Lap Band vs RNY
That exact same thing happened with my mom and her thyroid. She is pre-op and has a surgery date early November... but in February, her Dr. made a drastic change in her meds (because he also thought her anti-depressents were making her numbers incorrect) and she's lost 65lbs. She now actually considering NOT haveing surgery.
As far as the vites go... I thought it was going to be hard to remember them. I was able to find a app for my Blackberry that I just plug in what to take and when and it reminds me. It has been such a huge help! Remind me - I'll show it to you when I see you tomorrow.
As far as the vites go... I thought it was going to be hard to remember them. I was able to find a app for my Blackberry that I just plug in what to take and when and it reminds me. It has been such a huge help! Remind me - I'll show it to you when I see you tomorrow.
... I trust my soul, my only goal is just to be.
High / Surgery / Current / Goal
241 / 229 / 143 / 120
High / Surgery / Current / Goal
241 / 229 / 143 / 120
I am a lightweight too :) I initially thought that because of my lightweight status I'd go lapband. I spoke to my PCP and together we decided RNY was better given my lifestyle and goals. First, I gained all my weight in college and beyond. I am not an emotional or binge eater...it was more a situation where I was underfed while living at home and when I had control of my food, I ate but never knew how to eat "normally" - I later gained those skills but the weight was on and I have never been able to lose it. My PCP reasoned that getting the weight off quickly would be best for me and then my lifestyle and eating habits were already to where I'd keep it off. He also wasn't a fan of the band for me simply because of the need for fills and the length of time to potentially reach the "sweet spot." He knew I'd get frustrated. One of the things that was important to me was not to constantly feel "hungry" - I would have given up if that had happened.
I have an extremely active lifestyle...I work, go to grad school, my DH just had a heart transplant and we have a son with autism who is ALWAYS on the go! I have to tell you this was the best decision for me. I have lost 45# to date and while my relationship with food will never be the same...food has never played a huge role in my life so I really don't focus on that. I am never hungry - not the gnawing, GOTTAEATNOW feeling I always had on WW when I obsessed about food constantly!!! I just want to be the girl in my head who is the skinny girl I always was. RNY was the best choice for me to accomplish that.
Good luck!
Sharon
I have an extremely active lifestyle...I work, go to grad school, my DH just had a heart transplant and we have a son with autism who is ALWAYS on the go! I have to tell you this was the best decision for me. I have lost 45# to date and while my relationship with food will never be the same...food has never played a huge role in my life so I really don't focus on that. I am never hungry - not the gnawing, GOTTAEATNOW feeling I always had on WW when I obsessed about food constantly!!! I just want to be the girl in my head who is the skinny girl I always was. RNY was the best choice for me to accomplish that.
Good luck!
Sharon
I was going with the Lapband until 2 weeks before surgery because I did not want the malabsorption issues. Then a long talk with my surgeon convinced me to do the RNY. I have type 2 diabetes and she felt there is better and quicker control/resolution with the RNY. Since getting rid of the diabetes was a big priority of mine, that news made a big difference. With the band, the Diabetes would probably resolve with weight loss, where as with RNY, part of the operation itself works to control or resolve the diabetes. She also felt that my GERD had a better chance of resolving with RNY. We also talked about my overeating pattern and again, she felt that with my type of overeating (stuffing myself for comfort) that the RNY would work better. We felt that the dumping would be good behavior modification --- and IT IS!
If you do have the RNY, the vitamins are NOT optional and you have to face that. I fill a cup in the AM with all of my vitamins, pack what I need for work, then I set reminders on my phone and on my computer. I am 4 months out and am still struggling with the calcium.
Also, since my surgeon is 2 1/2 hours away, I was afraid I would not be compliant with fills which is imperative for the band to work. I get frustrated easily and tend to QUIT when things aren't perfect immediately.
Having said all that, I am losing very slowly (at band rates) and do now have to deal with the malabsorption issue for the rest of my life. On the other hand, I no longer take medication for diabetes. It has been under control for 4 months. And am off my medication for the GERD as well.
On another note, there is an Australian study that shows that Lapbanders and RNY's end up losing the same amount of weight 5 years out. RNY's do it quicker, supposedly.
So . . . I probably confused you even more and I am sure you are SICK of hearing this, but it is a personal decision. Talk with your surgeon, your PCP, your family and be comfortable with whatever you decide! Good luck.
If you do have the RNY, the vitamins are NOT optional and you have to face that. I fill a cup in the AM with all of my vitamins, pack what I need for work, then I set reminders on my phone and on my computer. I am 4 months out and am still struggling with the calcium.
Also, since my surgeon is 2 1/2 hours away, I was afraid I would not be compliant with fills which is imperative for the band to work. I get frustrated easily and tend to QUIT when things aren't perfect immediately.
Having said all that, I am losing very slowly (at band rates) and do now have to deal with the malabsorption issue for the rest of my life. On the other hand, I no longer take medication for diabetes. It has been under control for 4 months. And am off my medication for the GERD as well.
On another note, there is an Australian study that shows that Lapbanders and RNY's end up losing the same amount of weight 5 years out. RNY's do it quicker, supposedly.
So . . . I probably confused you even more and I am sure you are SICK of hearing this, but it is a personal decision. Talk with your surgeon, your PCP, your family and be comfortable with whatever you decide! Good luck.
Bonnie
HW 248.9;SW 221; CW 138.7
HW 248.9;SW 221; CW 138.7
As I was reading Pam's post, I kept thinking "Yep - that's exactly what I was going to say!"
I started at 270 (at 5'9"). I have been fat my entire life and am a food addict. My out-of-control eating is driven by emotion and numbing (I know that NOW... didn't know that before surgery).
I knew that I needed to eliminate the problem foods from my life (sugar, refined white flour) because I couldn't handle them any more than an alcoholic can handle alcohol. RNY would force me to do that by taking the choice out of my hands - if I persisted in eating those things, I would dump, which would be publicly embarassing and make me miserable. I have a real paranoia about throwing up, so that's a huge deterrent.
Given that lap band would still allow me to eat those foods and would only restrict quantity, I felt that it wouldn't work for me long term.
That's the why behind my choices.
Now, reality ended up somewhat different. Dr. P couldn't complete my RNY because of lesions she found in my abdomen during surgery. She reattached the stomach and made the little pouch, but without the intestinal redirection. So I ended up with a "half-bypass." My promise to her and to myself upon waking up was that I would act and behave exactly as if she HAD completed the bypass and so far I've done that. I consider myself and RNY'er - but I can't dump and don't have the same malabsorption issues. So my loss and maintenance is totally dependent on my compliance. Dr. P has said she's willing to go back in and finish the bypass once I have clearance from the oncologists (which will hopefully be soon), and if I still feel that I need it. At this point, I've lost 73+ pounds (in 5 months) and have been compliant 99+% of the time - and the slips I've had have been minor and non-intentional (not cheating, just misinformation or misunderstanding of ingredients). My fear is that long-term I may need it completed - but for now I'm hesitant to say that I need it. We'll see.
I had my surgery on Wed afternoon and was home Friday morning. I didn't take any Rx painkillers after getting home, and although I was horribly tired, managed to get up and walk every few hours, a little more each time, and was feeling amazingly good very quickly. With the exception of an ongoing battle with constipation that many of us share, I've had no complications to date. My GERD is gone. My sleep apnea seems to have abated (i have to schedule a test to confirm that). My cholesterol is in LOW NORMAL range (I've never seen anything like it!). I'm exercising regularly and feel absolutely the best I've ever felt in my life. Current weight is 193 and I'm wearing size 12 jeans.
I don't in the least regret going with my RNY decision.
Karen
I started at 270 (at 5'9"). I have been fat my entire life and am a food addict. My out-of-control eating is driven by emotion and numbing (I know that NOW... didn't know that before surgery).
I knew that I needed to eliminate the problem foods from my life (sugar, refined white flour) because I couldn't handle them any more than an alcoholic can handle alcohol. RNY would force me to do that by taking the choice out of my hands - if I persisted in eating those things, I would dump, which would be publicly embarassing and make me miserable. I have a real paranoia about throwing up, so that's a huge deterrent.
Given that lap band would still allow me to eat those foods and would only restrict quantity, I felt that it wouldn't work for me long term.
That's the why behind my choices.
Now, reality ended up somewhat different. Dr. P couldn't complete my RNY because of lesions she found in my abdomen during surgery. She reattached the stomach and made the little pouch, but without the intestinal redirection. So I ended up with a "half-bypass." My promise to her and to myself upon waking up was that I would act and behave exactly as if she HAD completed the bypass and so far I've done that. I consider myself and RNY'er - but I can't dump and don't have the same malabsorption issues. So my loss and maintenance is totally dependent on my compliance. Dr. P has said she's willing to go back in and finish the bypass once I have clearance from the oncologists (which will hopefully be soon), and if I still feel that I need it. At this point, I've lost 73+ pounds (in 5 months) and have been compliant 99+% of the time - and the slips I've had have been minor and non-intentional (not cheating, just misinformation or misunderstanding of ingredients). My fear is that long-term I may need it completed - but for now I'm hesitant to say that I need it. We'll see.
I had my surgery on Wed afternoon and was home Friday morning. I didn't take any Rx painkillers after getting home, and although I was horribly tired, managed to get up and walk every few hours, a little more each time, and was feeling amazingly good very quickly. With the exception of an ongoing battle with constipation that many of us share, I've had no complications to date. My GERD is gone. My sleep apnea seems to have abated (i have to schedule a test to confirm that). My cholesterol is in LOW NORMAL range (I've never seen anything like it!). I'm exercising regularly and feel absolutely the best I've ever felt in my life. Current weight is 193 and I'm wearing size 12 jeans.
I don't in the least regret going with my RNY decision.
Karen
Hi you have gotten some terrific answers already but I thought I would add my two cents also. When I started this journey I researched for four years before deciding that I was going to have surgery. I really wanted to have the Lap Band. After talking to my doctor however I realized that was not the choice for me. My body tends to make lots of adhesions (scar tissue inside from surgery, injury, or infection) so the thought of a foreign object sitting around my stomach wasn't a good idea at all. Also I needed the restriction of "dumping" to help my addiction to sweets and high fat foods. It works as a great deterant to keep me on track. And then there are the fills. I found out that most insurances won't pay for fills of the band, and the office I go to charges $200 each fill. No way I could afford that. I am thrilled with my RNY, I take several perscription meds every day for other medical problems so taking vitamins and supplements isn't really a problem for me to remember and I want to do everything I can to be healthy. That was the reason for the surgery. There is always something to learn and challenges to face but I really feel that it is so worth it. I have my life back and am feeling fantastic. Good luck with your decision. Belinda
I didn't have the Lapband or the RNY. I felt for me, that they would not give me the long-term results that I wanted.
I also didn't want to dump. I personally felt that dumping is used as a form of punishment and I didn't feel the need to do that to myself. I am not saying anyone on this board is doing that but many RNY patients use it that way - as a form of negative reinforcement.
I wanted to live a normal life and eat normally. I enjoy going out to fancy restaurants with my partner and I wanted to enjoy every aspect of it. I didn't want to constantly worry about the regain and the problems eating good normal foods could cause if I had the RNY.
The band was never an option for me. The weight loss is far too slow and unpredictable. I didn't want to deal with having a piece of plastic in my body that wouldn't easily be able to be removed if needed without major surgery. I also didn't want to deal with the fills. Or food getting stuck (another RNY issue too).
I chose the DS because there is little regain - if you look at the statistics, most RNY patients end up regaining significant amounts of their weight by 5 years out. Even the really good patients who are diligent about their diet start regaining. It happens. Most DS patients do not have this issue.
I take about 35 pills a day in supplementation but I find I have the immune system of a horse. I've not yet been sick since I had my surgery. I think between all my supplements and protein I'm in better shape than ever.
Yes, I can eat whatever I want. But that doesn't mean that I live on butter and bacon "because I can". It means I have the freedom to choose. I tend to eat very healthy overall and that suits me fine. But I know that if I want the greasy Jimmy John's sandwich I can have it with no consequence.
I believe that there is no "one" surgery for anyone. We all have our unique needs and requirements and while I chose the DS for my reasons, they are reasons that others would not choose and would go in another direction. The beauty of it all is that we have that choice to do what we feel we need to do. It's best to learn about all surgery types and inform yourself of both the short and long-term results of the surgery.
I also didn't want to dump. I personally felt that dumping is used as a form of punishment and I didn't feel the need to do that to myself. I am not saying anyone on this board is doing that but many RNY patients use it that way - as a form of negative reinforcement.
I wanted to live a normal life and eat normally. I enjoy going out to fancy restaurants with my partner and I wanted to enjoy every aspect of it. I didn't want to constantly worry about the regain and the problems eating good normal foods could cause if I had the RNY.
The band was never an option for me. The weight loss is far too slow and unpredictable. I didn't want to deal with having a piece of plastic in my body that wouldn't easily be able to be removed if needed without major surgery. I also didn't want to deal with the fills. Or food getting stuck (another RNY issue too).
I chose the DS because there is little regain - if you look at the statistics, most RNY patients end up regaining significant amounts of their weight by 5 years out. Even the really good patients who are diligent about their diet start regaining. It happens. Most DS patients do not have this issue.
I take about 35 pills a day in supplementation but I find I have the immune system of a horse. I've not yet been sick since I had my surgery. I think between all my supplements and protein I'm in better shape than ever.
Yes, I can eat whatever I want. But that doesn't mean that I live on butter and bacon "because I can". It means I have the freedom to choose. I tend to eat very healthy overall and that suits me fine. But I know that if I want the greasy Jimmy John's sandwich I can have it with no consequence.
I believe that there is no "one" surgery for anyone. We all have our unique needs and requirements and while I chose the DS for my reasons, they are reasons that others would not choose and would go in another direction. The beauty of it all is that we have that choice to do what we feel we need to do. It's best to learn about all surgery types and inform yourself of both the short and long-term results of the surgery.
I have the lapband and I love it! I can't imagine my life without it. Like everyone else has stated it is such a personal choice.
I chose the band because I was afraid of malabsorption. I also was afraid to have my innards rearranged. Weird because I am not afraid of the plastic object inside of me - lol. My doctor didn't try to persuade we to go with RNY because I was set on the band. I researched the band for over 2 years and at over 3.5 years out I have lost over 60% of my excess weight... and still going. I don't mind going to see my doctor because it keeps me honest, especially if I know I have to get weighed in every 3 months or so.
I wish you luck on your journey and hope you chose what is best for you.
I chose the band because I was afraid of malabsorption. I also was afraid to have my innards rearranged. Weird because I am not afraid of the plastic object inside of me - lol. My doctor didn't try to persuade we to go with RNY because I was set on the band. I researched the band for over 2 years and at over 3.5 years out I have lost over 60% of my excess weight... and still going. I don't mind going to see my doctor because it keeps me honest, especially if I know I have to get weighed in every 3 months or so.
I wish you luck on your journey and hope you chose what is best for you.
You can't measure your achievements with someone else's yardstick!
Revision from lapband to RNY 12/26/17 with Dr. Caitlin Halbert
HW 260 SW 248 CW 154 GW 145
Gallbladder removed 9/18
Beth
Hi! I chose the band because
1. RNY scared the hell outta me!
2. less evasive
3. the recovery time (have a 2 and 4 yr old) - I had surgery on a Wednesday at Noon and was asking the nurse by 4 if I could walk the halls.
4. I didnt want to rely on vitamins forever
5. I wanted to be able to control my weight loss. I was never one to WANT to be a size two...I have always been a big girl with great self confidence...my Aunt had RNY and she has been desperately trying to regain some weight.
It really is a personal decision, heck, five years ago I would of said that I was against any weight loss surgery! I made a pro con list...maybe that and lots of research will help you make your decision. Good luck!
1. RNY scared the hell outta me!
2. less evasive
3. the recovery time (have a 2 and 4 yr old) - I had surgery on a Wednesday at Noon and was asking the nurse by 4 if I could walk the halls.
4. I didnt want to rely on vitamins forever
5. I wanted to be able to control my weight loss. I was never one to WANT to be a size two...I have always been a big girl with great self confidence...my Aunt had RNY and she has been desperately trying to regain some weight.
It really is a personal decision, heck, five years ago I would of said that I was against any weight loss surgery! I made a pro con list...maybe that and lots of research will help you make your decision. Good luck!
~*Ashley*~ Highest weight: 330ish Current weight: 198
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