyone would have bypass -- he thinks it is a much better procedure. Going through the process, I have met many people at support groups with the lap band who are doing fantastic, so perhaps my 2 acquaintances did not use their tool as they should have! The lap band is great for a lot of people, but I do not regret my decision at all, RNY has worked incredibly well for me. If you do get the lap band, you might be lucky and get good restriction with a fill or two. If not, keep at it because it takes some people many adjustments to get it right.
I initially wanted lap band but after much research realized that RNY was better for me due to grazing and liking sweets. I also have two acquaintances with lap band that led to minimal weight loss. I wanted more of a "sure thing" -- the speed of the loss was less important to me than the long term success. The final decision was when I asked my doctor what he thought and he said if he had his preferences everyone would have bypass -- he thinks it is a much better procedure. Going through the process, I have met many people at support groups with the lap band who are doing fantastic, so perhaps my 2 acquaintances did not use their tool as they should have! The lap band is great for a lot of people, but I do not regret my decision at all, RNY has worked incredibly well for me. If you do get the lap band, you might be lucky and get good restriction with a fill or two. If not, keep at it because it takes some people many adjustments to get it right.
Hi! Though I can be a "volume" eater and the band is perfect for modifying those behaviours, I am much more so a sweet eater. The very fact that chocolate and ice cream, two of my favorite foods, are "slider" foods moving easily past the band was a huge concern. I am aware this is a tool but the thought of "dumping", from what I have read, is not a pleasant thought at all and enough of a deterent to avoid high sweet, high fat foods.
Another reason I decided against the band, as silly as it may seem, is that I am a big baby when it comes to needles. I emotionally freak out at the thought of an IV and in fact, I consider getting an IV put in the WORST part of the surgical process. I know that fills aren't painful for most people but I worry about being in the minority where it could be...and the thought of a needle in my belly...well, you get the picture. :)
Another reason I decided against the band, as silly as it may seem, is that I am a big baby when it comes to needles. I emotionally freak out at the thought of an IV and in fact, I consider getting an IV put in the WORST part of the surgical process. I know that fills aren't painful for most people but I worry about being in the minority where it could be...and the thought of a needle in my belly...well, you get the picture. :)
Thanks for all the input!
Diane, I think Bamma is correct in that with the band, not enough time has passed. From the literature I've read, it could take 6 months to a year to find the "sweet spot" though for some it is sooner and others later. Certainly, the time off work is a consideration; however, I am fortunate enough that my job has short tem disability 100% paid and being out for an RNY would qualify.
In a way, I am "disappointed" with myself that, due to my health and life cir****tances, lapband would not be the best option for me. I feel disappointed that it is not 10 years earlier when I know that I could have successfully worked the band; and now, I am facing major surgery, rearrangement of my internal plumbing in order to get healthy. (We women just can't help but beat ourselves up.)
At almost 45 years old, I am pre-diabetic, borderline high cholesterol, beginning to suffer joint aches and pains after years of morbid obesity and have a gradual worsening of my asthma. Yes, I work out 3 times per week in a gym, and I can go skiing for half a day at Pat's Peak but for how long? Each year it gets harder. Not only that but couple that with my stressful, sedentary job, a DH who has numerous health issues (and interestingly, could very well be a band candidate) and raising 3 teenage sons (one who is about to go off to college) plus the fact that I will most certainly be facing menopause in the next 5 years or so.....well, the flashing red lights are blinking wildly at me.
Considering all of these factors, I have decided RNY is right for me.
Diane, I think Bamma is correct in that with the band, not enough time has passed. From the literature I've read, it could take 6 months to a year to find the "sweet spot" though for some it is sooner and others later. Certainly, the time off work is a consideration; however, I am fortunate enough that my job has short tem disability 100% paid and being out for an RNY would qualify.
In a way, I am "disappointed" with myself that, due to my health and life cir****tances, lapband would not be the best option for me. I feel disappointed that it is not 10 years earlier when I know that I could have successfully worked the band; and now, I am facing major surgery, rearrangement of my internal plumbing in order to get healthy. (We women just can't help but beat ourselves up.)
At almost 45 years old, I am pre-diabetic, borderline high cholesterol, beginning to suffer joint aches and pains after years of morbid obesity and have a gradual worsening of my asthma. Yes, I work out 3 times per week in a gym, and I can go skiing for half a day at Pat's Peak but for how long? Each year it gets harder. Not only that but couple that with my stressful, sedentary job, a DH who has numerous health issues (and interestingly, could very well be a band candidate) and raising 3 teenage sons (one who is about to go off to college) plus the fact that I will most certainly be facing menopause in the next 5 years or so.....well, the flashing red lights are blinking wildly at me.
Considering all of these factors, I have decided RNY is right for me.
. Let us know when your surgery is!!!Most Active
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