I don't know what I want.

I have studied. I have decided. I have undecided. I have gone back and forth. And again I am at this cross road to which surgery I want done. I read people's profiles and really listen to what they have to say on the boards. I see before and after pictures and get really excited. I say to myself I want to be like that. I want to really lose. But what do I want? Should I go Lap Band, because I am a volume eater and I can't be counted on to take pills that I am suppose to? Or should I get RNY and have my world completely rocked and finding out that now with this new stomach I can't eat chicken or have milk anymore? Whoa, no more chicken? Or even have to worry about dumping? Dumping sounds HORRIBLE! I know they are both a lot of work. They are both tools. I know if I want a quicker fix, than RNY is the way to go. That Lap Band has a slower rate of loss for most. What I do like is that it's adjustable and if I do have a child and I won't be starting off lacking so much vitamens to start with. I like the fact that in the future if I need it to be tightened it can be. I do know I need help, I need something. [I know that this just might not make sense, I tend to ramble and jump around.] What made you choose the surgery you chose? What was the deciding factor?

I'd discuss everything with the doctor at your consult...I'm sure they will help you choose. AND what if your insurance (if you have any) covers one, but not the other? Will that stop you from getting the surgery all together if you decided on one, but the other is covered? The are all the questions I keep asking myself...so I figured I'd run them by the doctor when I go see HER ;) and see what she says. I came on this message board all gung ho to get the lapband, but after reading soooooooo many inspirational profiles...I'm wondering which is right....with my eating habits/personality I'm thinking the RNY will be more effective. So now I've filled out the preconsultation information and I have my first appointment with the doctor the 25th. I'm so excited and just PRAY that my insurance will cover SOMETHING. I'm an at home mom with 4 kids and the budget is TIGHT. So I think there are a TON of things that I need to take into consideration when choosing the right procedure for ME. :) Best of luck!

Hi Jamice, I went throught the EXACT same thing as you. After much research, I have decided on the lap band. For me it is much less invasive and much less of a risk healthwise for me. I have some medical conditions that would put me in the highest risk catagory for RNY. I too want to have children (I know it is possible with RNY because my friend got pregnant 1 yr after her bypass) but feel more comfortable with the fact that I can deflate the band until after the baby is born. Believe me, I have been reading and researching. I have also spoken to one of my doctors who thinks it is a great alternative for me. I have my 1st consultation for this in a couple of weeks and will learn more about the procedure. Do a lot of reading before you decide. Only you can make the final decision that is right for you. Call your general practitioner too...get his or her opinion as well...use this board for suggestions too it is fabulous...I have only posted once, but love reading what everyones experiences are....I think it helps more knowing what real people go through rather than just reading text book stuff. Whichever path you choose I wish you luck. Kristen D

Hi I know just how you are feeling. I decided on doing the lap band I was affaid of being sick all the time.My friend had the bypass done and she vomits at less 3 to 4 time a week as well as getting the dumping once in a while. I had my surgery with Dr Pohl 5/20/05 and thank god I have never had any dumping problems. Lisa

Jamice, This decision is totally up to you. I did the rny because I wanted my lifetime change to be forever. I did think about doing the lap band, but having to go back to the hospital to get the fills just wouldn't do it for me. It's hard I'm 3 weeks out and learning to change your habits is hard, but not that hard...You are just not hungry...I am not on soft foods...I was pureeing everything for the first 3 weeks...that gets old. But now I'm looking forward to a poached egg tomorrow with a slice of toast. Don't ever think that you can't have the things you want again. I've had chicken in the puree stage, and it was wonderful....My friend baked a chicken breast on the grill for the last weekend and I ate it without pureeing and it was great. You just won't eat as much as you use to...but you can have everything you love in moderation....you are not deprived of anything...except for diet coke...(that's what I miss most) you just can't have carbonated drinks.... So I wish you luck on your decision...I hope I helped in some way, Teri