Springfield, Massachusetts area

Hi, My name is Mary and I am from Agawam.  I am just at the beginning plans of having surgery.  I went to one "seminar" by a local doctor.  It was suppose to be a bariatric surgery seminar, but I felt it was a "lapband" seminar. 

I understand the pros and cons of both the lapband and the RNY.  But I want a doctor that is going to say "this is all about lapband" and "this is all about Gastric Bypass and then work with me to make my decision. (I really think I want RNY)

I go for another appointment with a different doctor on Monday, October 6th.

IF the lapband would give the results that the RNY gave and the results 5 years out were as good with the Lapband vs the RNY, I would prob lean towards the band.

My sister-in-law did the RNY in June 2007 and she has gone from a size 28 to a size 8.

I had a boss in California that did this surgery 10 years ago.  I am trying to contact her to see how she is now.

I am open to both but i want results - fast - permanent - now!

The process that I have to go thru to get approved for surgery is painful (mentally) - I hate that I have to go thru a "process" in order to get this done!

I am looking for other people to chat with in the area or if anyone has any input - I'm listening!

thanks
Mary

HI
I had lapband 2 1/2 years ago and lost140#  in 1 1/2 years.  I have a friend that had rny a 1 1/2 before me and has lost only 120# and still has a lot more to go.  With the lapband it is adjustable.  I went from a size 22 tight to a 4 and I am 5'7" tall. if you have any more questions just post. Goodluck with your journey.  There aremany ups and downs but remember nothing taste as good as thin does

Hi, Who did your surgery?

Hi Mary,

Congratuations on beginning your journey to a healthier you.  I can't give you any information on the lap band, but I can tell you that everyone's experience with any kind of WLS is going to be different.  Personally for me, I had the RNY and I've lost 120 lbs in 13 months.  It is the best decision I have made for my health and and very pleased with my results so far.

Keep doing your research and you'll find which will be the best option for you.

~Kendra

I had RNY with Dr.Faillo. He is fabulous and very competent with a wonderful bedside manner. I went from 330 too 137 and I am now 61.

 Tammy here.  Dr. Haag of Pioneer valley Surgical Group.  Dr. Fiallo  is also in this group and is also very good.  When I went for my firstmeetingIwas confused to, but go make a appointment with the Dr. and talk one on one it will help.
Good Luck just emailif you have any questions.
Tammy Saloomey tavernia
Starting wieght 307# if notmore!!!!
Day of surgery 270#
Today 140# size 4

Thank you so much - I hadn't heard of Pioneer Surgical.  I have heard of Dr. Fialo.  He is also with Baystate Surgical, along with Dr. Kuhn, Dr Romanelli & Dr. Haag.  I have my nutritionist appointment set for Thursday October 9th.  I went to a support group meeting tonight.  I dont know who the surgeon will be as of yet.  I am excited and nervous.  I try to block out all the bad things that could happen and think positive. 

I had problems with being a bleeder and needing transfusions after a miscarriage but there were cir****tances with that and i dont think I would have those problems with this surgery.  I will just be open and honest!

Thank you for sharing with me

Hi, I am Lisa, I had Dr. Haag and he was great.  I had no problems with the surgery.  The biggest thing I had was the TV in the hospital room when I was recovering.  The food commercials were really the hardest thing to overcome.  I lost 100 lbs in 6 months with the RNY by lapriscoptic.  At 2 weeks out, I started to vomit, and I had not at all before.  I ended up going back to the hospital, and Dr Haag was right there with me in the ER.  He opened me back up in the same incisions, and found I had a blocked intestine because of scar tissue.  He fixed it and I was fine.  His sister actually delivered my first child, so he was extra freindly to me.  His office staff can be sometimes a little off, but I didn't care, I was there for me, not them.  I have Health New England Insurance and I was approved in 2 weeks, and I had my surgery at Baystate Health.  I actually went to Dr Coe's support groups, at the time I didn't know about Dr Haag.  Dr. Coe's waiting list was about a 7 month wait just to get a appointment.  I had one with Dr. Haag within a week.  They were great.  Good Luck

Thank you Lisa.  Dr Coe has retired.  I have met with the dietician and I weighed in.  I go for my Psych Analysis on October 27th and then I meet back with the dietician in November and then I meet Dr. Kuhn on December 12th.  I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and they do not have a waiting time that I must wait.  I am going to try to get in 2 support groups (at least) a month and am trying to do all I am suppose to do now.

The waiting is the hardest for me right now.

thank you