Question:
I am having Lapband surgery on Wednesday but I am having second thoughts
about the RNY. When all this started I was going for the consult for the Lapband surgery then my surgeon told me to get the RNY because it is covered under my insurance and the Band was not. So I went with the RNY, months later after all the pre-op testing and insurance submittal they denied me so instead of pursuing it I just decided to self-pay for the Lapband and I am having surgery on Wednesday. During all the months of pre-op testing I did tons of research on RNY and I was used to the idea of RNY now I just switched and I feel doubtful because there are not to many people I can find that has lost a significant amount of weight with the Lapband I'm sure they are around they are just hiding. Has anyone ever felt this way maybe I am just getting cold feet. — kumuat (posted on July 21, 2003)
July 21, 2003
First, I think it's normal to get cold feet no matter what surgery you are
doing! Would you feel comfortable postponing your surgery another month so
you can do more research on the lap band? I'm sorry, I don't know much
about the lap-band because my insurance won't cover it, only the RNY. Just
give yourself a moment to take a deep breath and think about what you
really want to do. A postponement wouldn't be the end of the world, and
you certainly don't want to jump in and have surgery and do something
you're not 100% sure you want to do. We all have doubts, this is an
exciting but scary journey, but if you have serious doubts, then wait.
Better to wait and know for sure than to hope you're doing the right thing
and be sorry later. Good luck to you!
— beeda
July 21, 2003
I agree with Debra. This is a huge, life-altering decision, and one you
should be as sure as possible about before going ahead. Please re-do your
research until you are comfortable with your choice. I started out
thinking I would have Lap Band, but as I researched, I changed my mind and
decided to have RNY. The band is better for some people, the RNY is better
for others, and DS is better for still others. Go back and review why you
wanted Lap to begin with, and then what about RNY seemed right (besides
that insurance might cover it!) You might be able to decide that by
Wednesday, but if not, delay the surgery until you are comfortable with
your choice.
— Vespa R.
July 21, 2003
Having fears before surgery is pretty common. Asked yourself "What
would I do if I weren't afraid?" Then you will have the answer on
what is the right way for you to go. I went to a weight loss seminar a few
months ago and the surgeon felt they had many good successes with the lap
band procedure. Good luck, I know you will make the right decision for
you.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 21, 2003
I saw a show on tv the other night - 48 Hours or one of those other news
type show. They talked about all the different types of WLS and interviewed
one lady who had the lap band. Her surgeon said he would not do any more
because of the results. I am NOT trying to scare you one way or the other,
but like other posters have said, you should not make such a drastic move
until you have researched and feel comfortable with your decision. God
Bless, Barb Open RNY 4/07/03 235/175/126-130
— Barbara C.
July 21, 2003
Starr, There are plenty of successful Bandsters out there! Do you use the
Spotlight health message board? Or the Yahoo Bandsters boards? Do keep in
mind that a lot of people (band and bypass) stop posting as frequently
after they've lost a lot of weight. A neat thing tends to happen..they get
a life! LOL<BR>
It's completely normal to have fears and doubts before surgery. I think
the majority of people go through a phase of wondering if they'll be the
only person the band doesn't work for. I certainly had that fear, but it
was very brief and I truly feel I made the right decision. Good luck!
— TMF
July 21, 2003
Regarding the 48 hours program, maybe that doc based his decision on
comparisons of the speed of weight loss between bypass and band patients.
Maybe he believed, as some docs do, that fills should be a scheduled thing
rather than doing them as needed, resulting in frustrated patients who
struggled with their weight loss. Maybe his decision was based on financial
reasons.<BR>
There are way too many "maybes" in this scenario for me to place
much credence in his decision, especially when the number of docs who
choose to do the lap band is steadily increasing.
— TMF
July 23, 2003
I was the same as Vespa. I started out wanting the band, and did more
reasearch and changed my mind to Lap RnY. (I haven't had surgery yet)Also,
not to sway your vote because I do believe it is how you use the tool, but
my Surgeon said he doesn't like the band due to the results. Still, it's
YOUR body and YOUR choices....GL
— SweetDragonfly
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