Daily Post--3/19/08

We have had interest from group members in figuring out what sort of a mix of challenge participants we have in the group. By this, I mean who has had RNY, who has had a Lap Band, and who has had the DS. Please chime in and let us know which surgery type you chose and, if you care to share, why it was the best choice for you. Please do NOT turn it into a my-surgery-is-better deal as we see enough of that on the messageboards! Just which one you chose and why it works best for you is all we're looking for! Thanks, Lea

Lapband...Why because it was a better choice for for many reasons. First I did not have the time to spare for the RNY recovery time at home or in the hospital. I babysit my 3 grandkids so their parents can work to support their little families, and I drive a schoolbus and could not get long term off work. Second I felt it was the right decision because I wanted the slower weight loss, since I kept this secret from my co-workers. I still feel this was the right way for me to go!!I do love my band and the way I am feeling now!

I had RNY. As far as I know, DS isn't available at Tufts, and I chose RNY over lap-band after doing a lot of research on both procedures. Basically, I thought that the weight loss might be faster and that I might lose more in the long run. I had enough time available from my employer for recovery, and a good support system at home. I had originally thought I would get the lap-band, but changed my mind after doing the research. I have been successful with the RNY and have no regrets. Had I chosen the lap-band, I'd probably feel the exact same way - who knows!

I had open RNY. I only wanted the procedure done open, not laproscopically. For me it was the right choice for multiple reasons. I had no desire to have to do the follow up care neccessary for a lap band (going for fills and stuff), had no desire to have a needle stuck into my stomach (for fills) and my insurance would not pay for it. As far as the DS no one in the area performs that surgery. I also was hoping to have a little more of the dumping thing so that it would keep me from eating certain foods. Unfortuntelly it never ever happens to me. I can eat any type of food I want. I just can't eat large amounts of it. Sally

Ultimately I chose RNY, but I initially went into the process wanting LapBand. I know I made the right choice for ME, because I need the restrictions of the RNY as opposed to the Lap. Sometimes, however, I wonder if I would have been as successful with the Lap and wish I would have chosen that one instead so I can have adjustments. I am completely and totally paranoid about stretching my pouch ( and think I already have to some extent). With the Lap, I would be able to shrink it again. All I can do is continue to do what I have been and focus on the right choices for foods. I am so excited at the weight I have lost, but am terrified when it comes time to maintain!

I had RNY. Why, because I know I can cheat around a lapband, and my insurance only covered the RNY. Vivienne

I chose RNY because I knew that with the lap band, I'd still be able to eat cake and rice and pasta and all those other things I loved before. Granted, I can have a taste of those things now, but no where near what I used to eat. Denise

My surgeon recommended RNY (laproscopic). I suspect that's what my insurance covered, but that's the surgery I wanted anyway. I am weird about my body, and was afraid I'd "feel" the foreign object if I had the lapband... and my mom had RNY a couple of years before me, and she had such success, it was just the way I turned. DS wasn't an option through my insurance company.

I had RNY. my insurance only covered the RNY. Wanted the Lap but I am happy with the RNY so far...

DS - best statistics for long term weight loss, and I was totally afraid of dumping. I know not all have it, but with my luck, I would have LOL