Need help deciding on which surgery to get!!! :-S
I need some help you guys! I have to make up my mind by August 8, 2005 between the lap band and the bypass. I have about 110 pounds to lose and I don't know what to do! PLEASE give me some pointers. I also plan to get pregnant a year or so after surgery. I NEED SOME INPUT FROM YOU WHO HAVE HAD THE TWO DIFFERENT SURGERIES!!
Well from my research if you want to lose the 110 lbs the gastric bypass is your best option. My surgeon said that I would only lose about 50% of the excess weight with the lap band. And that was not enough for me so I am choosing the gastric bypass.
As far as getting pregnant after surgery I was told that you need to wait at least 2 years before you should do that to have a healthy pregnancy.
Have you really researched both kinds of surgery? Go to the different boards on OH and ask about both surgeries and see what they say about having kids after surgery with each one. The people here are so helpful.
Just make sure you really research every possible area of each surgery before you decide to do this. I have tried to find the worst that can happen and the best. So that way I personally can hope for something in between. This isn't a quick fix it is a tool to change your entire life.
Good luck with your journey.
Rocquetta
Hi Jeane,
There is a lot of bad (read: VERY incorrect) infomation out there on the lap band. For example, losing only 50% of your excess weight is NOT true. I ran into this A LOT when I was meeting with different surgeons. I was given such "facts" by a couple of different surgeons (those who prefer the RNY process) and ultimately led me to my decision of Dr. C. He gave me the real facts and confirmed what i already knew based on my own research... Lap-banders lose just as much as bypass people, it just takes us longer. And I am okay with that. I was willing to have this process last a little longer to endure less risks, less recovery and to know that if I should for some reason need it, it can be reversed.
This does not discount the RNY surgery... it has many merits. I just want you to have the correct information before making your decision. I would suggest posting on the main board and the lap band board. The posters on each board would be happy to tell you why they chose the particular surgery they went with... but ultimately it will be what fits best with your lifestyle. BEST OF LUCK!!
Melissa is right, there have been studies that show equivalent weight loss between banding and bypass at 5 years for patients with a BMI less than 50. For those over 50, RNY wins. Also you have to keep in mind that we are talking about "average" weight loss. Averages really don't apply to individuals. You CAN lose as much as you want if you work hard enough at it!
Dr. C
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