Me and questions of which surgery to have.

Hey,

 

I am kind of nervous.  I have a consult with Dr. Sass on Wednesday.  I have a large amount of weight to lose, probably more than most people on this site. My dream weight loss would be 355lbs, what a dream.  I am not sure which surgery I want to have. I love the by-pass because of the fast weight loss but the risks frighten me. Lap-Band and its less-invasive surgery I like but is it possible to lose that much weight using it.  I have been unable to locate any information about that question. Another reason I worry about the by-pass is the healing. I have type 1 diabetes and even though it is in great control (I wear an insulin pump) there is always a chance of a problem with healing. If anybody has thoughts about the surgeries, or suggestions that I should look into, please let me know.  I’m 36 years old and looking to get healthy so I can live again.  Keith in Chattanooga, TN

 

Hello Keith, This decision is one no-one can make but you.  I had the same problem, I was torn between the two and at 57 that was a big concern for me at my age.  I am now post-op and am so glad I went with RNY.    All I can say is do your research of  the two and pray for God's leading, I need to lose over 200 and walking with a cane in no fun. I was not living in my past state and need quick results.

HI THERE< I AGREE WITH DEW myself had the RNYapril24th because of type2 diabetes the surgery has taken care of the diabetes.....

This is a question that you and your DR. should decide.  DO NOT base your decision on what others have done and how fast or slow they have lost.  There is a Lap band board with all the info directly from the Lap Band people. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/a,messageboard/boa rd_id,5359/

Hi Keith! I just wanted to wish you all the sucess in the world on whatever choice you decide. I agree with everyone else, no one can make this decision for you. All we can do is tell you our experiences but it really has to be your desicion (and your Drs). I think you need to go to as many seminars as possible to learn all the pros and cons of both. I understand the fear of the recovery period from the RNY. I think it is normal to fear this. I know I did but I had never had any major surgery before this so I was scared but the pros for the bypass outweighed the cons for me personally. But it could be different for you. In either surgery, it is a lifestyle change and you are sure to lose a lot of weight as long as you are ready and as best prepared as you can be. Good luck on your decision and keep us updated. Misty

Keith, Welcome to the board...there are a lot of good folks here to let you know the "real deal" on having the surgery.   I'm currently 2 weeks out from surgery with a total of about 160 pound to lose.   I don't know how far into the process you are yet but I would recommend researching your surgeon as to how many "high risk" surgeries he/she has done successfully.  I chose my surgeon because he was board certified and practiced at "Center of Excellence".   By the fact you have more that 300 pounds to lose and have diabetes...there is a good chance you will be considered high risk.  You might actually have to lose some of the weight prior to surgery.  A surgeon who cares about your health will be very honest about this as they want to keep you healthy.   I'm not sure exactly where the cut off point is for laproscopic surgery but I do believe at some point depending size would be considered for traditional surgical procedures (means they would cut you and recovery would be longer).   As for the diabetes, I am very fortunate that I didn't or don't have at this time diabetes but my understanding is that most people that's had the surgery that had diabetes that it has "Greatly improved" if not completely gone away...so I suspect that might not be the biggest issues. Whatever you decide...check out at least a couple of programs, research, research, research...and then when you know you've made the right decision...listen to your doctor and do what he says.   Join us on the losers bench ;)  pam

Don't forget the non-surgical option.  As of today, I am 173.5 down from my high of 598 and down 89.5 pounds since March.  If you have the determination, you can lose it without surgery.