Why did you choose the surgery you are pursing, or have?

Just general interest kind of question.... I'd love to know ALL of your thoughts - regardless of which surgery you are pursuing or have. Blessings, dina BPD/DS July 2, 2002 Dr. Aniceto Baltasar in Alcoy, Spain SW: 365 lbs, BMI 64 CW: 160 lbs, BMI 25.8 GW: 130 lbs, BMI 23 Read my story at: http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Dina/dina.html See my photos in the Photo Gallery at http://www.bodybybaltasar.com/

Well, I was very interested in the DS but now that I had the open rny I am very happy with it. I think it probably was a better choice for me. Dumping is a really great deterrant. I considered both the DS and the lap rny locally but my insurance was a complete no-go. I thought that was the end of the road for me, then I started talking to an old friend (Linda Dale, CJ Cody's sister) and she told me all about Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada, Mexico. I read all I could about him and couldn't feel more confident, so I got my surgery date and headed to Mexico. It is good to note: I DON'T DO SUCH THINGS. I am about as careful and cautious as they come, but this was just something I was led by God to do. It was a breeze for me, really. I was very surprised at how good I felt and how good I feel now. I had no pain and I have no regrets whatsoever. BTW, Dina - I have to tell you that I've read your profile and your website many times and I cannot get over how much younger you look now than in your before pictures. For some people, fat just ages them, while for others it smooths out wrinkles. You really look like you had about 15 years taken off of you along with that weight! Also read your profile and see you lost another 20 lbs - WAY TO GO! You should celebrate with a new After photo! Dina (the OTHER Dina! )

I thought I would throw my 2 cents into the pot as well! I had Lap RNY and I have 5 3/4" scars, my healing was amazing, I never even felt like I had anything done. I did have displaced gas on day 3, and that was the most painful part of the whole process! I'm almost 3 mo. post op and 50 lbs. lighter, and have more energy than I have had in years! I must tell you though, I had a friend who was self-pay and she had the band. 9 days later it ulserated and had to have it removed, $12,000.oo down the shoot. She has regained all of her weight and is suffering from deep depression. So I do think that which one you choose is important, I choose mine because it was the least invasive and healing was quicker. And it was a permanent solution to a lifelong problem. P.S. she was pressured into the band because of the cheaper price, beware...but I know there are sucesses out there too.

Hi Catherine, I just had to ask you.........did your friend that had the band, have the LAP-BAND surgery? Who did her/his surgery? I think also it has to do with the skill of the surgeon. I have heard a few complications of the LAP-BAND but they are mostly fixable or reversible. I have not made my mind up on which one I will have but I have heard that the LAP-BAND at least if there was complications they can try to correct them. I am considering the LAP RNY because I think my Insurance will not cover the lap-band, but we will see..... OK....there's my 2.5 cents worth........**lol** Nadine

I would like LAP BPD/DS because it appears to have the best long-term success and because at the onset, you have a more normal lifestyle as far as quantity limitation, 6oz instead of 1-2oz. My second choice would be LAP RNY. Both of these options look to have few complications and a good, steady loss history. I don't feel comfortable with the band because there seems to be a frequent requirement for adjustments. As I haven't yet met with my surgeon, their input may have an affect on my decision. Michele