Just wondering

How did you decide what surgery was right for you? I have decided on the RNY as the Surgeon I am using only does the RNY and the lap band.  I know I will not be successful with the lap band. I need the restrictions and malabsoption that comes from the RNY.  Also, why is B12 so important to and RNYer?
emily

I decided on the lap RNY after a lot of research and visiting with my surgeon as to what procedure was best for ME.  I was like you in that I KNOW that I couldn't be successful with a lap band and I needed something that would force me to be compliant.

You don't EVER want to get behind on the B12.  That will cause all kinds of problems with us.  My son is also a physician and is always questioning me about my B12 levels.  He said once we get behind on that it's really hard to catch up.  I will try to get the data  on that and send it  on to you.

Debbie

I decided on RNY over lap band for the same reasons.  I need the tool of the RNY.  I like to eat sweets.  I am hoping the RNY will break me of that.  I have read other peoples journals in my research and they said they had it for the same reasons.  I know going into this I will be changing everything about the way I eat.  I have started making smart food choices now.  The closer I get to surgery I will REALLY have to change a lot about me.  I am more conscious about how fast I eat and chew.  That is the scariest thing for me as far as eating too fast and not chewing enough.  I am going to depend on my tool and make smart choices. 

Mary, here is some information regarding B-12 that I copied from an internet article:

What happens if my vitamin B-12 level is low? You might not have any symptoms if your vitamin B-12 level is just a little bit low. However, a very low vitamin B-12 level can cause anemia, depression, dementia or a serious problem with your nervous system.

Some people with low vitamin B-12 also have high levels of homocystein, an amino acid (a building block of protein) in the blood. If you have both of these problems, you may have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Can I just take one multivitamin pill every day to raise a low vitamin B-12 level?

No. Multi-vitamins do not contain enough vitamin B-12 to raise a low level. To get enough vitamin B-12, you will need to take vitamin B-12 supplements.

You can also get shots of vitamin B-12. Usually, these shots are given every one to two days for about two weeks. After this a shot is given once every month.

"Research has shown, however, that in most instances oral B-12 is just as effective as costly and painful intramuscular injections. We recommend that oral B-12 be the treatment of choice in the majority of patients with B-12 deficiency."