Question:
Any Suggestions?
Not having RNY too scared of compkications. Decided on the Lapband instead, love sweets. ANY SUGGESTIONS? — Toby2 (posted on May 10, 2008)
May 10, 2008
Don't eat them, they go right through the band, cookies, cakes, candy,
chocolate, chips, brownies, and of course the dreaded ice cream. I haven't
been able to lose much but it depends so much on the person so talk to your
surgeon about what your options are and what he/she thinks would be best
for you.
— brandyII
May 10, 2008
Yup, I'd suggest you re-think your decision. RNY is a lot harder to defeat
than Lapband. As a former sweet-eater myself, this was the overriding
reason why I chose RNY. Go to your doctor with your fears. Good Luck!
— Shirley D.
May 10, 2008
I had the gastric sleeve three weeks ago, which is like the lapband in that
it's restrictive only. I've already been very tempted by sweets and other
things we shouldn't eat. I only have my willpower to rely on since there
wouldn't be any physical side affects. I keep telling myself that I can't
have gone through all the trouble of the surgery and everything just to
ruin it with eating the wrong things. It's very hard. If you truly are
addicted to sweets, I'd also reccomend you reconsider the rny. There are a
lot of moments I regret that I chickend out of that surgery and chose the
lesser operation. Also, your results are much more dramatic with the rny.
Just something to think about.
— DianaB.
May 10, 2008
I know how you are feeling. I was originally going to do the band. I chose
the rny because i think i need extra help. I am 6 days post op and i
haven't had any problems. I seem to have alot more energy even so close to
my surgery. I did lose 30lbs before with low fat diet then liquids so that
probably helps. I know someone who had lap band last year and has lost appx
60 lbs but i see her eat bacon, toast chips and I thought to myself that
she is relying mostly on discipline and it isn't working all that great. Go
to the seminars they offer, that helped me make my mind up.
— bikermama
May 10, 2008
You may want to consider the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG). Like the
Lap Band, it is a purely restrictive procedure and does not require
intestinal rerouting. I tends to be a more permanent option though since
the surgeon actually removes a large portion of your stomach during the
surgery. The best part about the surgery is that when they remove the
section of stomach, they often remove most of the portion of the stomach
that creates the hormone that causes hunger. The bad part is you are going
to have to regulate your craving for sweets on your own.
The RNY and the Duodenal Switch have both been known for causing dumping
for some people when they consume sweets or fatty foods. That helps THOSE
people lose weight by either avoiding the sweets or fats because they
dislike the dumping or by having the food that they just ATE come RIGHT
OUT.
I must state that anyone that recommends eating to cause dumping
DELIBERATELY as I have SEEN done on the boards on OH is promoting a twisted
sort of of BULIMIA. If a person were to DO this on a regular basis they
would run the risk of damaging their health through malnutrition even if
that person was taking their supplements. The reason for this is that it
takes time for the supplements to be absorbed into the body, If you eat
something to cause dumping you pretty much just flush the supplements right
out with the food that you just ate. Not only do you not get the benefits
of the supplements but you have just wasted the money that you PAID for
them as well! It is a bad idea all the way 'round from MY point of view.
I must warn you that there are people on the OH boards that try to pass
themselves off as "Experts" in the field of weight loss surgery.
They will try to convince you that a certain type of surgery is the,
"Best" or the, "Only one that WORKS." Keep in mind
that these people are NOT medical professionals. They are just PATIENTS,
like you and like me. I am not a medical professional either. I HAVE
studied the various options and I have posted what I have found in my blog
at OH. I recommend that YOU study your options for YOURSELF! Do NOT rely
on others on the OH boards to supply you with reliable advice. That
includes ME. Study the options FOR YOURSELF and talk to your physician or
surgeon for advice if you are unsure about anything after you have finished
studying.
You can check out my profile and my blog to read my research about the
various types of surgery available. My profile page can be found here:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/ . The article you are looking
for is titled Surgical Comparisons. If you can't find it on the main page,
look for it in the March archives or use this link:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/uzone,blog/action,comments/blog_id,143782/blog_post_id,146413/
. Use this as a platform to start your OWN research. I have the basics
laid out here and some links to some videos that show what each surgical
option is about. The videos are quite informative but can also be quite
graphic. If you have a weak stomach I would recommend that you LISTEN but
do not watch. The doctors explain a LOT about the various surgeries as
they are performing each operation. Most are almost full length videos of
the actual operations.
I hope this helps,
Hugh
— hubarlow
May 10, 2008
I also want to point out that not everyone dumps with the RNY. Don't pick
one surgery just because of that one reason because you might not dump.
— Teresa V.
May 10, 2008
I had Lap Band 4-16-08 and the diet is strict for it. When I want sweets I
eat low fat yogurt, my favorite is Key Lime Pie and it is sweet enough for
me and that satisfy my craving, also there is sugar free ice cream but I
don't overdo did it. I haven't had my first fill yet but I have lost 23
pounds and I do go to the support groups. It is a lifestyle change...a
tool. If you can't do the diet, then don't have the surgery....Good Luck
— dyates2948
May 10, 2008
I also started out going the LapBand route until the seminar. When they
said "if you are a sweet eater and junk food eater you will find your
way around the lapband just as if it never existed because these foods melt
away in your mouth and slide right past the band. Also, if you love liquid
beverages such as smoothies and shakes this will go right past the band
too.
I too was afraid of the complications risk of RNY. I also found out the
statistics on weight loss after 3 yrs compared after lapband as compared to
1 yr out with RNY and knew I would not be satisfied with potentially
leveling off with a weight loss of only 75-100lbs with lapband. I know
each person is different, some loss much more with lapband than others. It
has alot to do with your activity level and obedience to a new lifestyle.
Then I went online and began to research statistics on lapband slippage and
the amount of people having revisions and it all brought me back to going
the RNY route.
The decision is yours to make, both surgeries have risks. With every year
that goes by, the statistics get better because the doctors get better and
so does technology.
Research your concerns, another great place to do that is
http://www.beforeandafterhelp.com/
Talk to your doctor, honestly explain what kind of eater you are and
consider his best suggestion for you.
Remember, you got to where you are because you lack control when it comes
to food. Although "dumping" may be sickening, it could be your
best friend. It happens when you eat foods too high in sugar or drink with
your meals. (You have to wait 30 minutes between food and drink)
It is the best behavior modifier there is. Everyone I have chatted with in
forums says the same thing... you will only break the rules once to bring
it on and never want to repeat it.
Good luck and read, read, read. There is a wealth of info out there that
will help you feel in whatever your decision is. Trust your instincts and
don't think the worst.
— texast
May 10, 2008
In terms fof sweets you had better get your head around that problem
first..It is ( like me) probably what got you to obesity in the first place
and has to be seriously diminished if you are ever going to become a
healthy weight.
Spend this time tackling that issue. In my case that meant detoxing real
sugar all together..( and it was a detox..and darn hard.) then getting
used to splenda sweets like fat free pudding and skinny cow ice cream
etc...
It is always hard but gets a lot better after about 3 weeks. If you get
the real sugar out of your system the fake stuff does start to taste better
and hit your sweet tooth.
However...and here is the biggie...don't even bother to put yourself
through surgery if you aren't going to address your sweet tooth...It won't
be any better than a temporary fix. If you are scared now..consider how
bad it would be to have the surgery and blow it because of your own bad
habits...
We still have to feed ourselves right...nobody and nothing can fix that but
us...
So start eating like you have to forever ...with or without the band...and
face down the food demons ASAP...the band will diminish them but never slay
them...We need to subdue them forever.
Good luck !!!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 10, 2008
No matter what surgery you have...you need to give up sugar...I have no
idea what your weight is, but if you are a lightweight, (under mid to low
200lbs) Lapband might be good for you. If you have much more wieght and
serious MO issues/diseases/complications...Then you might reconsider a more
radical surgery. RNY you will have to eat healthy...DS you can eat anything
(for the most part but you have to eat and supplement the heck outta
everything because the malabsorption issues are seriously worse than RNY
(which is why you can eat and eat and eat like you did before. Ask any
DSer...and they will argue their surgery over any and all
"Gods"...oops, I mean "surgeries"...It's like a
religion that they feel the need to recruit and multiply
followers...Whatever you decide...there are sacrifices you MUST make and
rules you must comply with. None of the surgeries are magic pills...They
all take work, maintanence, committment, and sacrifice...If you are not in
serious health issues like the many who were before their choice to go
under the knife...You might just go on a strict diet and exercise and lose
the weight with zero complications...and zero alterations except the one
thing that all the surgeries and diets have in common and that is give up
junk foods and exercise. Either way you go,no matter what you do, if you
want to be thinner...Sugar has to go. And you have to get on a diet and
exercise... Sorry...
Good luck to you with your decision...
— .Anita R.
May 11, 2008
AMEN to all of the above. I was a big time sugar addict & that is why
I ended up choosing the RNY instead of the Lapband. I initially was going
for the LapBand until I did my research. I went into the RNY knowing that
I would be giving up sweets FOREVER. Some people don't do that, but this
is what I had to do. No birthday cake, no Halloween candy, no Christmas
cookies. Nothing that isn't sugar free. I have not missed it BECAUSE of
the hormone changes with the RNY that you do NOT get with the LapBand. Do
some research on Gherlin and Leptin before you make your final decision.
RNY gets a bad rap. It is NOT certain death and complications. I have had
NO complications. I was out of the hospital within 48 hours. I am not
anemic for the first time in my life. My blood pressure is normal now
without meds. My kidney function has improved. It has truly been a
blessing to help me break my addiction.
— MAG
May 11, 2008
I've discovered that controlling cravings has more of an effect on weight
loss than anything. Also, be aware that you are in only one of two modes:
Fat burning, or fat storing. You can learn so much about both, even
browsing online. I've built a new metabolism for myself, and have put an
end to cravings of all kinds. I do tend to salivate if faced with a huge
and healthy salad bar, however. :-) You can practice deep breathing
techniques which boost metabolism, take brisk walks when faced with
temptation, increase protein and make sure your body is getting the
nutrition you REALLY crave when you've thinking the bag of candy looks
good. You're searching for something that's missing, and once found, the
cravings do shut off. I am absolutely living proof. I wish you the best in
the life-changing decisions you are making.
— Ruth Shapovalov
May 11, 2008
OH, and AMEN to Tina pointing out that the LapBand is NOT complication
free. Band slippage, stomach erosion from the band, esophageal dilatation,
reflux, port flipping, band compromise from a leak, and tubing breakdown
are some of the complications. You have to have frequent follow ups with
your doc for fills. The LapBand is not some miracle 100% safe, no risk
surgery. It has its own set of issues that should be considered just like
the risks with the RNY and DS.
— MAG
May 11, 2008
You had a choice with RNY for nearly 100% sucess if you worked by the
rules, but it sounds like you want a easy way out so don'e expect to lose
more than 50% of your overweight. Do expect to get to the at size 6 dress,
as you will do well to get to the 10's and 12. You would do better going
to suport groups and focusing on the rest of your life rather than the next
year and your love for sweets. Will that love for sweets keep you from
seing your children marrie, or seing your first grand child, or attending
your first gand child's wedding? Go to an old foks home and tell me how
many fat people are there. I will save you the trip, None. That is
because fat people don't live to get old. Best of success to you, but do
some soal searching as what you want to see in your future!
— William (Bill) wmil
May 11, 2008
I am having Lap Ban surgery in Mexico within the next 2 weeks. In my mind
sugar will be off limits for the rest of my life. Today I bought some
sugar free candy and chocolate. There are plenty of ways to address a
"sweet tooth". Fruit is a great choice too. Good luck.
— wilkin
May 12, 2008
dont have the surgery then. Your going to defeat the purpose. I had RNY and
I eat sweets but I am limited. Your going in with the wrong mind set.
— Joanc
May 12, 2008
HI I am now 12 day post op from having an open RNY and I am having no
problems or complications of any kind. I think if you have the right team
no0t only medical but family you can do anything. I feel that if you
truley want to lose the weight and et healthier that you can put your mind
to work for you. I was so ready for my surgery that everyone was placing
bets on wether I would go through with it or not and I did. I came home
from the hospital to company for California for the weekend and I was
allergic to my pain medication so I just quit taking it and I am walking
almost 2. 5 miles a day and begging to do more exercises.
Linda
— Linda G.
May 14, 2008
I initially wanted the Lap Band, but after my consultation with Dr. Saber
and he explained that I may not get the full benefits from the Lap Band I
prayed a lot and decided I would go ahead with RNY. I had the Lap RNY on
4-2-08 and went back to my job as a nursing assistant 13 days later without
any restrictions. I have not had any problems except if I eat to fast or
if I don't measure my portions correctly, then I tend to get the foamies.
I am so greatful that I decided to go this way I am down 50lbs and many
inches. The main thing is that you research the procedures and make sure
that you are comfortable with your decision. Also, after you are off sugar
for a few weeks you really don't want it and if you do there is plenty of
sugar free treats. I have found out that since I haven't had sugar for
weeks that sugar free chocolate tastes the same to me as the real stuff.
Best wishes in your decision and remember this will be the start of the
rest of our life.
— tmasten
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