HELP!~

You are so great & such a fountain of info! Love ya g/f! Candi

carolyn I believe there is a board for those who have lap band, most of them dont hang out on this board as they have their own. I would suggest you check with them for input as I cant really advise one way or the other yet. I am still awaiting surgery . hope they are more helpful.

Hi Carolyn! Congratulations on your upcoming rebirthday! I know how exciting it is waiting for the day to arrive. I chose the RNY for a few reasons, but the main one being.... if I were going to do something as drastic as surgery, I want drastic results. Its true that years down the road the rny and lap band have generally the same results. However, I didnt want to wait 2 years to lose 100 lbs. Opinions will always vary, and everyone has one. My SURGEON himself told me that the lap band CAN erode into the stomach. I trust his word. And yes, he does do the lap band surgeries also. I have spoken to people who had the band slip off and had to undergo a corrective surgery. Yes, rny patients have complications as well. The plain and simple truth is, EVERY surgery carries its own risks. YOU have to decide whats best for you based on your feelings and needs. Noone else can make that decision for you and shouldnt pressure you into one or the other. Research as much as you can and make the most informed decision based on whats right for you. As for the DS not many are doing that any more. It was the most drastic as far as malabsorption/restriction. We do have members here that have chosen the ds method. I wish you the best of luck in your journey, and in making your decision as to which method is best for you. I have not had any problems from my rny. Dr. Houston is an excellent surgeon and i've been very happy with this decision. God bless you! Melanie

I'll admit - I didn't read everything in this post, I just skiped through. I just wanted to say 3 things though.... 1 - Whatever insurance you have, is usually what helps you decide on which surgery to have at the end. 2 - You can do all the research possible, but depending on your size and weight and etc - Depends on whether you can have lap ryn, open ryn, or lap banding. 3 - TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR! Each and every person on this board is different! Your doctor may recommend a different surgery, then the one your friend had... It's only common sense because were not all the same body wise, mind wise, and etc. Good luck with your decision - And again TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!! He/She is the only one that can truely help you when it comes to deciding which surgery to have and which one is better for you and you only. -Katie

Carolyn, Whatever it is you decide, may God hold you in his loving hands, may your Angel watch over you as you begin this new journey in your life. I wish you all the success in the world, and remember we are ALL here for you. .PLEASE keep us posted....hugs, Carol

You guys are fantastic! I can't believe the amount of support I have gotten here in just a few days! The feedback is wonderful also. You know, one of the things I think I need to do psychologically is to finally admit that I did this to myself. I love blaming my weight on other factors, but here lately, I have literally felt like I have been eating myself to death and can't stop. It's like a drug addiction or something. It's weird because I have never been an addictive type personality, but I guess I am finding out more and more about myself as the days go by. And you're right...I make the choices for planning what goes in my mouth. I go see the nutristionist today, so will ask her for help with this issue and I do need to get more info about how to make the correct choices after I am healed and back on solids. The liquid part will be easy because you're so limited...but once the solid**** I need to know what to do and I'm sure thats what shes there for. Thanks again....I have updated my profile page with some pictures and am excited about FINALLY turning this weight issue that has been life long around! Take care and Hugs, Carolyn

Just my 2 cents... I personally have chosen the Lap RNY....getting started right now.I Have researched this for 3-4 years and read about each and every type of WLS.I know every one is entitled to there own opinion.When I attended my seminar at Centennial it stuck in my mind that Dr Olsen stated,"Anything mechanical does not last forever".Also a friend I work with stated,"Have you ever seen a bull banded?" These 2 things have stuck in my mind ever since.I considered Lap Band also but changed my mind because of these 2 comments.I believe you need to have a Experienced surgeon that has done SEVERAL surgeries which ever you decide to have.I personally would not go to a surgeon that has not done SEVERAL of these type surgeries.This,just like any type of surgery,is serious.I feel like Melanie said,if I'm going to go to such a drastic measure as to have surgery to loose weight,I want it to be permanent,not having to go for "FILLS" and such. Just my opinion! April