Question:
Which surgery is the best
I Am going to have one of the surgerys. Just want some input on the majority, to know which is the best? And do the majority of people have all these problems for a long tim? And are you ablr to do things after the first 2 months? Is it harder for older people? I am 48 weigh 282 I am a littel scared I don't want to throw up all the time. I have an 11 year old daughter and I want to do fun things with her. PLease Help!!!!!!! — hlt1960 (posted on August 21, 2008)
August 21, 2008
I don't know which is best because I have only had lapband but I am very
happy with it. The weight loss is slow but it does come off. I am 42 with
a 12 year old and an 8 year old so I know what your talking about. Good
Luck!
— Dale Elaine S.
August 21, 2008
Hi, I had the RNY Gastric Bypass, and in my opinion, feel it is the best
surgery. Lap Band is great, but people who have Lap Band tend to lose less
weight overall, and gain more back, statistically speaking. Lap Band works
by restricting quantity of food eaten, but sugary foods like ice cream and
Pepsi can still go through. Gastric Bypass works in about 4 or 5 different
ways; it is much more effective. I suggest reading the following article
and watching the 12 minute video that comes along with it. It is on CBS
News.com and is a 60-Minutes TV show segment with Host Leslie Stahl. It
explains alot about Gastric Bypass surgery and it's benefits; well worth
watching!
You can click on, or copy & paste the following link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/17/60minutes/main4023451.shtml
— Gina S.
August 21, 2008
I am 74 8 weeks out. lap band is slower but it was the best
answer for me.started at 265 now at 224.I have not thrown
up once feel great.Work out 6 days an week at an gym.
— stanwalker
August 21, 2008
I had lap band a year ago. I am 52, but my starting weight was 287. I have
lost about 104 or 105 lbs.. I am just now at 182. I decided on lap band
because I had several friends that had gastric bypass and they had so many
problems with foods they could not eat due to bypassing the normal
processes in the intestines.. I liked the idea that my food would be
processed the way it always has been! LOL! The other thing you mentioned is
about throwing up.. with lap band, if your doctor gets the band too tight
and that is a big problem, you can always go and have him remove some of
the solution in the band and loosen it up. I do know a guy here at work
that seems to throw up a lot, but I have not really had much problem with
it as long as I followed directions. The times I have thrown up, I either
ate too much or too fast and didn't chew my food like I should have (and I
knew it too.. just a the time didn't think it would be a problem! LOL!).
The things I can't do really are eat out.. I try to stay away from fast
foods and it seems a waste to buy a meal at McDonalds when I will only get
a few bites in and have to throw away the rest. In my case that is good
because fast foods was a big part of my problem! If I go to a restaurant, I
am careful what I order and just eat slow. Most of the time I am with
family or friends from church so they are very understanding about my
eating so slow. But the surgery was very minor and hasn't limited me doing
anything. In fact, when I had the surgery I was in a wheelchair full time
due to my knees and I have since had knee surgery and am walking again too.
Good luck.. i think all of the bariatric surgeries are good. I am happy
with the lap band though and it did work for me. Maggie
— Maggie E.
August 21, 2008
Only you can make the decision (with the help of your doc) on which surgery
is best for you. I had the DS, and am TOTALLY pleased with it. I eat
whatever I want with no dumping. The only thing I really have to watch is
my carb intake. Carbs = gas. I had surgery in Oct. of '06 at 58yrs old. I
am 5'3" and weighed 340 and wore a size 36 jeans on the day of
surgery. I now weigh 166 and wear a size 7/8 jeans.
— scaryreader
August 21, 2008
I had the VGS I have had no problems with throwing up. I do what I am told
to do, maybe that is why!! I feel great and go to the gym 3 days a week. I
am only 4 1/2 weeks out and lost about 32 pounds, which the slower the
better for me. I wish you Good Luck. PS I am 52 and started out at 287.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 21, 2008
Well that kind of depends on what you're looking for. For me...I wanted
something restrictive but I didn't want to deal with malabsorbtion issues.
And I wanted something permanent that would work even against my will...if
need be. I was afraid if I chose the lap band I would just choose to stop
getting the fills so I could eat normally again. I've failed at so many
diets I just didn't trust myself to have the willpower with the lap band.
So for me the choice was easy as soon as I discovered the vertical sleeve.
It seemed like the perfect tool for me. Total restriction without the
malabsorbtion issues of re-routing my intestions. I'm almost 4 months
post-op and as of this morning I have lost 59 lbs. fairly easily. The next
40 lbs. will be a little more difficult, as I'm getting closer to my goal
weight, and that is a normal issue with all WLS.
My surgery went smoothly. I was pretty sore (like I'd done a lot of
sit-ups) for the first 3 days but then it was not too bad. I would do it
again in a heartbeat...no problem!
Also I believe the vertical sleeve is a lot less invasive & MUCH safer.
Plus you can always have your intestines re-routed later (as the second
part of this type surgery known as duodenal switch) if you don't lose all
the weight you desire. But I REALLY don't think that will be necessary.
Good Luck with your decision!
— AprilJM
August 21, 2008
Heidi,
I hope you take this seriously...I know you are anxious and want to do
this, but taking a poll is not the way to do it. You are willing to alter
your body and risk surgery which, let's face it, is a risk just to be put
under. Some people die before the knife even touches them. People will
defend the surgery they had more than not. You must take time and patience
and do research and read the boards (forums). Some people have all kinds
of problems...Scary, life-threatening stuff....and these surgeries are too
new for very long term studies. The new methods have greatly
improved....but long term is impossible to know. I had RNY almost 5 years
ago...and I have had no problems til my 4th year and currently am taking a
TON of vitamins and supplements to get my vitamin levels back to healthy.
I was malnourished (vitamin deficient or low) So I now know that I am
sensitive to absorption issues and must take more than the normal RNYer. I
was anemic and got it under control with carbonyl iron...I was low on all
the fat soluable vits, proving that RNY surgery really does mean we
malabsorb fats and oils....But not calories or sugar...so I can gain weight
and still starve my body for nutrients. That was a REALITY check for me!!!
RNY has totally changed my life from a painful nightmare into a vitamin
popping, hard working thinner happier life. I HATE taking vitamins. I
HATE watching what I eat...but it's worth it and the RNY as a tool to help
me is truly the only way I have been able to keep the weight off..and
become healthy... I do enjoy eating/cooking healthy...but sometimes, I just
want that frosted cuppie cake! LOL It's hard! I have no more diabetes,
GERD, Hiatal hernia, arthritis knees, shortness of breath, low energy or
stamina. I fit in restaurant booths...I'm not afraid that I won't be able
to find a seat I fit in. I am not a prisoner in my body. I am 44 now and
I look and feel better than I did in my 30's. Do I regret it? No, even
with nutritional problems...I have to work on my health continuously...It
is a daily routine of diet, exercise and vitamins. Are you willing to work?
You must be in order to have RNY or any other surgery for thazt
matter...They are tools to help you...You must be willing to
sacrifice...because once that weight stops....The fun and easy part is
over. New post ops have all the vomiting and learning to eat and aches and
pains and gas and this and that and other things...It's quite a
change....Then it gets easy and all too soon....it stops.... and you are
left holding the bag of chips...and the question is, will you dip into that
bag or will you throw it away...8-10 times I have to throw it away and
trust me...that's work! Head work...it's hard...Don't let anyone tell you
it's easy until they've lived it for 4-5 or more years and had to maintain
weight as a normal sized person...Most vitamin problems start around the
4th year from what I have researched on my own. LifeInsurance Companies
won't do a new policy on you until you are five years post op unless you
want a high premium. I know...I tired. So...Throwing up all the time is
the LEAST of your worries. You might not throw up at all...I
didn't...(maybe 3-4 times in 4 years) Sorry for being blunt and totally
honest here...but it's your body....It's your responsibility to KNOW how
your new anatomy is going to work...research all of it...Ask a ton of
questions...read read read. Don't let one person's nightmare scare you,
but be aware these things can happen...At the end, know in your heart that
you are doing the RIGHT thing for you...and your future. Hope that helps
and I wish you all the luck and blessings in whatever you decide!
— .Anita R.
August 21, 2008
You have to do what is best for you but from people I have met and with my
experience I had gastric bypass laproscopically. The badn is much slower
weight loss and you dont have all the tools like bypass people do. You can
eat as much sugar and carbs as your body will let you or the pouch will let
you with the band. with bypass you have dumping which is good. I had
surgery 5 years ago I am 43 and I lost 150lbs. I gained 3 lbs in the time
since my surgery.I wieghed 274 and I now weigh 135 to 138. I eat everything
I want but in much smaller portions. as long as you follow your drs rules
you will be fine. getting used to eating certain foods can be a pain
sometimes but becasue steak might make you sick the first time you try it
doesnt mean you will never be able to eat it ever again. The only think i
really stay away from is grilled cheese, a lot of carbs and sugar and
cereal. If I eat all protein, like chicken and fish and meat I am good. I
Love vegetables too now. If your looking for quick long lastin weigh loss
go with the bypass. Good Luck. your life is going to change so much for the
better.
— Joanc
August 21, 2008
I am due to have the RNY on Sept 3, I am 51 and weigh 292 and I am excited,
can't wait. I wouldn't have the lap ban done I have heard to many people
have allot of problems with, so go with your heart and make the right
choice for you.
— humper
August 21, 2008
Hey Heidi, I am 53 and weighed 282 also. I choose to have the
laparoscopic RNY. I was done on 7/1/08 and have lost to date 41 lbs.!!!!
It's been a wonderful experience. I wentback to work on the 21st of
july!!! I walk with my husband a mile daily and I can walk anywhere I want
to now.
You need to get all your information and make the choice that works for
you. You have to do what your expected to do. I have gotten sick from
eating to fast, but haven't vomited yet.
I am one of the ones that would definitely do it again.
janet5411
— janet5411
August 21, 2008
The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy has the LOWEST rate of complication and the
HIGHEST safety rate of ALL of the Weight Loss Surgery options commonly
available today. It is ALMOST EXACTLY as effective as the Gastric Bypass
in it's effectiveness and is EASILY converted to the DUODENAL SWITCH which
is the MOST EFFECTIVE Weight Loss Surgery option currently available today.
The Gastric Bypass is NOT easily converted to the Duodenal Switch. I have
lost 100 POUNDS in FIVE AND A HALF MONTHS with the Vertical Sleeve
Gastrectomy! If you would like to find out MORE about the various
different surgeries, check out my profile page at:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/hubarlow/ . Look for my post titled
"Surgical Comparisons." If you do not find it on the main
profile page, look for it in the March 2008 Archives. Use this as a
foundation for your OWN research. DO your own research. It is IMPORTANT
that you do YOUR own research and NOT rely on OTHERS to do it for you.
There are several people on the boards here on OH who claim to be
"EXPERTS" who are NO SUCH THING. They are merely the same thing
that I am, a PATIENT that has done some RESEARCH. Unfortunately, SOME of
these people are giving some very bad advice. You CANNOT rely on people,
EVEN those on OH to give you good advice about Weight Loss. You need to do
YOUR OWN research and then CONSULT a COMPETENT DOCTOR. If you do not TRUST
what the DOCTOR said, GET A SECOND PINION! The thing of FOREMOST
IMPORTANCE to remember is that you CANNOT trust the people on the boards to
give you GOOD advice, you NEED to research your options for YOURSELF. YOU
are ultimately responsible for YOUR OWN HEALTH! I hope that this answers
your questions and helps. Hugh
— hubarlow
August 22, 2008
I had RNY, have lost a total of 120 since surgery in Oct 07 and I am
thrilled with it! Had surgery on a Wednesday went back to work that Monday
and felt well just a few days later. I have 2 friends that have had it in
the last year and lost over 100# and I have an aunt 60+ who just had it a
two weeks ago and is doing awesome. For me RNY was the best choice, I did
not want to have to deal with the fills and also wanted to have more
restrictions when it came to food. Good Luck in your decision.
— nicole30
August 22, 2008
Ultimately the best surgery is the one you decide will work best for you,
through research.
I had lapband 4/19/07. I've lost 100lbs. I am 48 yrs old & weighed 303
before surgery. I have 40-60 more to go.
I chose lapband because it is less invasive, and research shows it has
slower long term weight loss. Eventually it catches up to the bypass
quantity of weight loss, but over a longer period of time (5 years out I
think my surgeon said).
My favorite foods are rare steak and medium rare steak so I did not need
the potential of dumping for sweets provided to most by bypass.
— Donna O.
Click Here to Return