What is?

Hi All, I am new to this site and considering lap band surgery. I would love to hear how those who have done it feel about the surgery and if you have any regrets. I was reading the posts and saw a few things I don't understand. What are revisions, RNY's and DS? Can some one tell me what they mean? Congrats to all of you on your success!

Hi there.

I didn't have LapBand, but I will try to answer some of your questions, RNY is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, DS is Dueodenal Switch Surgery, a revision is a second surgery to fix a failed first surgery.

There are specific boards for each surgery. If you go to the top to the link that says Forums, the different surgeries will pop up.

There's also a specific lap band forum.  The other post summed everything up.  Be sure to do your own research - very very thouroughly on ALL the procedures, the surgeons who you would go to, their credentials, and don't be afraid to interview more than one surgeon.  I feel it is vital to be very comfortable with your surgeon and have easy communication with them. Good luck!  Ask any questions! Pam

In doing your research, don't forget to look into the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  Sometimes it's a stand alone procedure, sometimes it's Part 1 of a 2 part DS.  DS is a duodenal switch, prob the most extensive/complex surgery.  A revision is someone who is changing from one failed type of surgery to a more appropriate (hopefully) type.    The more you read, the less crazy this all seems.  You will begin to understand the pro's and con's of each type of surgery.  Look into weight loss totals, maintenence, regains.  See if there's studies about long term follow up.  Figure out which kind of surgery you can live with, THEN pick a surgeon who excels in that type of surgery.  For example, for a DS, if you can't make a life time committment to multiple vitamins taking every day, and protein, protein, protein,  this would not be the right type for you.  Unfortunately, if you pick the surgeon first, there is a tendency for them to steer you into whatever type of surgery they excel at.  This is not always the best one for you.  If a surgeon only does lap bands and RNY, he will only offer you those choices.  Keep reading through all the FAQ's on the different boards, post questions, and researc, research, research!  Good luck with your searching.  If you have any questions, come back here....  there's a variety of different surgery people here!       Mary C

You really have to do all your homework and get as much information you can possibly get. There are so many different weight ,.oss surgeries you can get. I had the Lap Band and am thrilled, I have 1 more pound till I reach my goal. Everyone is different, my Dr. told me which was best for me. I trusted him totally so I went for the band....Good luck in your surgery, whichever you choose....

I went to every seminar I could find.  The first one had a very kind doctor but he only did gastric bypass.  I left scared.  I have to lose about 65 pounds.  The next had two doctors and one only did lap band and the other did lap band and gastric bypass.  Each seminar had doctors who taught me more so that I could make an intelligent decision.  I decided on lap band.  I know that it will take longer to lose the weight but that is OK.  Also check out what support they give both before and after your surgery.  I will probably be having my surgery at the end of February but I am using this time to learn as much and possible and develop good eating habbits.  I have lost 11 pounds in 6 weeks  on my doctors supervised diet and have changed the way I eat.  Good luck and  research, research, research.