So Confused (kinda long)

Just got back from my first Dr. visit preop. My Dr. is very anti sleeve, (which is what I was leaning towards) He says it is too experimental for him to feel comfortable doing it outside a study. He prefers Lap Band or RNY. I initially thought I wanted the band, but based on other information, I probably won't qualify as I have a hiatal hernia.
To get to the point, and this is going to sound stupid and please, please don't anyone take this the wrong way, I never thought I was "big" enough for that serious a surgery (RNY) even though I am over 100lbs over weight. Looking out from this side I still "feel" smaller, but the mirror says otherwise. So now the confusion of trying to get my head around the RNY which is what the Dr. recommends, due to the hernia and my diabetes AND my size. He says the recovery time is essentially the same these days (which is also a concern of mine) and the results are better.
I wasn't dead set on a sleeve because I had a problem with having a healthy part removed so that doesn't bother me as much as the RNY....

Can somebody help me or am I just being stupid?

Appreciate any input.
THanks.

I have to laugh because it is hard to find it rare to see the veiw you have on your self image.  I too, have that veiw as well.  my problem when I started was I had 239lbs to lose.  I still saw myself as smaller then I really was.  I had to really shake myself into reality.

But, back to your question. No you are not stupid. I am a strong believer that you should have the suregery you feel most comfortable about.  You might want to research more into the different types of surgeries.  I firmly believe that one should be 100% certain on the procedure they will have because it will be forever.  I think you said you went PNH.  From what I heard, someone needs to be anemic for them to do the sleeve.  But I also know there was one lady who got one docotor and that DR didn't do the sleeve and she talked with someone and was able to get switched to the Dr who did do the sleeve. HTH!!  Go to the RNY, SLeeve, and Lapband forums and ask questions as well to get their precepctives on their surgieres!

You are NOT being stupid!  I never thought I was "big" enough for an RNY either...even at almost 400 lbs!  I never considered any surgery other than the RNY because I researched surgeons and then decided that what he thought was best would be what I went with.  My personal opinion on this is that he or she does this a lot (sometimes every day!) and should know their stuff.  If they think one procedure is better for me than another then I am all for it...after some research!  Sometimes the procedure is not about size but about the effectivness and what you are trying to accomplish.  PM me if you have any specific questions!  I would love to help in any way that I can.  RNY saved my life, gave me energy and more time to spend with my daughter and husband and father and now this precious baby that I am carrying.  it really is not bad at all!

Thanks to everyone who has answered so far, you both bring up good points. Now that the initial shock has worn off, (I'm officially fat) I'm beginning to understand the events of this morning. I agree, that I want my Dr. to be the most skilled on the procedure he is going to do. And as my husband said, I'm doing this for me, not to please others, so part of the reason also being "what will people say if I have the "big surgery" shouldn't matter. Its whats best for me that matters.

I will continue to monitor all the boards in question to continue to learn, but now that reality is setting in, logic is becoming clearer and I am more at peace.

Also, I have all three of my appointments scheduled!! My Endoscopy, Nut, and Psy!!. Sure hope I can get a date before 2010!!

Thanks to everyone for your support and information.

Barb

Barb - the ladies above answered all your questions.  i still have troubles with how "fat" I am, i've lost over 100 lbs and still have about another 50 or so to go.  I feel soooo much better, i can't even tell you.  I did have the "big" surgery, but for me it was worth it, i've been SMO for almost 20 years.  you are doing a great job monitoring other boards, etc., you have to go with what YOU are comfortable with.  lys

Barb,

Doing your research own research is so important, you are wise to keep it up as you have to live with whatever decision you make. 

You don't mention, but did you ask your doctor what procedures he does?  Since there are 7 different procedures few doctors are experts in them all.   It could be that the doctor you saw only does one (or a few) of the 7.  And, of the one he does  - he might only do it one way (i.e., open vice lap).  This could be why he is directing you to that one, the one he is expert in.   Before I have my surgery 5 years ago, "I interviewed" 3 surgeons to pick the one I felt most comfortable with. One of them was so arrogant - he said "I only do Open RNY because I can do it in 45 min and do more surgerys in a day which translates to $$$$$$$$."   I later learned that he was only trained in that one procedure.  Needless to say I didn't go back to him.

There are many Bariatric Centers of Excellence across the country that offer free seminars where whey discuss all the procedures so you can make an informed decision based on your needs.  I would urge you to find out if there is such a seminar near you.  You may have to consider doing what some do -- travel to another city to get a surgeon to do the procedure you want. 

Please don't settle for a procedure just because the doctor is convenient.  

All valid points you have received.  Researching your surgeon & type of surgery are major things.  You do have to be completely comfortable with what you chose.  Don't think of it as the "fat" factor.  Think of it as your health & the side issues (hernia, diabetes) and what would be best for you.  Recovery is essentially the same, although some do have different experiences.  As you work on this journey and start all the neccessary steps, get getting all your info so that you can make the decision best for you.  And way to go for your hubby, great advice from him, glad to know you have his support.

Sinace you have diabetes, have you researched the DS at all? I was diagnosed type 2 in May, and that is what pushed me to investigate WLS (I always said I didn't need surgery before, that I could do it on my own!), and my research led me to the DS as a potential cure for type 2 diabetes. In other countries, they even perform the "switch" part of the surgery (without adjusting the stomach) on NON-obese type 2 diabetics to cure their diabetes, and it works. Just another option to consider   Though, I"m guessing if your doc doesn't like the sleeve, then he either hates or doesn't even know about the DS!

The RNY is also linked to put diabetis in remission.  I was DX in Febuarary with Type II and the last time I took my meds was the night before surgery.  My A1-C is belowe 6 now and surgars are 73-97!!  I do know the DS and the RNY are effective for diabetes patients.  With the Lap Band it does not offer that quick cure, but you *may* decrease or put it in remission over time as your weight goes down.  I am not sure about the reseach of the sleeve and diabetes.