Freaking Out...
Hello, I'm 28, new to this site 2 days ago.....I've been to a surgical consult and my doctor has reccommended RNY. I've been reading and researching to see if it or any WLS is right for me and I'm in overload, I think, because I'm wigging a little. I'm worried about post-op complications....not just the immediate stuff, but years from now....the weight of living with this decision to rearrange my insides and eventually needing other surgeries (gallbladder removal, appendix removal, ulcers, malabsorbtion issues and major nutrition issues). There are some scary stories out there. (Some amazingly uplifting ones too, of course) I'm basically in pretty good health outside of my weight (no comorbidities...yet), and the lapband is appealing based simply on the fact that it is reversible....what helped you guys make the decisions you made?
Hi,
I can certainly relate! I had a real issue deciding on which surgery to have, mostly for a lot of those same reasons. I guess what I would encourage you with is this:
1. When you are new to OH, there is TONS of material to digest. tons. Don't let it overwhelm you. Also, stick with the hard facts and statistics, because everyone is different.
2. Give yourself time to decide on the procedure. I was so overwhelmed with it for a long time, and I put off the decision on which for like, ever, and I'm glad I did because I feel better about my choice most of the time.
Did you doctor say why he recommended the RNY? that could give you important info as to whether or not what he's saying carries weight. For instance, are you significantly obese? some people feel RNY is better for people who have more weight to lose. Will you have trouble going for regular checkups/fills/adjustments/ are you moving in the next year? People with hectic schedules and ones who will be relocating have more issues with the band. On the other hand, has your doctor performed lots of banding procedures? If he hasn't, he may simply be more comfortable with the RNY- which is fine, but it doesn't mean that's what you have to have.
My doctor refused to recommend one procedure over the other. RNY appealed to me because weight loss is more rapid, greater (statistically), etc etc. My parents were way more in favor of the band, because of the safety concerns mostly, and my age (21). In the end, a couple of things pushed me toward Lap-Band. One was that I was denied by insurance, and my parents were absolutely terrified about the costs of medical expenses should something with a RNY go wrong. Another was that the band forces me to take it seriously from the beginning, and get a handle on my eating and excercise. Many bypass people loose tons of weight during what they call the "honeymoon period" and, for a variety of reasons, gain much or all of it back. With lap-band, my surgeon explained that I will know if its working earlier, which I liked. It may also help my skin to shrink a little if I lose weight slower. I was also faced with the reality of, I'm 21- can I really know for sure that I will take vitamin supplements for the REST OF MY LIFE? So the permanance of the RNY dissuaded me. I know that if for some reason I really cannot lose weight with the band I have more options, but it seemed like a safer smarter way for me. And the shorter recovery time is great as well because I'm a student and I don't have lots of time to rest and recover.
good luck with your decisions, take your time, and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Ann
I can certainly relate! I had a real issue deciding on which surgery to have, mostly for a lot of those same reasons. I guess what I would encourage you with is this:
1. When you are new to OH, there is TONS of material to digest. tons. Don't let it overwhelm you. Also, stick with the hard facts and statistics, because everyone is different.
2. Give yourself time to decide on the procedure. I was so overwhelmed with it for a long time, and I put off the decision on which for like, ever, and I'm glad I did because I feel better about my choice most of the time.
Did you doctor say why he recommended the RNY? that could give you important info as to whether or not what he's saying carries weight. For instance, are you significantly obese? some people feel RNY is better for people who have more weight to lose. Will you have trouble going for regular checkups/fills/adjustments/ are you moving in the next year? People with hectic schedules and ones who will be relocating have more issues with the band. On the other hand, has your doctor performed lots of banding procedures? If he hasn't, he may simply be more comfortable with the RNY- which is fine, but it doesn't mean that's what you have to have.
My doctor refused to recommend one procedure over the other. RNY appealed to me because weight loss is more rapid, greater (statistically), etc etc. My parents were way more in favor of the band, because of the safety concerns mostly, and my age (21). In the end, a couple of things pushed me toward Lap-Band. One was that I was denied by insurance, and my parents were absolutely terrified about the costs of medical expenses should something with a RNY go wrong. Another was that the band forces me to take it seriously from the beginning, and get a handle on my eating and excercise. Many bypass people loose tons of weight during what they call the "honeymoon period" and, for a variety of reasons, gain much or all of it back. With lap-band, my surgeon explained that I will know if its working earlier, which I liked. It may also help my skin to shrink a little if I lose weight slower. I was also faced with the reality of, I'm 21- can I really know for sure that I will take vitamin supplements for the REST OF MY LIFE? So the permanance of the RNY dissuaded me. I know that if for some reason I really cannot lose weight with the band I have more options, but it seemed like a safer smarter way for me. And the shorter recovery time is great as well because I'm a student and I don't have lots of time to rest and recover.
good luck with your decisions, take your time, and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
Ann
Hello and Welcome!
I'm also 28, at my highest weight I was 336lbs. I have been struggling with weight all my life and am shocked I never had a co-morbidity but know I was definitely on that path. Up until about 2 months before my RNY surgery I was going to have the lap band but there are a few things that changed my mind.
1. I never really considered myself to be "addicted to sugar" - however in my mind sugar was candy, sweets, etc, not just the everyday stuff like soda, bread, carbs, etc. I'm not sure why I didn't allow myself to realize that years ago, but you know everyone has to learn on their own. In my psych evaluation she asked me a question about if I thought I would cheat. Of course I would, I'm only human. She kind of made me realize that with the band there are ways to get around it and with RNY it would be harder to cheat b/c of your body's physical reaction.
2. The success of a couple I know. My friend had RNY (lost 120lbs) and her bf had Lap Band (lost 75lbs). Her success was far greater than his because he could still eat whatever he wanted just in smaller quantities. Granted he still lost weight and it works if you work it, but he had told me he wished he had gone for RNY instead b/c he can't trust himself. I had the same fears.
3. My surgeon wasn't too jazzed about the band b/c of a lot of slippage problems he's been seeing and that these WLS aren't a cure for obesity and people seem to have more problems after getting the band then with RNY - in his opinion.
This is all only my reasons and I think you're going to have to get to it on your own. I can only say that whatever your decision is make sure it's right for you. Neither of them are easy and both can come with their own set of issues. But they are only a tool. I'm still new so who knows what lies ahead, but I'm trying to follow doctors orders and it seems to be working for me so far and I would not change anything.
Good luck on making your decision I know it's not an easy one.
Renee
HW \ SW \ CW \ GW
336 \ 315 \ 260 \ 160
I'm also 28, at my highest weight I was 336lbs. I have been struggling with weight all my life and am shocked I never had a co-morbidity but know I was definitely on that path. Up until about 2 months before my RNY surgery I was going to have the lap band but there are a few things that changed my mind.
1. I never really considered myself to be "addicted to sugar" - however in my mind sugar was candy, sweets, etc, not just the everyday stuff like soda, bread, carbs, etc. I'm not sure why I didn't allow myself to realize that years ago, but you know everyone has to learn on their own. In my psych evaluation she asked me a question about if I thought I would cheat. Of course I would, I'm only human. She kind of made me realize that with the band there are ways to get around it and with RNY it would be harder to cheat b/c of your body's physical reaction.
2. The success of a couple I know. My friend had RNY (lost 120lbs) and her bf had Lap Band (lost 75lbs). Her success was far greater than his because he could still eat whatever he wanted just in smaller quantities. Granted he still lost weight and it works if you work it, but he had told me he wished he had gone for RNY instead b/c he can't trust himself. I had the same fears.
3. My surgeon wasn't too jazzed about the band b/c of a lot of slippage problems he's been seeing and that these WLS aren't a cure for obesity and people seem to have more problems after getting the band then with RNY - in his opinion.
This is all only my reasons and I think you're going to have to get to it on your own. I can only say that whatever your decision is make sure it's right for you. Neither of them are easy and both can come with their own set of issues. But they are only a tool. I'm still new so who knows what lies ahead, but I'm trying to follow doctors orders and it seems to be working for me so far and I would not change anything.
Good luck on making your decision I know it's not an easy one.
Renee
HW \ SW \ CW \ GW
336 \ 315 \ 260 \ 160
Welcome to the board! You are definately in the right place- we are a bunch of awesome people...if I do say so myself :)
At 400 pounds I was definately voting for the RNY when I had my surgery in 2006. Yes, the side effects and long term situations are crazy in both aspects, but to help with my maintenance, my surgeon added something called a silastic ring. It is like a rubber band that sits right above the stoma... so in essance I have RNY and a Lap Band.
RNY is reversable as well as the lap band. I made the decision based on my weight, the surgeon's success, my health and future needs. I am three years out in January and still have my gall bladder and appendix, my labs are fine, I'm able to move freely and don't have major complications. I would say the biggest though, is my hypoglycemia.... I just need to be sure and eat some protein every few hours and I'm peachy!
Good luck!
At 400 pounds I was definately voting for the RNY when I had my surgery in 2006. Yes, the side effects and long term situations are crazy in both aspects, but to help with my maintenance, my surgeon added something called a silastic ring. It is like a rubber band that sits right above the stoma... so in essance I have RNY and a Lap Band.
RNY is reversable as well as the lap band. I made the decision based on my weight, the surgeon's success, my health and future needs. I am three years out in January and still have my gall bladder and appendix, my labs are fine, I'm able to move freely and don't have major complications. I would say the biggest though, is my hypoglycemia.... I just need to be sure and eat some protein every few hours and I'm peachy!
Good luck!
*~*Jaci*~*
The more things the change, the more they're still the same.
I am on my way to having gastric bypass surgery and I am very excited to prevent any health issues that could come on becuase of my weight (I have none either) but my mother and my gradmother both had the surgery over 15-20 years ago and have had no issues whatsoever, other than being healthy and feeling really good about themselves....I think you really gotta fight with your innerself on this one (this is my third attempt at surgery, I have given up 2 other times because of my fears of complications and have gained more weight in the process), only you know what is right for you and when you finally realize what you want you'll know and feel confident in your decisions but starting the process and finding out information is no harm done!
Baby girl Morgan born 5/28/10, 2 weeks before my 1 year surgiversary. Angel concieved 09/10, lost 10/13/10, was due in June 2011. Baby #2 (our rainbow) on their way, due 7/27/11- Miley Victoria or Maddox Michael
Make a pregnancy ticker
Make a pregnancy ticker
Wow you all are awesome the suggestions!
I understand your fears. At one point I refused to even consider gastric bypass surgery because the risk seemed too risky. My mother had it almost 10 years ago and things are a lot different now but she had some serious complications. With that said, she had ONE serious complication a year out called a "bowel obstruction" and she hasnt had any problems since. My mother was hospitlized for a month but granted her doctor who performed the surgery dropped off the face of the earth and the surgery was as understood as it is today. Today people with bowel obstruction spend way less time in the hospital. My doctor told me just yesterday that he had a patient with it and she was in and out in 2 days...thats a big difference from an entire year. Other than that my only other fears are dumping and gaining the weight all back.
I chose the lap band originally but was shocked to find out that the 1% slip rate didnt mean 1% a lifetime it meant 1% a year. So at 26, by the time I'm 76 I'd have a 50% slippage possibility. That didnt sit well with me because I'd prefer NOT to have surgery at 76. Also, the amount of weight loss. I'm 303lbs right now and the goal is to be so far away from that number. With RNY I can do it, with lapband I can too but its not the same. You have to do your research,which I see you've done, and then you have to sleep on it. I love reading peoples pages and looking over there WLS day stories.
Good Luck to you!
I understand your fears. At one point I refused to even consider gastric bypass surgery because the risk seemed too risky. My mother had it almost 10 years ago and things are a lot different now but she had some serious complications. With that said, she had ONE serious complication a year out called a "bowel obstruction" and she hasnt had any problems since. My mother was hospitlized for a month but granted her doctor who performed the surgery dropped off the face of the earth and the surgery was as understood as it is today. Today people with bowel obstruction spend way less time in the hospital. My doctor told me just yesterday that he had a patient with it and she was in and out in 2 days...thats a big difference from an entire year. Other than that my only other fears are dumping and gaining the weight all back.
I chose the lap band originally but was shocked to find out that the 1% slip rate didnt mean 1% a lifetime it meant 1% a year. So at 26, by the time I'm 76 I'd have a 50% slippage possibility. That didnt sit well with me because I'd prefer NOT to have surgery at 76. Also, the amount of weight loss. I'm 303lbs right now and the goal is to be so far away from that number. With RNY I can do it, with lapband I can too but its not the same. You have to do your research,which I see you've done, and then you have to sleep on it. I love reading peoples pages and looking over there WLS day stories.
Good Luck to you!
Tennille :)
Start: 303/Surgery:295/Today:213/Goal:153
Start: 303/Surgery:295/Today:213/Goal:153
Most Active
Recent Topics
