Confused

I am still researching what type of surgery I want to go with.  I do plan on attending a seminar, at HSV hospital, with Dr. Mailipaur this month. The more reading I do on WLS...both here on the message boards and the book I bought, I am more confused than ever. I know there are pro's and con's with each.  I was planning on the lap band, but not so sure about that now.  I have read where so many have regreted the lap band and had it removed to do the RNY instead. I gather the main problems with Lap Band is getting food stuck, issues with the port or band slipping and the acid reflux.  I have acid reflux already. I don't want to deal with that on a constant basis. I am not trying to knock either type of surgery. I know everyone made their decions based on what was best for them given their cir****tances. I am just trying to figure out what I want to do.  There are days that I am good to go with this and then days I think it's too overwhelming and I just say screw it. All I know is that I am sick to death of being overweight!!!  I am tired of all the med's I have to take for related health issues. I am tired of the failed diets.  I just want to be healthy and look good.

Good morning!!  I have friends who have had lap band and succeeded.  Nanci S. and Phyllis are two of several who have done a beautiful job with it.  Some swear by DS.  I know a couple who have had that and done very very well.  I had RNY and am thrilled to have had it.  I have had no problems and have enjoyed my journey thus far.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I now have a great life.  You just continue to research and I know that you will make the right decision.  I wish you all the best!!!!

Thank you Carmen!

Hi! Good for you, for doing your research. Do make sure you check out the Duodenal Switch (DS), and the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). You don't hear as much about those surgeries because fewer surgeons do them. The VSG is a restriction-only surgery like lap-band, but with fewer side effects and complications, and with the added benefit of having the portion of the stomach removed that produces the hunger hormone, ghrelin. The DS is the VSG plus a re-routing of the intestines that causes malabsorption of 80% of the fat you eat, making everything effectively a low-fat food. The DS has the best stats of any of the existing weight loss surgeries for keeping the weight off in the long term, and it has the added benefit that you can still take NSAID drugs if you need them. Visit us on the DS board and you'll find a lot of happy people! There are a couple of great web sites with info about the DS too; www.dsfacts.com and www.duodenalswitch.com.

You'll have to travel a bit to get to an experienced DS surgeon, but it's well worth it! I had my surgery in Marietta, Georgia with Dr. Dennis Smith and have been absolutely thrilled. There's another wonderful DS surgeon in Kentucky, Dr. Husted, and another in Miami, Dr. Gagner. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to talk.

Hi and Welcome to the board.  I did have the Lap Band and so far, the journey has been wonderful.  I have lost 86lbs so far and had the band placed on Aug. 27, 2007. I have gone from a size 26/28/30 pants to 12/14/16s-always depending on the brand.

I completely agree with looking into EVERY option available to you.  Some of my personal pros and cons were this:

Pros-It can be long term or short term. If I decide I no longer want the band, I could get it removed. 
The band MAKES me have accountability.  I cannot sneak in those yummy Krispy Kremes easily.  So, I make sensible (for the most part) food choices.
It has warranted a lifestyle behaviorial change in me.
It worked and keeps working as long as I stick to the Band Rules.
I had ZERO complications and have not had any problems since then.
I was private pay and this was the most affordable option for me.
The port has not given me one days worry. (So far)
If I think I need more control, I get filled some more but so far, I am 4cc in a 11cc band and feel great.

Cons- The weight comes off slower than most.
If I am not careful, food can become stuck. It comes up but can be uncomfortable at times.
I cannot eat fast. Which is a problem when I am on the go with two small children.
Sometimes the accountability factor is a pain. I want to grab and go with food but because the band is picky and doesn't like certain foods, I must slow down and choose wisely.
I worry about erosion, which I am told is rare, but still a concern.

So, there you have it from this brutually honest bander.
I have NO REGRETS about getting the band. 
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.  This goes for anyone lurking too.
Keep researching and stay warm in this chilly weather,
Peace, Nanci

Hi....and WELCOME to the BAMA board,

While I had RNY in 2003 I must say that I think each procedure has it's very own set of worries and benefits.  You continue your research and then choose the procedure that you can live with.  I only know of my own experience with my surgery.  I personally would not change a thing.  Whatever you choose.....your welcome here and we will be glad to offer support.

Blessings,

Lisa

Thanks for the welcome.  I started off wanting to do the lap band, but I am not so sure now.  I know people have been succesfull with it, but it seems like a lot of people are frustrated with the slow weight loss or problems with the port or the band itself. Right now, I am leaning towards the RNY.
I am anxious to get started!