Calling all sharers!

Greetings! My name is Joanna, and I'm in the final stages of my pre-surgery process. My problem is that I still can't make my mind up as to which surgery to have (my two options are the RNY and the LapBand). I vacillate, vacillate, vacillate! I'm 27, 233 lbs (250 at beginning of WLS process in mid-summer 2004, highest weight 273 six years ago, been struggling with weight all of my life), 5'5'', and looking to have kids 1-3 years from now (so being able to have successful pregnancy extremely crucial--the crux of everything in fact). I'm an emotional eater, occasional binges, tend to overeat at night. Have a lot of support from my husband. This is me. Of course I'm not asking anyone to tell me what surgery to have; rather, I'm just looking for people to SHARE their STORIES! What surgery did you have and why? What kind of success (or lack thereof) have you had? How do you feel about your life now? Please, please, please SHARE YOUR STORIES with me, especially in relation to the RNY and the LapBand. I have to make my mind up within the next 7-10 days, so please respond with YOUR STORY as soon as you can! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! Joanna (P.S. I'd love to get stories via e-mail: [email protected])

Well I have to say I had the RNY I researched it for 2 years and I decided it was the one for me. I did not want the band for fear I would go back to my old habits ad I knew with the RNY I wouldn't. I have to say I have been very sucessful I am 7 months out and I have lost a total of 96 pounds ( 4 lbs from my goal!) I was 247 lbs when I went in for the surgery. I would do it again without a thought. My life is so much healthier and happier. I have more energy and I feel so good about myself! I have to say this is something you have to decide because this is a life change for the rest of your life! Good luck on your journey and please keep us posted on how thing are going for you. Evelyn

I had open RNY on 4/6/04 and have lost a total of 117 pounds! 308/193/??

Joanna The difference for me was that my doc said if you are a sweets eater the band will not work because sweets go right through the band. SO RNY became my choice because I knew I totally love sweets. It is important to be honest with yourself. Good luck with your decision. It's hard but worth it to me already! Tina

I had RNY (Distal), and I chose not to have the lap band because you can cheat (eat sweets) with the band. I also understand that there is more possibilities of complications with the band slipping and some other things I cant think about right now, and you have to keep going to the doc for adjustments, but that's my opinion the choice to have any kind of WLS is very personal, I am sure you will make the right one that fits your needs, It took me almost 2 years to be comfortable with my choice of WLS. Albert

Joanna- I am less than 2 weeks out. I chose Laproscopic RNY. I had researched it for over 3 years. I knew it was huge decision. I thought about lap band, but frankly knew the results were better with RNY. I am done having children so that was not something I needed to factor in. I will tell you that many many women have successfuly RNY and go on to have healthy babies. I do believe there may even be a message board about post op pregnancy, you may want to check that out. I can tell you that in my 2 weeks out I have lost over 11 pounds so far. I too am an emotional eater, binge, and late night is my fave. I do not do any of that because I know I cannot do it. These issues do not just go away, it is something I will need to work on, and I think if you know that going in, you are huge step ahead of the game. Good luck making your decision. I know it is difficult. Janet

Joanna, I was in the same boat as you are last year. I originally started out wanting the lap-band in Sept 2003 is when I had my first consult with my surgeon at that time I weighed in at 243. I did the tests required by the surgeon for the lap-band and then it was submitted to BC/BS for an approval (I have HMO Blue) and then denied it. It was then sent to the Inamed company(makers of the lap-band) and they appealed the decision. Well after my information being lost three times they denied it again. That put me into March 2004 at which time I decided that even if I won an external appeal I would not be able to pay out of pocket to have the fills done and what point was the use of a tool that doesnt work. I then called my surgeon and asked to switch to the RNY and he agreed so I finished some tests that he requires for the RNY. My information was again submitted to my insurance and they approved it with in a week. So in May 2004, now weighing in at 229, I had my surgery. I have not had any major problems and would do this again in a heartbeat. Starting everything I had been taking two high blood pressure pills and had reflux so bad that I was on three prescription pills and I still had reflux really bad. Since surgery I no longer take any pills, other than my vitamins. Not only have I gotten healthy but I also have gotten down to 133 pounds. As far as I am concerned I am at goal for me so what ever else comes off is just extra. Best of luck with your decision and know that which ever surgery you have that it will help you get to a better healthier life. Teri

I researched for about a year before I had it. I chose the RNY (150 cm - near distal), but in hindsight, would have chosen the duodenal switch. It has restrictive properties, but not as much dumping issues, and for some reason seems to have much better long term results. I have to take supplements either way. Actually, I don't really dump at all. I think I have twice. And I am one of those unfortunate souls that seems to have a large pouch, which means that a lot of this is sheer willpower. Which I've realized is really what it all comes down to. And contrary to what I read at times, I've learned from my various doctors that you CAN build up a tolerance to sweets, and eventually not dump anymore if you work at it. I know two people who have had the lap band, and they've done exceptionally well. It all is a matter of your frame of mind. Just make sure you work on your mental issues surrounding food to ensure that you have the best success possible. Best of luck.

Hi Everyone! Thanks a lot for sharing! I really appreciate hearing what everyone had to say. Could I just ask one more question? I heard from someone who had RNY here in my area that she has great discomfort (even now 7 months after the surgery) every time she eats, and she can't move for at least 60 minutes after eating. She said she couldn't imagine being pregnant after having had a RNY. Do any of you have pain after eating? What do you think about pregnancy? I've heard conflicting stories. Please help! Thanks again! Joanna

I am scheduled for surgery thiw Wednesday December 1st and I can't wait. I will have open RNY and I researched every surgery and every doctor in my area before making my decision. I felt this was the best choice for me. That is what it boils down to, what is best for you. As far as having kids go it was not an issue for me since I have already had a hysterectomy a while ago. RNY gives you the best chance for success and you don't need alot of visits for adjustments of the band. Good luck in your research and your decision. As long as it is the best for you , you will do fine Kathi