Lap-Band or RNY ???

Hi Everyone ! I'm new to the board.. Just wondering if anyone has heard or been to my doctor, Dr. Harry Sax.  I have been through (I believe) all of my testing and have still yet to decide between RNY or the Lap-Band.  I think I'm leaning towards the Lap-Band because of the quick(er) recovery time. But I do still like the idea of RNY.  If you had to do it again would you stick with whichever one you chose? I noticed on his surgeon profile on here Dr. Sax has done no Lap-Band surgeries and very few laparoscopic RNY but alot of open RNY.  I am a little nervous about this, I don't know how accurate, or up to date that profile is... ?  My boyfriend insists I just ask him. Thanks ~

Hi Julia! Welcome to our board! There are a lot of great people on this board. Every single question I have ever had, has been answered on this board or by my doctor. I am pre-op RNY. I came into this considering LapBand. The more research and Q&A I did, the more I learned that RNY is for me. Feel free to read my or anyone else's profile if you wish. I've never met Dr. Sax so I can't help you there. There is a support group meeting at RI Hospital tomorrow night at the Gerry House. It starts around 6:15. You may get a lot of your questions answered there. Welcome, welcome, welcome!!!! Jules

Just ask him.  you wont be the first and you wont be the last.  It is your right to be as informed as possible.  Not to scare you, but while you are asking the uncomfortable questions, ask him how many surgeries ended up with a complication.  (I have no idea if any of his have, but I think it is a good one to ask)  You will be surprised how easily they talk about that stuff. Good luck! Jen

Hello Julia, I am a newbie to WLS and the board. I have gone to the orientation at Roger Williams hospital to decide which one is best for me. I have an appointment with Dr. Sax on the 30th just to get a second opinion on which one is best for my medical situation. After doing research and reading numerous profiles of people with similar needs as myself, I feel that RNY is the better choice for me. Everyone is different and one must make a decision that  best for themselves. I would certainly not hesitate to call and ask questions. In fact Miriam is having an orientation on May 14th, I received a phone call last night it will be at 6:00...I am calling back today to confirm and get driections. Maybe you should see about going, I am sure others there may have the same question as you. If you want some info about the Dr at Roger Williams that I have met, send me a PM. Best of luck in your decision! -Rob

Welcome to the board Julia! I had LapBand and have no regrets. You must base your decision on what will fit your lifestyle better. There are pros and cons for every one of the surgeries.

Good luck, I wish you the best.  

Hello there Julia,  Welcome to the ri board here where you will have a great group of people with the same situations help you along through your process.  As for Dr. Sax i do not have any comment at this time for i do not have enough info from others to determaine his surgical experience.  I chose Dr. Pohl and the RNY surgery because myself and other doctors were all for it with the medical conditions i had then.  I Know your choice of what you decide will be what works for you.  Just remember everyone is different and has different types of weight issues, so each surgery will work in different ways.  Try to stay positive and enjoy the journey we are all here to help with anything. Donnie

Welcome Julia!  You will hear both good and bad about either surgery, it really comes down to what is best for your particular situation, esp if there are any medical conditions to consider.  A lot of the surgeons pages are not updated, as they have to pay to do things like that- so I would definately ask him. Good luck in your journey!!

HI Julia... I think your boyfriend is right.. just ask! Everyone has questions and the best way to get them answered.. is just ask. I had RNY a year ago and have no regrets, I did go back and forth with which to get.. but I figured out RNY was the best for me. Just do some research and you will figure it out for yourself. best of luck

Thanks for all the input everyone!   I'm getting a list together of some questions to ask my Dr.   I'm also going to try and attend the next support group mtg @ Miriam. Thanks ~

HI Julia and Welcome! I would just ask him.  I had lapband and would do it again!  Good luck in your decision and feel free to ask questions - everyone here is great!