New and need help deciding

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and I am looking at having the lap band procedure. I have been told by several doctors that this is the best way to go for me. I have not spoken with a surgeon yet and plan to make an appointment. I did see a surgeon 2 years ago about the full surgery and it scared me to death. Do you all think this is much better? I am scared of any surgery but this seems better to me. I am a 43 year old wife and mother. I have 3 teenage children and one that has seem to have adopted me and my family. I have been married for 21 years. My husband is very supportive of anything I want to do. My children are also great. They are ages 19, 16 and 15 and 19 my daughters boyfriend more like a son to me great kid. I am now 313lbs the biggest I have ever been is 317 and I am not liking it at all. I am now on blood pressure medicine and a sleep machine all happened in the past 6 months. I am not happy about the way I feel or look and I am afraid I will keep gaining the weight. I have tried just about every diet out there and nothing seems to work for more than a couple of months. I lose and then gain back that and more. I am sick of it and afraid if I do not do something soon my health will get worse. I appreciate any help or input good or bad about this procedure. thanks so much Bonnie

hi bonnie welcome to the board!! i understand that you are having trouble making a decision. for me basically i always knew i wanted the RNY procedure i just felt that lap band left me open to too many choices food wise after surgery. having said that, it has to be your decision and that of the surgeon u work with. just to let u know i am 5'4 and weighed 267 top weight. i was 264 when i had my surgery in july 2006 and im down 98 pounds. i feel great!!! if your family supports your decision you already have a leg up on many ppl who struggle with this decision on their own. there are lots of lap banders on the board maybe they will give u some input. good luck whichever way u decide to go feel free to message me anytime, jacki

Hey Bonnie, I know esactly how you are feeling, believe I was driving myself crazy deciding...Check out the Lap Band forum uptop and also the RNY forum....Take your time reading alot of the postings and ask any questions...Both fowums are really great for support and answers. I went with the lap band surgery in September 2006. I am down a total of 52 pounds so far....Good luck Dave T

hi my name is frank and i was like you it took me a year to make up my mind i did go wit the open r n y back in dec 7 2006 im down 100 lbs now they both work one is just slower that s all find a good doc thats what took me time thanks frank

Hi Bonnie: Which surgery to choose is a very personal decision. I had a consultation with a surgeon who performed both lap band and RNY, and we both decided that I would benefit more from RNY than from lap band. I think you need to examine what has contributed to your weight. I have always had a problem with sweets. I could not have one cookie, I had to have all the cookies. I was afraid that the lap band would not be restrictive enough for me. So far, so good. I had my surgery on 1/10/06, and I am down 160 lbs. I suggest that you schedule consultations with a variety of doctors and be honest about your eating habits. That way they can help you choose the surgery that will give you the best results. Good luck!!

Bonnie, For me, the Lap band was the right decision- I do daydream at times that I wish I had had the Gastric Bypass as opposed to the Band, but that fades quickly. MY decision was based on a few things Cost, it is a *****eaper Risk- very low risk factor Time in hospital- Most people with Lap stay one night only Recovery- Had surgery on Friday and was back to work on Monday---Sore & Tired but back to work. Malabsortion- with the RNY, you will be on vitamins and nutrients the rest of your life- with the Band I just have to take a Multi. NOW- I have seen some folks with the LAP band loose very little weight over time---do UNDERSTAND please- that Lap band is a tool- unless you are willing to work hard (eat the right food, exercise etc) IT WILL NOT WORK I have lost as much weight (almost) as any RNY patient. 78 pounds in a little over 3 months time, but I have worked it hard. Its all up to you and your surgeon- I know so many folks that are amazingly successful with the RNY and LAP BAND. The last word I can give you is it a truly amazing journey to meet so many people and see the transformation in the lives and their bodies. For me, it was never about fitting into smaller clothes, but more about my health. If you work hard, you will have a new and improved life. best of luck Chris

Bonnie: With the lap band procedure being so highly promoted I can see where you are undecided which is the best for you. I personally wanted the RNY because I am am a heavy weight, 456 to start. I was operated on in June and have lost 150 lbs. I had my surgery at Pennsylvania Hosptial. As another person mentioned in their response the surgery is just a tool. You have to change your entire way of looking at food and make decisions that you are going to have a healthy lifestyle. Neither procedure is a magic potion. Both are major surgery and the real work begins after you wake up in recovery. Whatever you decide, I will be pulling for you and waiting for you on the loser's bench. Good luck; Jeanne

Bonnie, And what I have been told, for I am no where near that----is the Really Really (can I say Really again) hard work beings after you hit your goal weight. You may to help out one of the Support Groups----they are of great serivce WLS community and you can meet and talk to many folks going through the indecision process also.

I would suggest that you learn about the DS, its the most difficult to get from insurance. fewer doctors are qualified , but the results are superior. easier to live with, visit the DS forum and ask about it.

walter I don't want to sound stupid but what is DS?