newbie here

hello everyone, I just found this website and I am very excited already. I am currently involved in the neverending task of waiting to be approved for surgery. I live in the albany area of new york state and am currently working with albany med and Dr Singh. I have two other names of surgeons that I am thinking about as well, but so far things are moving along smoothly. Can anyone offer any helpful advice about the surgery or this site? I am currently on the fence regarding lap-band vs. gastric bypass. It would be incredibly helpful to hear your stories why you chose one over the other. Thank you! Karyn

thank you for responding Tina, and congratulations on your weight loss! All the reasons you listed are why I was leaning towards lap-band but I am concerned that I will not be satisfied with the results. I really need to lose about 150 pounds, and I dont care if it takes 1 year or 5 years, I just dont know if that is a realistic expectation with lap-band. What do you think? thanks again. Karyn

hey karyn! i'm patti, i'm 20.. i just had lap-band surgery on august 2nd. it's definitely a personal decision, but i'll tell ya now that you'll definitely see results with both rny and the lap-band. the difference is that, the lap-band doesn't have a "honeymoon" period. you can forever lose weight with the lap-band, whereas rny has a 12-18 month (i believe) period where you lose weight before you plateau. for me, there was no question about whether or not i wanted the lap-band. it's less invasive and there isn't any rerouting of anything. yes, there is alot more aftercare, and yes.. as with any wls, you can sabotage the band. but for me, it's totally worth it. i was banded 8/2 and i've lost 45lbs already. you should IM me if you have more questions and also check out my profile.. my IM info is there i guess my advice is to just research research research and then do what seems right for you! good luck on your decision! patti

Welcome! and hang in there!!

Welcome!

I had RNY. When I first started reasearching WLS I was leaning twards the band because its reversable, less invasive, safer to get pregnant and so on. But, the big thing that turned me twards RNY is becoming physicaly ill if I eat too much sugar, eat too fast, eat too much, or do not chew well. I was such a sugar feind before that I decided this was the right one for me. Like the others have said its your desicision. My uncle had his band put in 5 months before my surgury, he has lost over 50lbs. And, even though it was not my choice in WLS I am very glad that he did SOMETHING that offers a very good chance at permanent weight loss. Good luck and do your research!