Getting started

I am getting started on the whole process. I have just scheduled my consult appt with a dr to determine which surgery would be better for me. I am trying to get opinions from some people who have had either gastric bypass or the lapband. Can you please give me some opinions?

 Each of us will have our own opinion.  Research each surgery, consider your individual lifestyle, health and go from there.  For some of us we need only restriction and go for the banding whereas some opt for RNY.  

Think about your personality traits and overall health and ask your surgeon his opinion.  Follow your heart.  Don't second guess yourself or your decision.  

I, personally, was not a sweets eater and wasn't a binge eater. I just loved food.  I was an emotional eater.  I opted for banding (I am also 10 years out).  I needed restriction to tell me to stop.  My band has worked.  I did not have to take the B-12 injections and with the exception of a Vit-D issue that is non-WLS related I have had smooth sailing.

Welcome to the "family"

Research all four major WLS-Lap Band, VSG, RNY and DS.  There are others, but these are the four most commonly used today.  There are successes and failures with each, and pros and cons for each as well. 

You must determine which one fits your health/life best--this is forever.  Remember, with any WLS you must completely overhaul your lifestyle to be successful long term, and that includes making regular exercise a part of your life.  Start now--it will make recover so much better.

Welcome, and let us know if we can help in any way.  I wish you much success on your journey.

Kim

Hi Emily!  I had GBS September, 2005.  I would do it over and over again.  I have lost a total of 133 pounds since the beginning of my journey.  I have had little problems...only when I did not chew or when I over ate.  If you follow your doctor's instructions and be faithful to your protein, water, and vitamins you will do well.   I wish you all the best!!!!

Thanks everyone... We will see how things go...

EVERYONE'E BODY IS SO DIFFERENT I HAD THE BAND AND IF I COULD DO IT OVER I WOULD GO WITH THE BYPASS! BUT I KNOW AT LEAST 5 PEOPLE THAT HAS HAD THE BAND AND LOVE IT. ITS SO CRAZY HOW OUR BODY CAN REACT SO DIFFERENTLY TO THINGS. I'M NOT SAYING IF I DIDNT HAVE A CHOICE AND THE DOCTOR SAT ME DOWN AND SAID LOOK IF WANT SOMETHING DONE IT HAS TO BE THE LAP BAND OR NOTHING I WOULD DO IT AGAIN THATS FOR SURE. I HAVE LOST 90LBS SINCE LAST MAY BUT SOME DAYS HAVE BEEN ROUGH