Torn and confused

Hello and good evening, hope everyone is have a wonderful weekend..

I meet my surgeon for the first time Friday, we had a one on one consultation. He wanted to hear everything about me and about my goals, then he asked what surgery I wanted and I told him Lap Band of course. He gave me a bunch of stats and numbers on each surgery and he thought that I would be a good candidate for gastric bypass...even though he said its my final decision.

I fell like my decision have been compromised. I don't know if its just my Dr. or what did anyone else experience this? I'm so torn...HELP PLEASE! tell me something good.

My surgeon also suggested the bypass (RNY) for me too, but I didn't think malabsorption was the way for me to go.  I've got other health issues that malabsorption would make more difficult.  I was also not ready to deal with some of the other possible problems (dumping, reactive hypoglycemia).

While your doctor can make suggestions, he doesn't have to live in your body afterwards.

The statistics say that banders lose less and slower than other surgeries.  We do have to work at it more, but it can definitely be done.

My goal has never been to be thin.  I want to be a healthy weight for me.  I'm getting there.

Keep researching.. and add the Sleeve (VSG) to your list of WLS's to consider.  While I didn't know about the sleeve at the time of my surgery, and not sure I would've had it.. it's definitely worth thinking about.

Hope this helps.

Sometimes based on your eating habits and sometimes based on how much weight you need to lose Drs will recommend  another type of surgery. It is ultimately your choice but I would ask him why he thinks GB would be better for you. His reasons may make sense.Also he may be looking at your goals and such too. Weight loss with the band is typically slower than with other surgeries  and is typically more work on your part .Aftercare is crucial with the band and is a big part of your success.I would definitely want to know why he thought GB would be better and then research and take everything into consideration .:)

Thanks for the replies,

He gave me a reason, because of my weight (297 starting and now 288)...with the numbers he came up with he said I would still be overweight with the Lap Band. I need to lose over 170 pounds to get out of the obese category. 

As far of procedures the Sleeve was my first choice but my hubby insurance only covers Lap Band and Gastric bypass at 90% coverage and unfortunately I don't have any money to pay out of pocket. 

 

 

Just a thought, even w crap credit- "carecredit" approves folks for medical procedures, I was shoced when they gave me what they did just appying on line. just a thought.

My results are not typical.. like Bette's.. but it can be done.

I've lost 200 (or thereabouts.. somedays I'm down 203, some 199...).  Will I ever make it to a "normal" BMI.. I don't know.   I don't think the BMI is an accurate gauge for people who've been MO for a while.. but what do I know.. I'm only a patient.  :)

You should have the surgery you want. Your doctor wants to see you succeed and if he is trying to steer you away from the Lap Band it is probably because he does not have many people in your situation who are able to be successful with the band. I would listen to him.

Please consider fighting your insurance company for the surgery you want. Many are starting to cover the sleeve. I originally started with the band, but then had to revise to the sleeve due to complications with my band starting after the first year. They said my insurance company would not cover it...guess what, they sure did.

You may want to post this on the sleeve forum to find people who have had success appealing to their insurance companies.

This is a serious commitment and I would exhaust every outlet before deciding to settle for a procedure I didn't want.

Best of luck,
Lindsey

Probably because many surgeons are finding out that the band doesn't always work well for many folks. I know my surgeons group now prefers people to have the sleeve rather than the band because it is a more effective surgery. I wish ins. companies would realize it is a better surgery too and start to cover it. Honestly if you have that much to lose I too would suggest a RNY bypass. To lose that much with the band is going to be difficult. Yes there are a few like our Bette who have lost more than that but I think she is an exception to the rule. I finally decided to have my band emptied to stop the tightening that kept happening even tho I wasn't getting any fills, the band is just too fickle.

Hi Thicklin,

Went I went to meet with my surgeon for the first time I also weighted in at 297.  Like your Dr we talked about all my options.  My Dr only does the band or bypass.  He said if I wanted the sleeve I would have to go see his associate.  But I only wanted the band.  He did suggest the bypass to me.  But I feared that one.  And only because I had a friend have it done and after a year of complications she passed away.  Now I know that is VERY rare.  But being she was a close friend the bypass was completely NOT a option for ME.  I did all of my research and I felt and feel that the band was best for ME.

My Dr said it was my choice and he would stand behind whatever choice I made.  Like your Dr he told me of all the stats.  Honestly, in my head all I want to be is a size 14.  If I go down further GREAT but I will be happy in my 14's again.

I had my band put in on 1/18/11 and I'm already down alittle over 50 lbs.  I go see my Dr every 4 weeks.  And he is VERY happy with my success so far. 

You need to know what you want and go for it.  Like everyone else says this is your decision and your Dr will stand by you.  I had the same fears when my Dr suggested the bypass. 

I wish you great success in whatever surgery you decide on.

Denise

Thanks Denise, I'm so happy for your success .  Your post is a great comfort to me and I shouldn't have ever doubted  myself and my first decision..I don't want to be a size 4 or anything I want to be able to lace my on shoes without having to ask my husband or kids to help. I would love to be your friend I'm going to send you a friend request so watch out for me .