More Confused Than Ever

I guess I should probably stop reading so much stuff online because now I'm even more stressed than ever trying to decide what surgery to have.  I don't know if I can do this, but I know I can't continue to live like I am.  I want to do it, but I'm so scared it won't work and I'll fail once again.  If any of you have had LapBand, please give me pros and cons.  I am too scared to do Gastric Bypass.  It just seems too invasive and restricting.  I really need guidance, but instead get too many varying stories.  Please help.

Hello,

I am in the same process as you.  You are not alone, I am also asking questions and am confused and scared.  One thing that I have learned is that all this or any other bariatric surgery does is provide you with a tool that you use to help you succeed in this journey.  How you use this tool is completely up to you.  I think the hardest thing I am having issues with is not that I will fail, but rather what do I need help changing emotionally or mentally that allowed me to get into this position in the first place.   Because that is the root of the problem for me.  I need to fix what is happening in my head at the same time I am working on my weight.  One thing that you are doing that is fantastic is you are asking for help and in my short time on this board I do realize that the vast majority of the people on here are willing to help and support you in your journey.  I am happy to help you in any way that I possibly can as we begin this journey at the same time. 

Tyler

It sounds like you're suffering from information overload. It may be time to take a break from online research and think about something completely different for a few days (I know, easier said than done).

You might want to read Tyler's thread on the topic of choosing a WLS procedure:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/LapBand/4423278/More-Confu sed-Than-Ever/

I too was terrified of failing at WLS, which isn't surprising when you know that I had a 40-year history of failing at diets. I went ahead with it anyway. I chose what I thought was the best surgery for me (the band) based on the information available to me at the time and my "gut" feeling about it. It turned out to be a good decision, and I used my fear to police myself into good compliance with my surgeon's and nutritionist's instructions.

In my opinion, all WLS procedures are invasive and restricting. Any procedure that requires the patient to be anesthetized while the surgeon cuts into them, inserts tools, installs a medical device or rearranges internal organs and structures is pretty danged invasive. As for being restrictive, for me that's the whole point of having bariatric surgery. Since I wasn't able to restrict or control my eating on my own, I was glad to have a surgery and gain a device that would assist me with that. Gastric bypass patients aren't housebound or otherwise disabled by their WLS. They go where they want and eat what they want just like the rest of us. Some of them may experience dumping after eating things like sweets or refined carbs, but I don't see that as a crippling problem. If eating candy helped make them fat, giving up candy may be a necessary "hardship" whether or not they have WLS.

Have you talked to a bariatric surgeon or attended a WLS informational seminar? If not, I suggest that you do that before you make yourself more and more confused and anxious by reading internet tales that may or may not be true or apply to you.

Good luck!
Jean

There are more options available rather than just lap band and gastric bypass. If you don't want the malabsorption of RNY but aren't comfortable with the stats on the lap band, check out the VSG. It is also a restriction only procedure.

I don't have many pros from my lap band experience. The first year was pretty good and I lost about 65 lbs. The cons from my experience were inconsistent restriction (one day I would be able to eat everything under the sun and then the next day I could not even drink water), frequent follow-ups (I required numerous adjustments as my restriction would fluctuate so much), I was unable to eat in the morning, many times dense protein foods would not go through the band but junk food would go through just fine, difficulty maintaining weight loss when my band had to be unfilled, frequent vomiting/stuck episodes, things like that.

Best of luck to you!
Lindsey

The lapband was the worst choice I EVER made. Ever.

It damaged my digestive system, my diaphragm, caused chronic pain issues that have become very long term AND if you read the REVISIONS forum, you'll see how the actuality doesn't match up to the advertising hype. AT ALL. Many, many people end up disappointed at best... damaged at worst.

Research other options for your own good. Go to ALL the forums and ask questions. Don't be afraid. AND don't be afraid to hear the bad stuff, too. It's more important than I can even tell you. Most of us go into surgery believing that the bad stuff won't happen to US... but it can. And ignorance is NOT bliss when it comes to the state of your health.

Good luck. Keep reading. I'm sorry if I sound too blunt. I have gotten to the point where I really can't be anything but.

THIS particular poster ASKED for all information.  THEY want to know the good AND bad.

Why would I LIE and say that the band is wonderful when it's NOT?  

Mary, congrats on your decision.  You will probably do well and if you need to take a break, that's understandable.  The time right before surgery (any kind of surgery.. not just WLS) is stressful.  I've been down that road more than once.

However, we bandsters who are doing well with our bands should never shut our ears or our hearts to those who are currently having difficulties or had difficulties. They need our support and as much understanding as we can offer.  And who knows when we might have a problem and need their support and experience?

It's ok to have differences of opinions.  :) 

We'll be here when you're ready to come back to the board.  Hope your banding goes extremely well for you.  :)

~Keep your opinions simple and let the person make their own decision.~

Did you NOT read the origional post??? She specifically asked for feedback about the band! I personally do NOT understand the head in the sand mentality.

If you were just about to invest in Enron  or Madoff a few yrs. ago would you not want someone to tell u the truth about them??? Well the outcome for the band long term is NOT much better than an Enron or Madoff investment!

N.M. is trying to HELP her by letting her know the bad outcomes that so many of us bandsters have!!!

I like the new pic, Maria!