Hello from a newbee

Hello, I am new to the board and wanted to introduce myself. I am in the Akron Ohio area and very excited that I have been approved for surgery through United Health Care. Although, I have an 80/20 plan with an extremely high deductable, so I expect to pay between 4-7K out of pocket for this surgery. My surgery is going to be scheduled sometime at the end of the year so I can be off work during the holiday.    I have thought about the surgery over the past few years but never did anything more then researching on the internet. Recently a good friend had the lap-band and she got me pointed in the right direction. I have decided to have the RNY. I really can not pinpoint the exact reason for going with RNY but I feel it is the right thing for me. That said, I am scared and wonder if I am making the right decision to have RNY over the Lap-Band. I know this decision is personal choice for most, but I am curious as to why you made to decision you made. Maybe your sharing could help me to understand if I am making the right decision and they are for the right reasons. Also, how long were you off work after surgery if you had RNY?    Thanks!

hi RSmom. i haven't had my surgery yet but i was wanting to have the lap-band too, but all my docotors said being diabatic and the way i love food, that the RYN would be better for me. plus with the lad-band there is more upkeep on it, plus a better chance you could gain your weight back. well thats my 2c.

I'm an old timer around here so here's my take on WLS.
You have to do what is right for you and the way you eat.
For me I knew I NEVER wanted the band I know I could eat around it so to speak.
For me I didn't like the BP/DS, maybe I just didn't do enough research but from the info I recieved at the time it wasn't for me.
That left (at that time) RNY. I like the thought of dumping even though not all RNYer dump. I wanted to learn how to eat smaller and healthier.  I just knew it was the right one for me.
Now there are many other WLS out there and it sounds like you have done your research. What is right for your friend might not be right for you.  Like I said you have to look at HOW and WHY you over eat and then you can get the right WLS FOR YOU.
Good Luck,
Robin

Hey there Akron girl!!!!------I too hail from good ol' Akron.  I just had my surgery 3 weeks ago at Akron city hospital.  I chose the RNY for a couple of reasons.  I needed a tool that would not allow me to have sugar.  secondly my doc. said that in the lap-band, you will be more hungry, and I didn't want to deal with that.  I feel I made the right decision.  Good luck with your new journey.
     Looks like we go to the same baratric clinic, whoo hoo,  I had Dr. Dan do my operation.  He is super sweet, and don't you just love the girls in the office, they are so positive and upbeat!!

I am so impressed with everyone at Akron City with all the pre-op testing.  They have been very organized and things have gone very well. 
After reading everyone's responce, I have now confirmed that I will have the RNY.  It is the best choice for me. 

So how are you feeling three weeks out?

I'm feeling pretty good, I started my pureed this week, so still adjusting to that.  I had some complications at the hospital, so it took me a little longer to recover.  But my case was rare, and I'm glad to be feeling better now.

Hi

I decided on VSG, after my doctor talked to me in length about the other surgeries. It was the right fit for me.  The weight came off so quickly and never feeling hungry, just have to keep up the protein.  The removal of 85% of your stomach makes you lose weight without really trying cause of the no hunger issue.  Definitely not lapband as it needs too many adjustments and many many people have had a revision after they had the band for a while.  The sleeve, I feel, was the best decision for me and it has been amazing.  From a size 16 to a size 8 and fallling.  I also feel so great and so much energy.  Good luck on your decision.

Kathy

You should actually learn all you can about the big 4 procedures: RNY (gastric bypass), LapBand, Duodenal Switch (DS) and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG).  I know that UHC pays for the first three, not sure about the VSG. Each of these works differently, which is good because we are obese for different reasons. 

The next thing you want to do is look to yourself and your weight history. Why is it that you are obese? Compare that reason to find the procedure that will serve you best. I’ll give you my history as an example. I’ve done every fad diet since I was about 12 years old. Mom and I did it together. Extreme diets would plateau my gaining, but I just wouldn’t lose anything. For this, I just knew I needed more than the restriction only procedures (LapBand and VSG). I had to change the way my body metabolized food. I selected the DS to hit my own body with both barrels and the best chances at success than any other procedure.

Once you've done all of that and you really KNOW why you selected the procedure you did, only then should you select a surgeon, for most don't do all of the choices, and are likely to talk you into a procedure that they do.  Know what you want and why you want it so you're not easily swayed