I agree with you. I find this board insightful. I am aware that I need to do all research possible. That being said, I have already and am going to several different WLS surgeons to get various opinions on my options. I have already talked with a my PCP, psychiatrist and psychologist about the surgery. I have also read 3 books on the subject and over 100 profiles. They all had different opinions on the subject, more positive than negative so I'm am still on board. However, when you talk to RNY patients and Lap Band patients on the boards they all give you this story of how great it was AFTER the surgery and you can rarely get someone to tell you the ENTIRE truth. Of course as human beings we tend to drift toward the positive things rather than negative so I am trying to remain level headed about everything. But this is hard to do when you read this board, it truly frightens me. Now everytime I read this board I reconsider, I don't want either done because I am afraid that I will not wake up or will end up with permanent damage that will eventually lead to my demise.

I agree with your points, but what I have learned from my research is that all doctors are not created equal. There are some people who got approved and a doctor volunteered to do the surgery. Not a WLS doctor. Just a doctor. From these persons I have heard the worst stories. No one wants a PCP who went to a 2-week workshop on WLS to be the one cutting them up. But it happens. Understanding what brought us here and understanding what to do to move to the next level, really is up to the person. My doctor requires a psyche eval, pre and 6 months post op. I want to leave the country but after surgery, I am tied to this locale for a minimum of one year just so I can complete the follow up program with my doctor. Now, I plan to have surgery at Duke University, and they are known world wide. Still, it is my duty to understand my choice and the impact upon my body and lifestyle. Nia

YOU GO GIRL! I hope to be in the same boat soon! My theory is this, things aren't going to get better for me health wise unless I make a BIG change...so surgery here I come! Bonnie

Hi Vanessa! First let me say I am sorry this has not been easy for you! Seems like your experience was compounded by an inexperienced doc! I am pre-op for a RNY, but have talken care of many WLS patients and have several friends who've had WLS. So, my comments are not from personal experience, but professional (I'm a nurse). But I would like to know what your expectations were in the first place. If you expected to just get this band and be thin, you were wrong. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment. Before your lap band, did your doc have informational classes, a psych eval, a chance to talk with previous patients? All of those items are crucial before any WLS! Some people just are not good candidates for WLS, and a team of professionals specializing in WLS should have evaluated you, not just schedule a date for surgery. Also, were you following the diet as ordered? I've taken care of many RNY patients who can't believe they had stopped losing or gained back some weight. That is until they came to reality and realized all the junk they were eating. If you constantly eat small amounts, you'll stop losing (band or RNY). I have a friend who sucks down McDonald's milkshakes (to the tune of 800 calories each) because they go down so easy, and snacks on Hershey's kisses throughout the day. She only has 2 or 3 at a time, but she puts away a bag in one and a half days! She can't be honest with herself and say she's failing because she's noncompliant! I'm not saying you are noncompliant, but maybe that's something you need to look at. I read these posts twice and couldn't see where you said exactly what you were eating, and how often. Also, some people don't realize how many calories they are taking in through drinks, especially juice. One thing we ALL need to remember is that WLS, any kind, is a TOOL, not a CURE for obesity You are more than likely going to vomit with any of the WLS, at least until you're in the "routine" of things, and going for a RNY (or other WLS) isn't going to make it any easier for you. You really have to be prepared for big life style changes for WLS, physically and emotionally. People can say what they want, but we all didn't get morbidly obese at the hands of someone else! We all made those choices to overeat and not exercise (myself included), and than for many of us, things spiraled out of control, making WLS necessary. Sure genetics, etc played a part, but lets be honest about it and stop making excuses for ourselves. You don't get to 250, 300 or 400 pounds without some kind of eating issues! When someone chooses WLS, they need to commit to the life style changes as well, and realize it is for the rest of their life. Personally, I have had many eating "issues" and have found counseling VERY beneficial for me, I've already conquered several of my eating issues and now feel confident about my choice and long-term success. At the beginning, my greatest fear was noncompliance, because I know myself, there is a big potential for me to be noncompliant. Knowing that, I have surrounded myself with support and resources to help me succeed. Whatever you choice is, I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to take all the time and energy you need, because this is a very personal choice, for you and only you. YOU ARE WORTH IT! Bonnie

I was a cash patient. I went thru all the hoops. Every test you could imagine. I even had to see a phsycologist. Here's what I heard all the way thru my testing.................She's cash! My Phycologist talked to me about 10 minutes max. The concensous is this. Cash talks and if you have some, you can buy what you want!