I don't know what I want.

I have studied. I have decided. I have undecided. I have gone back and forth. And again I am at this cross road to which surgery I want done. I read people's profiles and really listen to what they have to say on the boards. I see before and after pictures and get really excited. I say to myself I want to be like that. I want to really lose. But what do I want? Should I go Lap Band, because I am a volume eater and I can't be counted on to take pills that I am suppose to? Or should I get RNY and have my world completely rocked and finding out that now with this new stomach I can't eat chicken or have milk anymore? Whoa, no more chicken? Or even have to worry about dumping? Dumping sounds HORRIBLE! I know they are both a lot of work. They are both tools. I know if I want a quicker fix, than RNY is the way to go. That Lap Band has a slower rate of loss for most. What I do like is that it's adjustable and if I do have a child and I won't be starting off lacking so much vitamens to start with. I like the fact that in the future if I need it to be tightened it can be. I do know I need help, I need something. [I know that this just might not make sense, I tend to ramble and jump around.] What made you choose the surgery you chose? What was the deciding factor?

I chose the Lap RNY. And although I am not an expert on it, since I'm only 5 days post-op, I feel it was the best choice for me. What finalized my decision was my surgeon. He's very accomplished, and I've met a number of people who've decided on him, and their results and expectations have been exceeded. His bedside manner and personality totally rocks too. I would suggest to do a lot of research on surgeons, it will help you narrow it down to whoever meets your needs. Yes, both surgeries are a lot of work. However, my opinion was that I've struggled with my weight since I've been a pre-teen, so I am accustomed to working hard to lose weight and improve my health. These surgeries are not magic, you have to make it work for you. And you have to WANT to make it work. It will rock your world, whether you choose RNY or lap band. Oh and who told you chicken and milk are out after RNY? That's not true for everyone. Some people become lactose intolerant, but that's what they make Lactaid for. Some people also have difficulty with certain foods after surgery, but there are so many factors that cause the difficulty, so you have to narrow it down to see what's the cause of the difficulty. It's a lot of trial and error.

I did the same thing.. I wasn't sure that I wanted to have the surgery. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to handle anything, any of the changes, anything that would be required of me. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to handle it all. I did however. I had lap RNY because I was 350 lbs and working on getting heavier every single month. I couldn't handle the thought of being fat my entire life. I couldn't handle the thought of dying at the age of 25. I couldn't handle the thought of never being able to have children. RNY.. is NOT... the quick fix. Neither surgery is a fix. Get that out of your head right now. These surgeries, both of them, are the hardest things you'll ever have to do in your whole life. Want a quick fix, take some pills to help you lose. As far as foods, you learn to eat different things, you can experiment and try them, see what works and what doesn't. My husband and I have been okayed to try and have a child in another 3 months. You won't be lacking vitamins if you take the vitamins you are supposed to. I can promise you that you get less vitamins now than you would after surgery just because you eat better after surgery. I picked the surgery that I had because I knew that if I didn't do something to help alter the way that I look at food I'd never be able to get over my way of eating. I decided to have the surgery when I was told I wouldnt' see my 24th birthday at the rate I was going. Faith L 350/197/175

I originally wanted the lap-band. Having not *too* much weight to lose (100 lbs) it looked like the good option for me. But reading more about the complications that could happen with it, it started to not sound so good for my situation. I tend to be very intolerant of foreign materials (every piercing I've ever had has been rejected - and it's not just my ears) and I'm allergic to so many chemicals (including latex) that I just didn't think my body would tolerate having the lapband in. Plus, the one wicked food for me is sugared soda. I could still drink that with the lapband and that may be the sabatoge food for me. So I'm going with the RNY.

I had Lap RNY and I wouldn't have it any other way. I can eat dairy, and chicken. I also dump, but I'm glad I do: now I can't sabotage my WLS with sugar or high-fat foods. Dumping is a physical consiquence and keeps me from ingesting the garbage that got me 313 pounds in the first place. I'd like to suggest a book for you to read that I read a billion times as a pre-op; "The Doctor's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery" by Louis Flancbaum. It compares all types of WLS in chart form so it's plain to see the pro's and cons of each procedure. Such as VBG patients lose 40-60% of excess body weight and RNY patients lose 50-70%. Also, the precentage of weight regain for VBG is 25-40% and RNY 10-15%. I love that I have a pouch. I love that I buy sugarfree everything. I'm astounded that I actually read labels. Personally, I hated my old stomach anyway.

One thing.... lapband is reversable and RNY is not. You could always try the lapband and see how it works for you and change your mind later to RNY. With either surgery you are going to have to make major life changes. Make a pros and cons list for each surgery and see which one comes out with more pros for you. If you cant be counted on to take pills, maybe RNY isnt for you... in addition to taking the pills you need to also make sure you eat enough protein etc. Id also look at how much weight you need to lose... if its a large amount can it be accomplished with the lapband? Does your surgeon have any reccomendations? Does your insurance cover both procedures (many dont cover lapband). Hope this helps!