I'm Torn... Please help!

Hey everybody.. I have been going through the process of getting the Lap-Band surgery for the past 3 months, and have reached the point where I am about to apply for insurace approval buuuutt... I am feeling a little bit torn about my decision to get the band. The RNY surgery was the reason I decided to go ahead with the whole thing, but was advised to do the Lap-Band because of my age (19). My family really wants me to do the Lap-Band, ya know, less complications and it's somewhat reversible... but I am having major second thoughts. I know I have to do what is right for me, but I dont want to make the wrong decision about something as important as this! So, please, tell me how you made the decision to have the surgery you had, and if you would have done anything different. I could really use the help... Thanks guys, Jules.

I didnt have a choice because the lapband was not covered at the time I had surgery. However, my personal feelings is for the younger crowd the lapband is the way to go. The RNY surgery is for life and the long term effects are really truly not known... I was 27 when I had surgery and sometimes think about the 'what ifs' of this surgery and pray that in 10, 20, 30+ years I wont develop any complications/major issues. With the RNY you HAVE HAVE HAVE to be 110% dilligent with your supps/vits FOR LIFE as well as your follow ups/bloodwork... you will have consequences otherwise...its really a big undertaking and a lot to ask of somebody of your age IMO. At least with the lapband you have other options, if you go with a more major surgery its yours for life.

I was given the option of the band or RNY and I have chosen the RNY. My doctor said that all surgeries have risks and just because someone gets a lap band doesnt mean that they are less likley to have complications. He also said that if you are really serious about losing and keeping it off to get the RNY because of the malabsorption, with the lap band your stomach is pretty much just going to be an hour glass with food going through very slow. My family also wanted me to get the lap band but I had to choose what is right for me and I want a tool a little more powerful for my weight loss. Also the RNY surgery has been around for a very long time and has been studied long term where as the lap band has not so they really can't tell you what the band will be like on your stomach 20-30 years from now. So there are the reasons I chose the RNY but this is your life and just really research and consider both options and choose what is right for you. You are very young and I met a 60 year old last week that had the surgery and she is doing great, so I think that your age will be a plus for you since you will heal and recover faster more likely.

well... maybe im not the best person to give you advice on this matter... im still waiting for my RNY.... and thought about it a lot.. since all my friends and professors told me to get the lap band.. .but... my family suffers of diabetes.... so RNY is better for me... since the part that absorbs the sugar is bypass...  the lap band may slip.... the only thing that it does.. is holds the food...so youll feel full faster.... now..... to me i dont eat cuz im hungry i eat cuz... im a pig... !!!  the lap band is a foreign body inside of you... i work in the ER.... most of the times... your body refuse to have it there.... the port.... you will have a port in the side of your belly... so they can manipulate the saline inside of the band... doesnt even sound good.... with the lap band... everything you eat will be absorb later...  so at least for me.. i dont wanna think twice for the rest of my life before i put something in my mouth.... ok.. im no expert... but this is what i think...  baldo.....

Hello, I was going to do the lap band but once I talk to the surgeon on a info meeting, I decided to do the RNY. Why.....because I love sugar.... I love milk skakes, desserts, .....and he said It will be more affective to do the RNY.......I am just posting what is right for me.....you will decide what is right for you......take care.

Thanks everyone! That really helps me a lot!!!