Saw Dr. Chapman, now I have questions.....

Well, I did decide to change surgeon's and I am very happy I did.  I saw Dr. Chapman today and he is exactly as his review depict him to be.  Very straightforward and no beating around the bush.  We talked about LB and GBP surgeries for me and he said I am an excellent candidate for both especially given my co-morbs.   After talking to him though, I am beginning to think that the GBP might be better for me than the LP.  Primarily due to the speed of weight loss.  I am probably the least patient person on this planet, and listening about the differences and speeds of weight loss got me wondering.  All of my other concerns of choosing between the two were answered for me (recovery, pain, etc.) I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on trying to choose and the pros and cons.  I would especially like hearing from those that change directions once talking to the Dr. One more thing....Dr. Chapman did not at all try to influence me one way or the other.  In his words, my job is to provide you information and let you choose the best option for you. Thanks, Belinda

Hello.  You should definietly be happy with the person that will cut on your body while you are out of it. I am starting the process. I will have the Lap Band. I am choosing this because it is less envasive. I think with the weight coming off gradually and a combination of working out that I would not have to much flab hanging from my body. Everyone's bodies respond differently though.  I believe both to be great and you have to know your self to know which one is best for you..

I had begun wanting to have the gastric(3 days in hospital or more) but  mentally I am strong and I work out and feel as if Lap Band ( 1 day in the hospital) is best for me.  Gastric takes longer before you can go back to work if you work..

Ruth

everybody's different. i was in the hospital for <48 hours for GBP and went back to work 3 days later.  the thought of having a "port" for the LB fills skeeved me out. i also thought the stats for weight lost and speed of loss for GBP suited me better.

If you watch the surgery live on the post I just put up you can go to a question section from the doctors and he briefly discuss how they were part of the original group that tested this years ago and at that time they found it wasn't as successful though he admitts things have changed.  Like any of this surgery or diets its a lifestyle change and finding out why we eat .

Belinda,             Although I do not have Dr. Chapman, my research and other peoples experiences have been nothing but positive.  He is one of the best in the field.  Had I chosen RNY, I would have went to him, since he's closer to me.  I, too, am impatient for this weight to be OFF!, but once I started looking at other long term issues and side effects, I knew the lapband was a better choice FOR ME.  Not everyones me though (good thing, lol), but just whatever you choose, research it thoroughly and be 100% sure that that's what's right in your heart. We will be here to support, help, and hopefully be able to guide you either way.  Have a blessed day!~~~~~Hugs, Nancy

Of course we all want to see quick results... but in my opinion that should be low on your list when deciding between the two surgeries. I would look more at the pros and cons of each... also LB is not permant (if you want it to be of course!) and GBP is something you have for life. I personally do not know much about the LB because at the time of my surgery BCBS did not cover it. I think a lot has to do with how much weight you have to lose and what you can committ too. Good luck!

The main factor in my deciding to have RNY over LapBand was the fact that my insurance didn't cover it.  I was looking at a co-insurance for RNY or 22,000+ dollars out of pocket for LapBand.  That made my decision a lot easier.  However, Dr Chapman told me that because of my high BMI, I was better off with RNY.  I am not sorry I had RNY, it was the right choice for me.  I needed the permanence and the malabsorption.  Each person has to decide individually what is right for them.  Do your research, I'm sure that the right answer will stand out for you. Take care. Ellen