Just Curious

Hi everyone: It's great being able to get some feed back from people in my own state of RI.  So I have a few questions if anyone would like to answer. 1st has anyone had lap band/gastric bypass with Dr. G. Roye. and if so what did you have and what was the experience like(good/bad, problems/ no problems etc) would you do it again? 2nd anyone 50 + or know of anyone in this age group that has had either one. What was it like as far as healing/problems/results etc.  Would you do it again if you had to? Last question for today.  Besides books and talking to your Doctor would you say the different forums would be a good place to get infor to make the right choice or would anyone recommend something/somewhere else to get  a wide range of information to help make the right choice. 

1) I did not have Dr Roye, but have heard great things about him... 2) My mom had gastric bypass with Dr. Pohl and she had no healing problems or any problems related to her age or otherwise.. 3) Forums can be dangerous because it is a lot of personal opinion...but you also get a lot of personal experience.  I would suggest supplimenting the info you get on the forums with internet, doctor and books....

Hi Danielle, Thanks for the info.  I know you had the lap band but I was curious why your mom didn't choose that one also since its suppose to be the least invasive and has less complications.  I started out wanting the band but now I don't know.  I didn't realize at first that at some point even though you don't have any problem it will have to come out.  That it really isn't permanent.  From what I've read from others  I guess insurance doesn't always cover the fills, redues or in some cases having it removed and trying to get something else done.   I have blue cross but couldn't find out if they dover fills or more surgery if I had to have it removed(they would if it was life threating).  They told me Dr. Royes office could tell me that. I would like to know from you if you have any complaints with the whole procedure or any complications from the band?  I'm not too sure if I'm going to like having fills done.  It looks very uncomfortable especially if they don't get it the first time.  How many have you had and whats your experience been so far.  Anyone else having a problem with this part of the band procedure.   Thanks for your help and info.  I need all the answers I can get while thinking about which procedure would be best.  

Hi Sue, My mom actually had the gastric bypass done first and then based upon her success  I started my own research.  Frankly the whole re-routing of things internally really made me nervous.  My other concerns were related to the ability to absorb the nutrients of the food after having the bypass done.  With the band you do have a long term maintenance - this involves fills.  My fills are covered, it is basically a specialty dr co-pay with my Blue Cross.  You should check with Blue Cross to see if your company has an exclusions related to this.  As for fills - while I was very nervous about them in the beginning they are not bad at all.  It is much less painful than having blood drawn, I think because the needle is much smaller.  The person who does my fills is GREAT and hits it every time.  I have never had a problem getting a fill.  I don't know what my fill level is, but I have had 4 and am at the "sweet spot".  That is, restricted enough to eat, but not to over eat. As for taking the band out..I never will.  That is unless there is a problem.  Why would I remove the thing that is providing me with the restriction I need to deal with food?  Comparing my experience with my mom's and that of other bandsters it seems like...in the beginning a bandster struggles learning how to eat to lose weight within the restrictions that the band give yous....once you learn those lessons...it is easy.....with a bypasser they have an easy time losing weight in the beginning...but there comes a time when they have to eventually learn the same lessons the bandster learned in the beginning inorder to maintain their weight loss.  Same lessons...just learned at different times. I hope you find the answers you are looking for.  It is such a personal decision.

HI SUE I HAD DR. ROYE AND JUST LOVE HIM AND HE IS A WONDERFUL DR. I AM 49 AND I SHOULD HAVE HAD THIS DONE YEARS AGO. I WOULDNOT HESITATE TO DO IT AGAIN. IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO PUT MYSELF FIRST. IM EVEN EXCITED TO GET ON THE SCALE AGAIN. ITS DROPPING SLOWLY BUT SURELY IM 10 MONTHS OUT AND DOWN 66 POUNDS AND ITS A MIRACLE I CAN ONLY SAY WOW!   ITS A WONDERFUL SURGERY     ELAINE