Hi, I am new here.

Hi, what are people's experiences with different surgeries with high BMIs?  I am trying to decide what procedure.

I'm only 9 months out, but my starting BMI was 60. Now I think it's 42 point something. I still have 9 months of 'honeymoon period' to go.

I had RNY -- I wanted the sleeve. But I couldn't afford to self pay, so I got what Pacificare would pay for.

Make sure you investigate all the procedures thoroughly. That's the most important thing. Go lurk on the individual surgery boards and see what people are complaining about or raving about.

Here on OH, I've come across people with high BMIs that have made goal and lower with lapband, sleeve, RNY and duodenal switch. There are also people who've failed.

I think it's more about your use of your tool rather than the tool itself. If you work your tool, it will work for you. If you abuse it, it ain't gonna work.

Best of luck with your journey!!

My BMI was 79 when I had my RNY surgery 10Jun, and I saw my surgeon for a check up just the other day and I am down to 60.  My surgeon suggested the RNY do to the amount that I had to loose and my medical conditions.  I have stuck to the diet and I would out 2x week with a training and 2-3x a week on my own, but it doesn't matter what kind of exercise it is all important. .  .Just keep moving.  I have realized that the surgery was the easy part, you just need to be ready for what comes after it.  It is a life style change that you are making, and that is never easy.

I had focused on Ryn for so long that is what I had done and I am really happy about it.  My BMI was 63.4? I try not remembering. Anyway I would look into all and see what you feel would work best for you.

 i started at..75.3. an am now 47.5  i had open RNY and am  a lil over 9 months post op

I agree with the suggestion to hang out on the different boards to see what the issues are. Some folks don't like the thought of having a foreign object in their body so the band is not for them. I don't like the malabsorption issues so I'm going for a band. You can succeed with any of the surgeries. You just have to mull it all over until you BELIEVE in a certain course of action and then follow it.

Your local surgeons probably have some input too once they meet you. Be sure to check that they've done the surgery a bunch.

Yes I agree to lurk on the forums and then decide ,, but do not get too hung up on what you actually want to have done if you are not able to self pay..If you are not able to self pay, find out what proceedures your insurance will cover and go from there. I had the RNY two weeks ago.. My doc suggested thee RNY anyway. but was all my insurance would pay for beside lap band and like Rhonda (Ruby ) told you many people dont like the idea of a foreign object in their body.. and I am one of them ...lol.. so RNY it was..I think any of them will work if you work at it. .. I started with a BMI of 63.3 in February and I was at 49 when I had the surgery..I am going to make it work..   I wish you all the luck in choosing the one for you.. oh by the way welcome to the over 50 board.. you will like it here... it is the best...

My BMI started at 66 or 67 (something like that) at my heaviest.  It was 64 at surgery.  At 17 months out (on Wednesday), my BMI is 34. 

I originally asked my surgeon about the lap band but he did not recommend it due to my high BMI.  He presented the RNY and the DS and I chose the RNY (please DS'ers that don't agree don't start a fight) due to the risk of increased malabsorption and the removal of the stomach.  Also, at the time, it was determined that the RNY would be a lesser battle than the DS for insurance purposes and since my health was in a fragile state, I didn't have the strength for the battle and went with the RNY.  Also, I had issues with sugar and the threat of dumping has kept me on the straight and narrow. 

I do not regret my choice but what I believe you need to keep in mind is that WLS is not a one size fits all.  You have to rely on the recommendations of the surgeon you chose and your own instincts. 

As far as weight maintenance stats, I am not done with my weight loss yet but you have to also remember that the surgery is a tool and that alone.  You still have to do the work.  I find that with the 1 year and over support group I go to that my surgeon sponsors.  Anyone 2 years plus will tell you that it becomes you and my surgeon himself has said that as well (so did my PCP).  If you watched the show Ruby, she saw a surgeon and he said that 75% is you and 25% is the surgery.  Also, Ron from last season's Biggest Loser tv show, had either an endoscopy or an upper gi to check his pouch from 13 years before and it didn't stretch.  I believe that he finally just got it.

Best of luck to you.

Sylvia