Trying to decide

I am trying to decide which surgery to go with, I have about 150lbs to lose and was wondering what you all thought would be the best route. I would love to hear imput from anyone who is available to help. Thank You in advance Mary Wilds

Hi Mary, It is a very personal decision and you should take your time and research all your options thoroughly. Read profiles on this site, spend time reading each message board and talk to people who have had the surgery. I chose lap band and it has been the best decision I made for me. I had a very short recovery time (out of work for less than 1 week), no complications and I have lost 68 lbs in 10 months. My sister chose Gastric bypass and she also is doing well. She was out of work for 8 weeks, no complications and she has lost >80lbs in 8 months. She would tell you that it was the best decision for her. Good luck to you, you'll make the right decision. Lisa

Thank you for yur input

I agree, you have to do your research. Don't just jump into the lake because everyone else is. I chose to go with Dr. Sheldon Randall. He is out of Lawrence Mem Hospital in Medford,MA. I went to him for a consultation on the lap band and he very carefully explained that the lap band was not for me. I listened and took all his info home with me. My husband and I decided he was the doc for me. It has been 8 months since my surgery and I have lost 119 lbs. I had the Open RNY procedure. It is the one he recommened and I am so glad I had it done. I did my research and I do believe that it is the only solution that would have worked for me. Good Luck in your decision. It isn't easy, but the end results are FANTASTIC!!!!!! Stephanie Joacine 368/249/220

Thank you for your input

Hi Mary, If you have a good surgeon in mind they may be able to answer some of your questions. Both surgeries are good and lots of people have had good and bad results with each of them. You need to evaluate how and why you are overweight. Each procedure offers a different solution and different complications. I have had the lap bypass and have lost 119 pounds in 13 months. I exercise regularly and follow my eating plan religiously. I was up and about the next day. Back to work at 2 weeks. My mom had the lap band about 3 months ago. She is loosing about 1-3 pounds a week after finding her sweet spot. She can't exercise due to handicaps. both of us eat differently. The advantage that my mom has is if she ends up getting hungry sooner she can go back and have a fill done. With the bypass once you reach 18 months losing becomes more difficult. My only personal recommendation is to look for a surgeon who does the procedure laprosopic (sp).-- please no flaming this is just MHO-- I know that some will say the the surgeon can see more if the open you up, but I believe the less invasion of the body the better. A good surgeon should be able to handle this with out major cutting. The healing time is so much faster. -- I had a gallbladder removed with open and the pain and healing was long. But above all --- no matter what procedure or if you choose open or Lap-- please make sure you trust your surgeon. This isn't the kind of thing that you have done and walk away from. You will have questions post op and will need their advice. Good luck donna

Thank you!

Hi Mary As averyone else reccommended do your research. I had though about surgery for a year before I made my consultation appointment with Dr. Randall. Then it took me over a year to get a surgey date due to my insurance company not Dr. Randall. With all the research I did and after speaking with my surgeon I felt the open gastric bypass was the best for me. I also had a hernia that needed to be repaired open. I was only in pain right after surgery then the inscision sight became uncomfortable due to where the incision was. I have lose 105 lbs in 10 months. I had no complications and have healed well. Due to my job I was required to take 6 weeks off. Many people go back sooner depending on what type of job you have. My sister in law had hers done lap. and she has had a difficult time with strictures(Not sure of SP). it seems to be more common with poeople who go lap. Don't quote me on this though. I am just going by what i have read on the boards and people I know. \ Take your time on this altering decision. You need to do what is best for YOU! Good Luck Janet

Thank you

Hi Mary I had Gastric bypass 1 year ago at NEMC in Boston and it was the best thig I have ever done for myself it has given my my life back. It is very scary but you will make the right decision I am sur email me if you have any questions. Christina Mcleod Cape cod Ma