19 & new to this... planning on having RNY but not sure... Thinking I need some support...

I am planning on having the RNY right after I get out of school for the year in early May. I have always leaned toward the RNY more than the Band. Also, my doctor kind of makes the RNY sound like a better choice for me, and so did the other people that I have seen. My parents know and support me in my choice to have WLS, as I have struggled with my weight since about 4th grade. However, I think they are leaning towards the LapBand. =/ If anyone has any advice or support for me, I would REALLY appreciate it. Also, if there are any people currently go away to college, I would also like to talk to you about any insight you may have! =D

Vicki, All I can say is PLEASE research every surgery option out there. Do not allow a surgeon to try to lean you toward a certain surgery. It's your life not his, and you will have to live with whatever surgery you choose for the rest of your life. My only advice is RESEARCH your options. Good luck!

HI, I'M 23 YEARS OLD AND I HAVE BEEN HEAVY MY ENTIRE LIFE. I HAD SURGERY 11/8/06. I HAVE LOST 75LBS IN 3MONTHS. I HAD GASTRIC BYPASS AND I WAS LEANING TWORD THE BAND AND MY DOCTOR STEARED ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.  AND HE WAS RIGHT. I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. RESEARCH THE BAND  THE COMPLICATIONS TURNED ME OFF. AND BESIDES THEY CUT YOU IN THE SAME AMOUNT OF SPOTS.

Hi! I'm 18, and away at college, and I had RNY over winter break in December. If you want to talk about stuff, like making the decision of which surgery to have, the complications with being away at school while dealing with it, etc., just let me know. Send me a personal message on here and I'd be happy to talk to you about it on AIM or something. Good luck!

It was a lot to take in when I first started looking into both surgeries. I decided on RNY because the lap just seemed too 'temporary' to me. Maybe temporary isn't the word for it, but I didn't feel comfortable knowing I would have a port inside my stomach and would have to go for regular adjustments. It's also a slightly newer procedure and there wasn't much info on long term effects of having the port inside of you for life. Obviously there is much more to it...but those were the deciding factors for me.  I'm 19 having surgery on May 1st...send me a message if you wanna chat!

I just turned 22 so I guess I don't really belong here, but I'm opting for the band and I hope you have a change of heart too. From what I understand the band is more effective in long term weight loss. There is no problem of your stomache restreching and you gaining it all back, as you can simply tighten the band. You can also have the band let out for special occasions when you want to eat. In addition to that, your body gets ALL nutrients you eat and you wont be stuck taking vitamins for life like with the RNY, AND the death rate is much lower. It's 1/2000 as oppose to 1/100. You're just a teen and have your whole life ahead of you. Even though lapband is a slower loss, you will still be able to partake in food related activities in the rest of your "growing up years" through college and all that partying. Not all of it, but some, and you will still be losing, without dumping syndroms either. Good luck!

The decision is up to you. I'm 22 and had surgery 5 years ago. My doctor was very for me having the lap band, however I knew it wasn't something that was going to work for me. I did research on both surgeries and weighed the pros and cons of each surgery. Ultimately, the way I decided was writing down my problem foods. Since fat/sugar was more of an issue I went with the RNY. I'm currently away at college. Food is harder to find since most of the food is very unhealthy. I brought a fridge with me and make sure I have food that I can eat. Also, college food tends just to be gross anyway so most people have some of their own food. In terms of drinking, I would wait a year before. Most doctors recommend waiting this amount of time. Most people do get drunk off less alcohol since it goes into your body faster so be careful. I've also had  two plastic surgeries since and I'm very open if you have any questions you can also email me at [email protected]. Stacey

All I can say is, I wouldn't be as blissfully happy with my results thus far (-86 lbs in 5.5 months) if someone hadn't told me about the Duodenal Switch gastric bypass. Please research all of your options and BE SURE you are making the right choice for YOU! Good luck to you and please feel free to ask me any questions!