Last month of pre-insurance stuff and I've changed my mind

Hello,

I wanted to put this out there and get some feedback from band folks.  My doctor suggested the RNY procedure, but told me it was totally up to me.  He said the band would work too, just slower.  After all the research I've done during these six months, I just think I would feel more comfortable with the band, but I've received negative feedback on that-from people who have had RNY and even from people who have had the band.  The people who had the band said they wished they would have had the bypass because their weight loss is so much slower and they are discouraged.  I don't mind slower, I just want to be healthy.   Just trying to get some feedback.

Thanks!

Hello, i just had the band placed last week. i never considered the RNY becasue of the additional associated risks. As far as losing weight, i look at this as a lifetime change, so if my weight comes off a little slower, that's Ok. it is the long term result i am looking towards. I have lost weight in a quick way before with all of my dieting, but i always regained.
good luck

Don't worry what anyone says to you that is negative.  They don't know you and that is that.  I am not pursuading you to get the band.  Heck if it was the other way I would still be in support of you changing to the RNY because only you know what you are comfortable with (surgery and after surgery progress).  So really if you are more comfortable with the band as far as surgery goes and you are okay with a slower weight loss then it sounds like the band is a better choice for you.

I did go back and forth between the two myself but ultimately ended up with band b/c I didn't want to rearrange anything in my body, at least not at this stage in my life.  Maybe way down the road if needed it would be an option but I doubt it.  It just isn't the surgery for me persay.  I am doing great as far as weightloss goes with the band.  I know it will begin to slow and that there is more upkeep with the band ie fills but it is worth it to me and the upkeep helps keep me more on track and focused on the goal.

Good luck with your decision.

I too struggled which which surgery to go with, and someone IRL who had a
RNY tried talking me out of the band.  I also know someone who almost died from complications after her RNY, and I know she regrets her surgery. She has gained back a significant amount since her surgery a few years ago.  I am afraid to cut and rearrange my intestines, and I figure the slower loss will be kinder to my excess skin.  What ultimately made my decision was the 3 yr stats for the band and RNY - they are pretty close in terms of weight loss....in fact, RNY regain some, and that would really screw me up mentally KWIM? 

This is a marathon, not a sprint.  I'm okay with a slower loss that is adjustible to my needs.  I'm in it for the long haul

Good luck no matter what you decide!

First things first...STOP listening to others....this is your body and your decision...you are the one who has to live with what ever you do to your body. i chose the band because i wanted the slower loss, i did not want to have to have plastics,not that there is anything wrong woth plastics, but it is not for me and never was going to be a part of my journey. i also did not want to deal with the issues that i have researched for the RNY.. these are my opinions and i am very happy with my choice. You need to make up your own mind.Do what is best for you....

Lori

Hi,
This is your body, and you are the only one who can decide what surgery would be right for you.
I went with the band because it is a slower weight loss and down the road I get cancer or something they can always take it out.  I have only been banded for less then 3 months and have already lost 30lbs.  
Have you posted on the lap band board?  There are a lot of wonderful vets over there that can give you their experiences.  Both bands are basically the same in how the work. 
Good luck on you research.

I was actually talking to a surgeon who wanted me to have the bypass surgery over the band because I like ice cream.    I walked out of his office thinking, well maybe.  I instead researched the band for a little over a year and got all the facts and decided this is what I want to do. I did have just about everyone telling me not to do either just to diet. I told them in 30 years it hasn't worked and I am sick of being unhealthy so I got my band on November 12th and I am VERY happy I did.  I am a slow loser. Always have been, so I'm anticipating a slow loss. I told my new doctor that if it takes me 2 years to loose the 80 lbs I want to loose I'll be happy with that.  Of course I would like it to be a little faster but as others have stated it will be better for me and I won't have sagging skin at the end.  

It is your decision and no one else's.  Really investigate the pro's and con's and go to support groups in your area if there are some.  You can make an informed decision and be comfortable with it in the end.   For those telling you different tell them to just support you and not judge or criticize. Unless they've been in your shoes they don't know what your going through.  

Thanks-your response really brought some things to light!!!

I was banded in Feb 09 and if I had it to do over I would not have had the band. I want to go back and have bypass soooo bad but my insurance wont cover it for at least 2 more  years with continue follow ups showing I have tried everything and I have to prove basically that the band isn't working. I know some people that have had major success with the band losing 100 pounds or more. I, on the other hand, have gained. It's a struggle every single day with me and I just wish I had someone that would have talked me into getting bypass and not the band. Good luck in whatever you do. Just remember whatever road you choose, it's just a tool and it will depend on you doing the right thing to make it work. Good luck!