New here-surgery sched July 5

Garrett C.
on 5/10/11 6:58 am - San Tan Valley, AZ
 Hi all.  I think I am finally going thru with RNY.  I initially wanted Lap-Band since my BMI is 37.  I am 6'3" 292lbs.  I just got thru back surgery for disc problems.  I also have hypertension, GERD, Sleep Apnea and elevated cholesterol.  I am still on the fence at whether or not I am big enough to get this surgery.  The Lap-Band looks like it is not effective enough.
Ithocles
on 5/10/11 11:29 pm
Hello Garrett,

Welcome to the boards and I'm pretty new here myself.  After deciding on surgery in April I found the boards here and have leared a ton since then.  It's really helped.

Personally, I debated about having surgery for years and when I finally made the decision, I first looked at the band as well.  Like you, after reading more about it I decided to go the surgery route.  Reading about most people's experience with the band here helped to reaffirm that decision for me.  (I think the band can be a good tool, it's just much harder than either VSG or RNY.)  I chose the RNY over the sleeve since I have diabetes and sleep apnea.  There is a high rate of remission in those two with RNY, but as there is more evidence with the sleeve it may be as effective.  I'm still going with the RNY though.

Best of luck to you as you make your decision.

Regards,

Danny
       
OneFinger
on 5/11/11 3:00 pm
Garrett, welcome to our very friendly group!!

I think RNY is a great way to go. FYI I am 6'5" and weighed 310 lbs before surgery. Also had hypertension, GERD, sleep apnea and sky high cholesterol. My insurance company (BCBS) approved me for RNY on the first submittal. Didn't even have to do a 6-month diet.

While lap band may be more affordable, it's not a long-term solution as the RNY. I don't regret for a single minute having RNY. I only wish I had done it 10 years ago while I was still younger.

High Weight = 310     Surgery Weight = 300   Dr's Goal = 200   My Goal = 190    
gman1972
on 5/12/11 11:13 am

Hi Garrett Welcome,
Sit down put ur feet up there is refreshments in the fridge...my original BMI was just a lil over 40..5'11.5 and 300. I went with the VSG instead of the band for alot of the same reasons as everyone else. The one thing that really helped me decide was the fact that they are seeing tons more failure rates on the bands at post 8 years and people are having to have a second or third surgery...Plus my docs decided they didnt want to take a chance with malabosorbtion issues. So here we are I had my surgery on March 7th and am down 55 pounds today...
Everybody has to decide which way to go own their own but this is a great place to come and laugh, vent, BS and cry.

So if you need anything or nothing here we are...

Hugs
G

      
sandy L.
on 5/12/11 12:45 pm - Altoona, PA
 Welcome.  I debated also like lots do.  I requested pamphlets and did lots of reading and looking on the Internet.  My decision was made in the Dr's office to have RNY.  The Dr told me that I would benefit better with the RNY than the lap band because I needed to drop weight quickly (some times that doesn't happen with the lap band, depending on the "fill") and like others I had high blood pressure, sleep apnea and a few other things.  I haven't taken a blood pressure pill since I left the hospital.  Life is good.
    
JoeINSanDiego
on 5/13/11 9:05 pm - CA
HI Garrett,

I think I'm older than you at 50, but I'm 6'4" and 305lbs with a BMI in the 37 range.  My doctors said with the co-morbidities I have, it would be a tough next 10-15years without a heart event.

Just wanted to give you some feedback from my perspective.

Joe
ohbearly
on 5/15/11 1:04 am - Mogadore, OH
Revision on 07/31/13
Garrett, Best of luck on your journey! It will really be an Independence Day week to remember. Surgery choice is personal. So many people put so much focus into it. The reality is that it is how you change your life post-op. Your surgey choice needs to be supported by your personal lifestyle. RNY weight loss is quick out the gate; banding is slow and steady. RNY'rs generally lose a little more weight. You will find that there are so many other changes and victories that surpass the weight goal you first set at the onset of this journey.  -- Tom

Follow my journey to a happy, healthy, active life at TomBilcze.com 

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