new to this site and preop

Hi...my name is Denise and I thought I'd say hi and introduce myself. I am in the preop phase and I honestly feel that I run the gamut of "I am so doing this" to "what in the world am I thinking" on a daily basis. I am 5 ft 5 and weigh 236 pounds with a BMI of 39.3. I've been approved for RNY (because of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and pre-diabetes) but wonder if I should go with the lapband instead. I am in the process of doing the preop tests  and really should make up my mind before I set the date.
Any of you out there asked yourself this question, "am I seeking a surgical answer to a spiritual question?" I guess I need to pray more about this!
Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks and God bless,

Denise 

Welcome Denise,

Only you can make this decision. I lead support groups for RNY and lap-band. Both work well but it is an individual choice.

Our surgeon expects people to attend BOTH support groups before making this decision. I have seen many people come to group thinking they had made their final choice. After asking questions they realised that one procedure best suited their own life-style and eating habits. In 2 years not one person has regretted their choice.

Both procedures work as long as you are true to yourself and follow the guidelines.

I can tell you my personal reasons for having the RNY. there were actually 2 deciding factors.
 
First: knowing my fear of needles, the thought of having fills terrified me. I have gone with group members for fills and see that it is no big deal for THEM. They lay on the table, comfortable and relaxed while I am shaking in my boots jus****ching. See - it is me, not the lap-band.

Second: my insurance didn't cover lap-band at the time. Money was a major i$$ue. I have no regrets.

Annette

Hi Denise,

Welcome to OFF.  I hope you gain lots of information in your process toward surgery.  My situation was very similar to yours in height and weight.  I don't like needles so that was a huge deciding factor for me to select RNY for my surgery.  

I look forward to seeing you post more often and following your journey.

Kathi

Hi Denise,
I too am pre-op. I've been "sucking everyone dry" here of info and tips for many months now. This is a great forum and even greater people. I'm going with the lap rny. I've heard it is a quicker wt loss and it just feels "right" to me. It is a very personal decision and all I can add is that be very informed.
I too am 5'5" but wt higher than you at 251. I've lost 25# adopting the post-op lifestyle early. There is so much to learn and I do learn something new everyday I come here.
Make yourself at home here and enjoy the ride.
Great to meet you,
Alice

Welcome, Denise!

What specifically is appealing to you about the lap-band?

The band has worked very well for me because I was a volume eater, so a purely restrictive WLS procedure was fine for me.  My fills have never hurt - they're quick and easy - and I like the fact that the band is adjustable according to my weight loss needs.

In choosing a WLS procedure, you might want to consider what kind of eater you are.  If you are a snacker/grazer, or sweets are a problem, a purely restrictive procedure like the band may not be the best choice for you.  There is nothing about the band to prevent you from snacking, grazing, or eating sweets.

As for the seeking a surgical answer to a spiritual question thing, all I can say is that I finally woke up and realized I had to do something major about taking better care of the preciuos body God gave me.

Jean

[In choosing a WLS procedure, you might want to consider what kind of eater you are.  If you are a snacker/grazer, or sweets are a problem, a purely restrictive procedure like the band may not be the best choice for you.  There is nothing about the band to prevent you from snacking, grazing, or eating sweets.]

Am new to this fourm and thank you have not heard or thought of this before!

Janie

Denise, the first thing I want to do is welcome you to OFF. You will never be the same after being in here. It is a group that is totally wonderful. We offer love, understanding and knowledge. Remember there is no stupid question. We are here to share and to laugh together.

My primary reason for having the rny is that of the more rapid weight loss. I was so maxed out on insulin and diabetes oral meds that I needed to do something and do it quickly. I am proud to say that I have been off diabetes meds since a week before surgery. So that has helped a lot.

Another reason I have turned to rny was my fear of needles and having the fills for the lap band. I never thought of that on my own. My girlfriend who was with me every step of the way reminded me of this.

I guess all I can say to you on the decision that you make is to search your heart and the right decision will happen if you remain open to the voice of God speaking to you.

Good luck and post often so we can get to know you and you us. The best of luck to you whatever road you chose to travel down. And know that what ever your decision is we are behind every step of the way.

Hi Denise, Welcome to the WLS club... I chose lap-band primarily because it would allow me to return to work sooner, and it does less permanent restructuring of my body, which for some reason was important to me.  But I believe that the RNY is known to be a bit faster, and for some a more effective way to effect permanent weight loss.  And you have to re-reach yourself how to eat and what to eat with both. Best wishes, and hope you make the right decision for you!

As for the spiritual questions, I must ahve asked myself those kind of questions, about cheating to get something done in my body that I shoudl ahve been able to do with the help of God, for many years. That is why it took me until this year to get surgery. I decided not to live under the condemnation of my own self-judgement any longer and use a tool given, for what it coudl do. People with brain tumors, or diabetes, or even nearsightedness (Laser surgery!)  do not say "should I live without medical intervention & treatment" so that the Lord can do a work in me? No, they take the treatment that God has allowed men to develop, and trust Him to deal with their issues, in addition to the treatment, not instead of it.  So, I hope that helps... Hugs

Hi Denise,

I'm pretty much in the same place as you, but I think I've decided that RNY is for me.  I am 5' 6" and weigh 247 so our BMI's are pretty similar.  I also worry that I am making the right decision.  Fortunately, or UNfortunately, depending on how you look at it, my insurance is making me do a 6 month diet doctor first! UGH!!!!!!!!!

Good luck with your choice!
Amy

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*   W E L C O M E     You have just entered the wonderful world of OFF.  A great group of people and a great source of information.

I can't give you an opinion one way or the other as to which surgery is best.  My Dr. did the RNY only.  He felt that it was the best way to go to avoid complications later... His opinion.  I'm very happy with the surgery and the better health I have.

I too struggled with my spiritual beliefs that I should be able to rely on prayer and self control.  Well, I also heard from Dr that after a certain weight is gained by a person it is no longer doable by diet alone.  The body kinda takes over and weight loss is not as permanent....  I hope this makes sense.  The Dr is one from the TV show for extremely obese people ( can't remember the show title ).

Best Wishes on your decision.....   Millie