Question:
Help!!! I thought my mind was made up....

I thought I had it all planned out that I was going to have open RNY. I'm, for the most part, done with pre-op testing, but I have to have a nuclear test done of my heart to make sure it is up to the surgery because of a condition I was born with. Here is my dilemna.... I am now hearing more and more about the lap band procedure, and I know there is much less involved with that than the open RNY. My problem is, we are now short-handed at work and I don't have a lot of leave time saved up. I may have a total of 2 weeks. I honestly believe that would be pushing it for me. I am wondering if maybe the lap band procedure might be the way for me to go. I would love to hear from any and all of you that have chosen the band. I would like to know what testing was involved (since I've done about all of it), how the procedure was, what your experience was all the way around, and if you are satisfied with your choice. Thank you all so much. I know I will get a log of feedback from you all. You guys are such a wealth of information and I truly appreciate each and every one of you. God bless you all.    — Helen M. (posted on April 30, 2003)

April 30, 2003
Is the reason you are considering lap band just for the "time off work" issue? The MAJOR difference between the Lap band and the RNY is 'plumbing' You will NOT have the malabsortipn with the lap band - thus. LESS rapid weight loss... you will be basically 'dieting'. If you really want the RNY - the RNY can be done LAP. My G/f went back to work in less than 2 weeks. Not optimal - but do - able. If it tempoary - the lap band might be 'it' and then you can redo later... Its something to think about.
   — star .

April 30, 2003
I have the same situation at work with the time constraints. I have had to cut my time from 3 to 2 weeks. I would not change my type of surgery though because the LAP band does not give you as much weight loss and runs a greater risk of regain. You should do some research to find out more facts before you chose. Take care and good luck :)
   — Jamie D.

April 30, 2003
Band reslts arent usually as good with the band as the RNY according to my surgeon who does both. Although some banders loose it all I picked the RNY after planning the band. See my profile. I LOVED high calorie liquids like milkshakes pre op. The lack of dumping could of hurt my loss. I think the band is a better chhice for volume eaters. Does your open surgeon do the band>? Changing at this point might cause all sorts of delays.
   — bob-haller

April 30, 2003
I think your decision for the type of surgery should be based on what your weaknesses are. I have chosen the adj. Lap Band. I am young, a mother, and was not able to bring myself to do the RNY (much to drastic/risky). My big thing with the band is that it is adjustable! If there are times when you hit a plateau you can get an adjustment, and begin losing again. I have several friends/family who having revisions of RNY because they have eaten thru the surgery and began gaining weight again. With any WLS you are "dieting" for the rest of your life. WLS is a TOOL! You still have to work to lose/maintain. A lot of people on this board are "anti-band", but the decision is really based on what you think is best for your habits. I LOVE breads, bagels, muffins, etc. I can no longer have those with the band. I needed that. I still had to do all of the pre-testing (upper GI, chest x-ray, labs, EKG) and a psych. eval. My surgery in on the 6th (Tuesday), and I am CONVINCED I have made the absolute BEST decision!
   — Jessica P.

May 1, 2003
Please don't let your job situation make the decision about what surgery is best for you! This is a very important decision that will affect the rest of your life. Things at work may change, but you are stuck with whatever you have done. I had lap RNY and went back to work on the 12th day after surgery - because I felt like it. Let me also add that I work with one other person who can do some of the things I do, and she is sloppy. I knew the longer I was off, the bigger the mess would be when I got back. In all honestly, that may have motivated me to get well faster. In other words, if I knew everything would be taken care of properly while I was off, I may have taken the whole 6 weeks I was allowed, and probably would not have started exercising as soon as I did to build my endurance.
   — koogy

May 2, 2003
Helen, to talk to some lap banders, go to www.spotlighthealth.com , morbid obesity, then support groups. There is one just for lap banders and I'm sure they can answer your questions as to life after banding. Most of the folks here at this sight are RNY'ers.
   — Cindy R.