Was Gastric Bypass the right decision?

I am leaning towards Gastric Bypass instead of the lap band - mostly because of my "addiction' to sugar and refined carbs - I think that the dumping syndrome will make me more likely to succeed - and this is definitely my last resort. I am interested in everyone's feelings now about having chosen Gastric Bypass over Lapband.  I am desperate to talk to people in my same situation who have already taken the "plunge"  any info would be welcomed. Thank you! Jenni

Hey Jenni I didn't even consider the lapband, to be honest... I prefer knowing that I've got something permanent that doesn't need to be fiddled with (no port and fills). :) I also liked the idea of dumping on sugar and fats and whatnot. Also know that you lose less weight slower with lapband. Laura

Hi Jenni,  I did consider the lap band but due to my addiction to carbs and sugar I also decided I needed something beyond the lap band. It was definately the right decision for me and I really though the dumping tool would help the situation. I'm doing great and loving the weight loss but guess what...I don't dump! So be prepared to learn how to make good food choices either way you choose. I hear that about 50% of gastric bypass patients never get the dumping syndrome. Good luck! Amanda

I am a dumper, however ,do you think it has stopped me from eating sugar? NO not at all! I hate it. I eat candy like crazy. I ate candy at work the other day and on the way home from work I broke out in a sweat, got disorriented and had to pull into the grocery store parking lot. It did pass after about 30 minutes but I thought I was dying. I did the same thing a couple of days later. Why do I make myself suffer like this? Because I have an addiction! The same addiction that I had prior to the surgery!! I have not gained any weight back but I do not eat the right kinds of foods so now I am borderline malnutrition. So I have had to make drastic changes to my diet. I have upped my proteins and I am now trying to do better. The surgery is not a mircle maker. It is a tool that we have to learn how to use and I have been abusing my tool just as I abused my body prior to the surgery. We have to know going into the surgery that we have to be able to follow through with this once we do it. I thought that I was capable but now I wonder .... was I???   When people have the surgery in the US they have to undergo a psyciatric evaluation. When you have the surgery out of the country you don't have to have one. Had I had one, they probably would have told me that I would be a failure with the surgery. Because I have a severe addiction. Prior to the surgery and still today!! I am addicted to sugar! My friend had the evaluation in Florida and she was told she would be a failure and they would NOT do the surgery on her. She would have had to go through counseling so she did not have surgery. More than likely, that would have been me too!  I don't think there should be a surgery based on how much or what you eat. It all depends on if you are mentally ready. Just make sure that whatever surgery you decide on, that you are mentally ready to make the life change. Take it from me... please make sure you are mentally ready.  I hope I have not scared anyone by this post. Everyone is different. I just want you to know that this has happened to me and it can happen to anyone. It probably has happened to others too. Please keep me in your prayers and I will keep each of you in my prayers that you are a success and have continued success at what you are doing. Traci Baylon

Hi Jephiner,

I saw your post and I hope its okay that I write you because I am a bandster.  I am also a sugar addict.  i have been for probably the past decade or so.  i love my breads and pastas, and forget about chocolate. 

I chose the lapband because personally I felt it was better for me. i understand that i would probably be close to goal right now, being 5 months out, if I had RNY.  But do your research, I did. No one can tell you what is best for you except you.  This previous post was correct...its not a magic pill, you control what goes into your mouth.....I learned even with the band.  after my third fill I can not get those carbs in as much.  My favorite bread at Carino's (Italian restaurant which I love)...won't go down anymore. so now when I look at breads and fries,,,my first feeling is"why bother? It will get stuck and that is not a great feeling"  So yes, the band does help me decide what I put in my mouth now, when I didn't feel in control at all before being banded.  I have about one more fill to go...is it bothersome to go for the fills?...no not at all. I kind of like the fact that I see the doc once in a while, you know to update and answer any questions I have....but one more fill, I think i will be good for quite a while so not much maintenance at all.  Hope this helps, and remember, it doesnt matter which direction you go...we are all here for each other, I wish you the best of luck in this journey we are on...keep in touch!