Newbie on Pre op.......

Hiya All!!
My name is Elyse and this is my first post. I am a member of the Centennial Forum but it was suggested I head over here to you guys and check things out so here I am!! LOL

I am in my 3rd month of my pre-op diet and I have some good days and bad days with my food but there is no giving up!! I am actually having a really hard time figuring out what procedure I am going to have. The minute I think I have made up my mind I read something that changes it. Would any of you like to share why you chose the surgery you did and how you feel about you choice?? Do any of you regret having RNY?? I have read alot of bad stuff about it but I have never talked to anyone who said it wasnt wonderful for them.....

I look forward to hearing from you!!
Namaste!!!

Hi Elyse,  I'm pre-op and Dr. Dyer is also my Doctor, I will be having RNY-Hopefully.  Good luck to you and keep up the good work.  Six months will fly by! Kim

Hi Elyse! I am less than 2 weeks post op RNY.  I had to do a 6 mo diet too--hang in there, you'll make it!!!  I wasn't sure at first which surgery to have either, but I think I had more to loose than you do.  My advice is to pray about it!   Good Luck! Rhonda

Welcome to the TN forum. I chose RNY after 3 years of research. I knew the lap band was not for me because I had so much to lose, diabetes, high cholesterol, and I was a carb addict. I loved sweets, bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, etc. You name the carb, I loved it. I was also a binge eater and knew I would find a way around the band. I rejected the DS due to the greater risk of malnutrition and the risk of "frequent, loose, foul smelling stools". After 18 years of IBS I didn't need any more frequent or looser in my life.  *I'll probably get flamed from the DS forum but that quote comes directly from the information posted by a respected DS surgeon who used to practice here in Nashville. I attended the "support group" for his practice for a month pre-op and 3 months post. I heard first hand what the DSers were dealing with and considered "normal" even at 3, 4 & 5 years post-op.*  I attended seminars at 3 different hospitals before finding the right surgeon and program for me. I have never regretted one minute of my choice in surgery, surgeon or hospital/program. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner. Good luck with whichever procedure you choose. Only you know what lifestyle changes you can live with and make work for you.

Hi Elyse! My name is Freddie.  I will be 5 weeks post op on Monday of next week.  Welcome to the Tennessee Board!  This is the home of one of the most supportive groups of people on the planet!  You will find lots of wisdom and plenty of shoulders to cry on when you need a kind word, The 6-month diet was rough!  I almost got discouraged but these wonderful folks helped me through the rough times. I agree with everything that has been said so far about how to choose the right procedure for you.  Personally I chose the RnY Gastric Bypass.  I did lots of reading about what was available and tried to only listen to those with educated opinions (i.e., people who have had the surgery or are in the medical profession.)  You will find that EVERYONE wants to share their opinion.  I had one lady who kept telling me these horror stories...bless her heart...she just wanted to be a part of the action!  I chose not to have the lap band because I am not diciplined enough to limit sugar and carbs on my own.  I need the threat of dumping to keep me on the straight and narrow.  I have had no problems and am so grateful that I was able to get approved (insurance) and find such a gifted surgeon.  I have a whole new life and I'm going to cheri**** and treat myself with the love and respect that I deserve. Do your research and make an informed decision.  You're going to love your new life! Glad to meet you! Freddie

Hi Elyse,  agree with Susan on what she wrote.  I had my surgery over 19 months ago.  I have been on this board for 3 years now, and I couldn't ask for better support, friendship, love, prayers, and shoulders.  My case is different then most.  I found out I had Leukemia two months before I found a surgeon willing to do my surgery as long as my blood work was in the normal ranges.   That was in Sept. 05.  I was in despair, figured I would never be able to have the surgery because of my having a rare form of leukemia.  I was ready to give up, but this board has kept me going when everything is going against me.  I strongly believe in God, and there's a reason for me being diagnosed with this disease and having the surgery.  In 2004 and in a wheelchair I was 299 lbs.  January 06 I weighted 277.  My goal was 130-150.  I am at 118 now.  I am able to walk, no longer have high blood pressure, no thyroid problems anymore, and even though I am and will always be considered a diabetic, it's diet controlled, and I am not on any medicine since two days before my surgery. I didn't even consider the lap band as I had a lot to lose, and I didn't want to be able to gain it all back on later.  With the RNY gastric, it's permanent.  My pouch is cut away from the main stomach.  After about 3-4 bites I am full.  It has taught me how to eat slower, smaller quanities, and the right foods to eat.  On the lap-band you are allowed to still eat the foods that got you obese just at smaller portions.  Your pouch is not cut away from the main stomach.  You have to have the fill-ins to tighten the band.  I know some insurance companies will pay for the lap-band, but not the fill-ins.  With that you may be looking at anywhere from $200-900 depending on where you have to go for the fill-ins.  I have also seen family members that after two years, their band has erroted away, the staples are gone and the weight going right back on.  My cousin is one of those, now he's looking into the gastric bypass.  With the RNY you loose weight and inches fast, but according to my surgeon you are only expected to lose 1-2 lbs a week on the lapband.  I don't know about you, but that sounds discouraging to me, I wanted it off fast and permanent.  There was no other option for me.  Not with having leukemia.  I am stronger for losing it fast. I've already had my tummy tuck done, and will be getting my thighs done in October.  Melanie, bless her heart,  met with Toni, Susan, and me last Labor day for lunch.  She hadn't been approved for her surgery yet, 4 days later she was approved.  She had her surgery in October, and her tummy tuck done this week because she's already lost her weight.  With a lapband you would be forever losing the weight before you could even consider the reconstructive surgeries.   It's your decision, but I have no regrets what-so-ever having the RNY Gastric bypass, even with the leukemia.  I didn't even consider the lapband after seeing my cousin and how he looked just 2 years after having the lapband.  It depends on how much you want or need to lose, how fast, and are willing to stick to a strict program to maintain the weightloss.  Vitamins, working out daily, and eating correctly.   May God travel with you on this new Journey.  Let Him guide you to the right surgeon, and hospital. Always Kathy PS Second Saturday on each month a bunch of us in this area get together in Cool springs for lunch, pictures, and a total of how many pounds we have all lost since surgery.  You are most welcome to join us.  What was once just 4 of us a year ago, is now grown to a lot of us, and hubbies are welcome to come.  Encouraged to come.  You can learn so much at these lunches, plus protein ideas, and free clothing that we all out grew.  I know I will have a van load of clothes.  Really think about what you want to see happening to you over the next several months and where you want to be one year after surgery.  Pray about it and we will be keeping you in our prayers as well for you.

hi Elyse. Welcome to the TN board! I am about 14 months from an RNY. I chose the RNY because I had quie a bit of weight I needed to lose (about 160 lb) plus I had several medical conditions (Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, IBS, sciatica..etc). I needed to lose weight rather quickly and after lots of research, I chose RNY. I think you have to make the decision that works best for you. What does your Dr recommend to you?  Obviously the RNY is a more drastic surgery as opposed to the lap-bad but I have never regretted my desicions because it was what was best for me. I am not opposed to lap band because that also helps a lot of people. I just needed the RNY because I felt I would need to extra "restrictions".  I think as long as you research both and talk to your Dr and you ill find out what isbest for you. I had to do the 6 month diet as well. I started out good but was so upset about having to do it, I slacked and did not stick to it like I should have. Hopefully it will go by fast for you so you  can get approved. I wish you all the best.

Hi! I thought I'd post as someone who is getting a Lap Band Monday.* woooot* Wasn't going to post, since I have not had surgery yet, but so many are RNY, I thought I'd step up. I would like to hear from other LBers! I too have a lot to lose. I too have some health issues. This is a very personal choice. I chose Lap Band for these reasons. If something should happen, the band can be removed. You don't have the dumping like RNY. ( I hope lol) Lap Banding is reversible, less expensive, and quickest recovery. Three days after surgery you start on soft foods, ie foods that can be mashed with a fork. I don't do so well with those high protein shakes. (IBS) Studying the pros and cons, reading this board will help you.  The RNY ladies and gents all have a wonderful outlook and reasons for their choices. The RNY's might lose faster. That's ok with me. At the end of 5 years both sides will have lost the same.  Quote: Although during the first year after surgery, weight loss with the gastric bypass is greater than with the LAP-BAND® System, surgeons report that at 5 years many LAP-BAND® and gastric bypass patients achieve comparable weight loss (55% for LAP-BAND® and 59% for Gastric Bypass). I had to pray and go with what my heart was telling me was the best thing for me. Lap Band vs other WLS Advantages Lap Band

Lowest mortality rate

Least invasive surgical approach

No stomach stapling or cutting, or intestinal re-routing

Adjustable

Reversible

Lowest operative complication rate

Low malnutrition risk  Other

Rapid initial weight loss

Minimally invasive approach is common

Longer clinical experience in the U.S.

Slightly higher total average weight loss reported than with purely restrictive procedures  Disadvantages Lap Band

Slower initial weight loss

Regular follow-up critical for optimal results

Requires an implanted medical device

In some cases, effectiveness can be reduced due to band slippage

In some cases, the access port may leak and require minor revisional surgery  Other WLS

Cutting and stapling of stomach and bowel are required

More operative complications

Portion of digestive tract is bypassed, reducing absorption of essential nutrients

Medical complications due to nutritional deficiencies

"Dumping syndrome" can occur

Non-adjustable

Extremely difficult to reverse

Higher mortality rate  Risks LB Mortality rate: 0.05% Total complications: 9% Major complications: 0.2% Most common include:

• Standard risks associated with major surgery
• Nausea and vomiting
• Band slippage (minor revisional surgery)
• Band erosion (minor revisional surgery)
• Access port problems (minor revisional surgery)

Other Mortality rate: 0.5-2% Total complications: 23% Major complications: 2.1% Most common include:

• Standard risks associated with major surgery
• Nausea and vomiting
• Separation of stapled areas (major revisional surgery)
• Leaks from staple lines (major revisional surgery)
• Nutritional deficiencies

LB

Hospital stay is usually less than 24 hours

Most patients return to normal activity within 1 week

Full surgical recovery usually occurs within about 2 weeks  Other With a laparoscopic approach:

• Hospital stay is usually 48-72 hours
• Many patients return to normal activity within 2.5 weeks
• Full surgical recovery usually occurs within about 3 weeks

Both have good things to think about ... I wish you great success in your journey! God Bless!

Hi Elyse! Welcome to the Tennessee Board!  I see you over on the Yahoo site all the the time.  I mostly lurk over there, but have posted on several occasions.  In fact, I saw the post where you were directed over here!   I am right there with you on the 6 month diet!  At times it's rough, and at times it has been a lifesaver.  I just did my Psych Eval and only have 3 weeks left before my 6th visit.  Since the first of the year, I have lost 58 lbs.  All due to lifestyle changes.  At times I think the Lap Band would be great for me.  Then I realize that I could go to Mickey D's and have a Large chocolate Milkshake for lunch. When I look up the food details on the Mc D's website, I find out that the shake I just drank has 1200 calories and 220 carbs!  At this point I realized that I could find ways to cheat the Lap Band.  What good would that do for me?  So, my decision is to go Gastric.  Understand one thing though...THIS IS MY DECISION!  Only you can make your decision!  I wish you the greatest of luck on both your decision and the actual surgery! Oh yeah, are you attending the Support Group meetings at Centennial?  If so, maybe I will meet you next month!   

Hi Elyse: This is my second time posting to this board and in my first post I asked the same question as you did.  I  was having a terrible time trying to decide between the RNY and the Lap Band.  Then this week I met with my surgeon for the first time.  During this meeting I found out that having the lap band will not cure my diabetes and that's what made the decision for me.  Mind you, I am terrified of the RNY but that's the route I'm taking.  My BMI is just 36.1 but I have diabetes and heart disease just to name a few.  I've already done the 6 month diet and am now waiting for a cardiac clearance and my psych eval.  After that, I should be a go. Good luch with your decision.  Everyone here was telling me that the decision was a personal one and only one you can make.  But talk to your doctor and maybe he can help steer you in the right direction for you.  That's what worked for me. Good Luck, Sue