Need Advice

My name is Sue Johnson.  I am just finishing the 6 month doctor-supervised diet and have an appointment with Dr. Mark Colquitt on August 22.  I need some advice on which way to go with this.  I am terrified of having the by pass surgery and thought I KNEW I wanted the lap band.  However, when I talk to people who have the RNY, they seem to want to sway me to that surgery.    My bmi is about 37 but I have diabetes, coronary artery disease, GERD, spinal stenosis and hypertension among other things.  I'm also 59 years old.  I'm wondering if those of you who had the lap band are happy with your results and why you chose to go that route instead of RNY.  I'm also hoping some of you can tell my why you chose the RNY instead of the band. Thanks.

Sue,             I chose the RNY over the Lap band, however as everyone would probably say, you and your doctor need to be the one to make that decision, because you are the one that will be living with your decision.  I too had several medical problems including diabetes, therefore I chose the RNY, because I knew that I have a severe problem with carbs and sugar and that the lap would allow me to intake these types of foods, whereas with the RNY, the chance that I could intake these type of foods are very slim, due to the chances of dumping.  I also knew with the intestinal changes, I would personally be a better fit for the by-pass over the lap.  I have gotten off all of my medications, except the insulin, however it has greatly been reduced, from 40 units of Regular three times a day and 14 units at bedtime to only 15 units of Lantus.  I am having  5.3 Ha1c's instead of 12 to 14's.  I feel much better and much healthier than I was prior to my surgery.  I was 242 and now weigh 167, in just a little over 6 month, I am a firm believer that the RNY was the absolute right choice for me, however I will also stress, make sure you are committed for life with what ever choice you make, because your tool will only work if you use it properly.  You have come to a wonderful place for support and everyone here will be more than willing to help you out.  That is another thing, I would suggest, continue to use the "tool" of support groups, because we are all in this together.   Best of Luck in your decision,  Shelia

Hi Sue!  Welcome to the "Best Board on OH"!  As far as I am concerned, the decision is yours.  I am on month 5 of my 6 month program waiting on insurance approval.  I have had the same thoughts.  I have lost lbs since I started and at times I am leaning toward the Lap Band.  Here's my reason for having RNY.  If I have the Lap Band, there is nothing stopping me from going to McDonald's for lunch and drinking an XL chocolate shake (1200 calories & 220 carbs).  If I have RNY, then I will be unable to do that!       Whichever you decide, that will be the right decision for you!  Good Luck and keep us informed of which way you decide!  My sister started out going for the RNY and is now working towartd the Lap Band.  Maybe she will answer your post after church this evening.   

Hi Sue. I agree with everyone else that you need to make the decision. If you were set on Lapband, then that is what you should stick with. No one should convince you otherwise. You have a BMI of 37 so you may not need ot lose as much weight and need as much help as someone like me who had a BMI of 50.1. That is why I chose the RNY. I needed to lose over 150 pounds and fairly quickly because of the health problems I was dealing with. The RNY is obviously a major surgery and there is a tougher recovery period but it was worth it to me in the end. Wheras, others who have had the lapband, have also been as successful and like that choice. It really needs to be your decision but  at least you have made the most important one - to pursue weight loss to become healthier no matter which method you chose. I hope you have suceess and get your health back.

Like everyone else has said, it is your decision. Your BMI is not that high and the lap band could be just what you need, who knows? My advice is to keep researching and researching until you know for sure and for yourself which one you want done. I have chosen gastric bypass over lap band for many reasons but those reasons may not be right for you. Just research, research and research and most importantly pray that God will lead you to the right one for you.

Melissa

Hi Sue, Both my husband and I had the lap band in 2005.  Dr. Colquitt and his nutritionist, Angie, are awesome.  Just like you I wanted Dr. Colquitt to make the decision for me but he can't as it is entirely up to you.  Research them both and pray about it and you will make the right decision.  If you have a medical condition that requires you to lose the bulk of your excess weight within 6 months, then I would definitely go with the RNY.  Although I wasn't on any medication, my husband was off meds for diabetes and hypertension soon after his surgery.  If you choose to have the lap band, Dr. Colquitt's office is the right choice in East TN as he has a separate support group for bandsters which is key and his wife is a veteran bandster so he is extremely knowledgeable in the band.  Also my mother-in-law had the band done by him last year at 71! Best of luck to you! Stephanie