Newbie

I also decided on the lap band because there was no way that I was going to cut my stomach and just leave it in my abdomen. I know that they say that it continues to serve a purpose, but I like the idea of something that is adjustable. You don't have to wait as long to get pregnant (which is a huge plus for me) and you dont have as many nutritional risks, recovery time, or chance of infection. I'm sure people who have had bypass have many reasons to not go with the band, i'm just stating why I am going with the band. Those of you who have had RNY or lap band or any other WLS that I have seen on here or heard from are doing great and you truly inspire me. 1 suggestion if you go with the band...if i were you i would go with someone who has done the band surgery many times, If I read right I understand Dr. Myers is relatively new at this procedure. I want someone who can do this surgery with their eyes closed if they had to. Good luck!! Angela

Hi Laniya I decided to go with laparoscopic gastric bypass. I weighed all my options and I feel it was best for me to do it that way. The lap band does gives you more allowances from what I've read, but thats exactly what I don't want. I neeeeeed those restrictions lol seriously, just me personally it was the best option. Read up on all of them and see whats best for you. I wish you the best of luck and hopefully we'll be on the losers bench together!!!!

I am so happy to hear that you are investigating all of your options. I too did the same thing. I am from Ohio but moved to Florida at a young age (14.) My insurance company denied me and I knew after all of my research that RNY was the route for me. Had I chosen to self-pay it would have cost close to $30,000 out of pocket when all was said and done, so my husband and I researched surgeons out of the country. I hated doing it, but financially I had no other options. I ended up going to Mexico and saved $13,000. It was the best decision I have ever made. My anniversary date is next week and I will be one year out. I started out at 281 lbs and I am now at 150 and in a size 12. I don't look sick and get complimented daily. I have never felt better. I have so much energy. I would never have believed that it would be like this. The key issue is, whatever route you take, be sure to get your protein in every day, drink your water and make sure you excercise. This will help you from looking sickly and help from hair loss!! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to talk about the new, healthy, happy me! God bless all of you! Hugs, Traci Baylon

Hi LaNiya , Welcome to the board. In deciding what surgery to have. I would say my doctors opinion was very important. What did he think would benefit me the most. I trusted him and his team to help me decide. Sometimes you have to step back from all this information for a few days because it can become overwheling. Leave no questions you have unanswered and you will feel good with your decision. There's all kinds of support here........so stick around gayle

Hi LaNiya. I feel that deciding what option is for you is such a personal decision and one that you should NOT make lightly. I have actually thought about, researched and talked to as many people with weight issues I could to help me decide. It took me 5 YEARS!!! But here I am. I am scheduled to have the Laproscopic RYN on Monday 2/26. I chosen the RYN b/c for me the lap band said you are committed to the hospital every 6 weeks or so to be adjusted (Im not sure exactly what the exact time frame that you have to go back is but I knew it was way to frequent for me). Most importantly I chose not to have the the Lap Band b/c it could be reversed which translated to me "you can get morbidly obese again." I don't ever want to be where Im at right now. NEVER! I need the irreversible controls of the smaller stomach and the RYN. But that is what I feel is best for me. Not everyone may feel that way. For me having kids is not that huge of an issue b/c I have been very blessed with two that I thought I could never have (I had fertility problems) but I can see that this could be a catalyst to sway someone in one direction vs the other. Also, keep in mind, some insurance companies impose a "1 per lifetime" limitation on weight loss surgery. So I figured if my insurance company (I work in HR for an auto insurance company that underwrites our own health insurance) only pays for "one per lifetime" I better get done what I need to have done the first time. Be sure you check with your HR Dept or Insurance company and be sure that you completely understand you policy and what it covers and what it excludes. I also chose the Laproscopic 75% b/c recovery time is faster, its less evasive and 25% for vanity reasons. I just don't want the 6" scar. I know that sounds incredibly vane and I have no grand dellusions of wearing "Hoochie Mama" or extremely reveling clothes afterwards (Im just a little to modest for that behavior) but I just don't want the scar. If the Dr has to end up opening me than so be it but since I have a choice at this point, I chose the Laproscopic. Im just being honest about my reasons. That's why I said at the outset it is such a personal decision and every person will have their own reasons for chosing what they feel is best for them and squaring that with their own conscience. Well, best wishes to you and for what ever you choose. Ultimately it is your decision. Please feel free to contact me if you wish. :wave: