New, introduction and gastric vs LapBand

Welcome aboard! One book that helped me make my decision was Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. I got mine through Amazon. It also has a format in it for documenting your WL history. Are you covered by Tricare or a civilian insurance?

--gina

Welcome!!!

Please continue to research.....I had a choice between Lap Band, RNY, and the VSG....

I didn't choose the lap band because I saw WAY too many people having "revisions" to RNY after getting the lapband.  I also had a friend with the lap band and she was only able to lose half her weight.  She kinda learned to "outeat" her band.

I chose the RNY over the VSG because of the malabsorption and the inability to eat  too many sugar and carbs (my weakness)!  So far it's worked like a dream.....I can't tolerate bread at all (only tortillas and crackers) and I don't do sugar at all (because of fear of dumping).

Best wishes whatever you decide! 

Hey Ashley,
I too am a lightweight, ,y starting weight was 205 although my highest recorded was 220. I know what you mean about having the only 2 options, I was the same way. I chose the RNY because it seemed the best option for me. I have an issue with knowing that I would have that band in me for the rest of my life, I didnt like the idea of my intestines being rearranged either.
FOr me, I know this was the best choice and although I have had very small issues, mainly dumping, I love the choice I have made.
This is a very personal decision for you to make, just do your research and research some more. Good Luck.

Stacey

Hello Ashley, Welcome to the LW board.    Cindy

i also wanted to mention that my best friend had the lap band sept of 09 she began her weight with 368 pds
here it is nov 2010 and she only lost 50.pds shes eating lots and lots again and has no idea why

 Welcome to the LIGHTWEIGHTS BOARD!!!  I truly dont think anyone on here is BIASED, but they (we) will give the info that we know... The decision is ultimately YOURS, and ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE... I am 4 weeks out from surgery today, and all but 3 pounds have been lost after surgery,  (I lost 3 pre-op).  So far I am very PLEASED WITH MY SLEEVE. But like you, the Lap-band was my first option... but after more research, and I have 2 small children, the maintenance for a LAP-BAND was just too much for my hectic life, so I chose the SLEEVE.  Good Luck on your journey!!! 

Welcome Ashley,we will be here for you as you go through the journey to a healthier you! You will get lots of advice, along the way.Again, Welcome!! Brenda

Thank you for all your kind comments and opinions! 

My daughter has chicken pox and has kindly passed it on to me.  I could of sworn I had it as a child, but apparently I didn't.  She is handling it much better than I am!

Anyway, I was talking to her pediatrician today and she told me she had LapBand done a few years ago and ended up getting revised to RNY.  She had a lot of great info from a first person persective which was awesome.  She also had a toddler at the time of her surgery so she definitely understood where I am coming from lol.  

After an insane amount of research I think the RNY sounds more like what I am wanting.  My appointment isn't until December 1st now, bur I can't wait!  The good thing about moving it back is that I'll have more time to research and get a straight answer from the insurance company.

The surgeon's office is sending me a questionaire to fill out when I call my insurance company so I can get more direct answer's.  I've called three times and have gotten three different answers on surgical requirements.  You would think they would have a piece of paper to read the info from or something.  

I really appreciate the support and I'm sure I will be aggravating you all with more questions in the weeks and months to come!

Wonderful!  I think you'll love your RNY.  

Some of us (I count myself in that number!) need to have our insides re-arranged a bit.  After you heal (and the healing does take some time), your body will sing in thanksgiving.  You just wait and see!