to pay or not to pay

OK...got a scenario for you all...I'm sure it's been addressed here before, but I'm a newbie. Suppose you are fairly healthy meaning either lap band or RNY would be options available to you. Insurance...despite the best of strategies will not cover band proceedure but will cover RNY. Anyone with RNY that regret the decision not to go with band? Anyone out there that has been banded for awhile that regrets not doing RNY. I have read and talked pros and cons to death....wanted to get some real persepctive from those who have mede these decisions. Thanks for your help...I also enjoy reading through all your posts when I'm here! Stephanie

I had open RNY it was the best choice I made. I had heart problems I could not walk ten steps without feeling tired and short of breath, Now I am one month out. I am walking 2 miles a day. I am doing great. Lost 34 pounds. This surgery saved my life. Thank god i had it barb

It took me 2 years to decide to have the surgery, then 2 years jumping through hoops to get it. Eating is no longer important in my life. I choose carefully what I will eat. I can't explain how much this surgery has done for me personally. The thing is, you seem to want the lap band. I am so sure that most people who are losing and happy will respond to your post and that could be RNY and lap band. I have no regrets, but if you know the pros and cons, go with your heart.

Stephanie, I had RNY surgery on June 1st. I have no regrets! I am 51 and feel that I can live with my decision for the rest of my life. If I were younger.....I think I would have opted for the lap band procedure. If you want children then it is easier to work with the band and get the proper nutrition. Also no mal absorption factors to deal with. I really think that you have to look at your life/life style and see what will work best for you. Neither are magic cures.....but tools to help you lose your weight and keep it off. Good luck in whatever your decision is! It is well worth it! 320/169/goal 130 Sue

Oh my goodness Sue - You are my hero!! Only 29lbs to go till you are at goal!! You go girl!!! Love - Stacey

Hi Stephanie, I had the lap-band done and I don't regret it for a second. I felt so good just 2 days after surgery - it was like I didn't even have anything done. I have had no complications and have been losing 10-12 pounds a month, a number I am quite happy with. I had to self-pay for the surgery and I would have found the means to do it come hell or high water. It was the only option for me. I hope you are able to come to a decision, let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Melissa

I had RNY-have not regretted it one bit and joined the century club today at 6.5 months out! Banding wasn't an option for me, I didn't want anything I could go back on...I am like the girl in the cell phone commercial, "I realized I had no self control....wayyyyy tooooo laaaatttee." Good luck! Becky R 254/154/145!!!!

I had rny june 04 best desision i ever made. I am very happy with it. lost 125 lbs and dont want to loose anymore. Pattie

Stephanie, The lap band wasnt a good option for me. Being a yo yo dieter I thought it was too temporary of a solution for me. I chose the lap RNY and have not regretted it for one minute. I know this is a lifestyle change I will have to live with for the rest of my life and that is fine with me. I do well with pretty much everything I eat and have lost 132 pounds now since May 6th 2005. I love my new life and moving pain free. Breathing like a human instead of panting is a perk too... And if I hadnt had the surgery and lost the weight I never would of found the lump in my breast. I am still waiting for results for the ultrasounds and mammagrams in both breasts. They found something suspicious in the other breast as well. So We wait and pray for good news. Love and hugs, Laura

Laura I've been reading most of the posts and have been watching for what you have to say about your breat lump. Just wanted you to know that i'm praying for you. Thanks to all of you who have posted on this thread, your inpout was very helpful and very appreciative! Stephanie