Question:
I'm freaked out by having my stomach cut. I am vasilating between the lap and sleeve
I was leaning towards lap band, but dr. is recommending the sleeve. I am highly concerned about taking out so much of my stomach. Anyone else have to get past this? — davlynmb (posted on November 4, 2009)
November 4, 2009
It took me a few months to reach a decision and to get used to the idea of
having my digestive system permanently altered. But eventually that concern
was replaced with the desire to choose the best right surgery for me for
the most soccessful long-term outcome. Pray for Guidance and keep doing
your research. God bless.
— Janell C.
November 4, 2009
hi I had the RNY on 02/19/09. For the longest time I wen back and forth
abetween rny and band. The final decision was based on how much weight i
wanted to loose. or needed to loose. i wanted to loose 150 lbs. my
doctor told me that this is possible with both surgeries but that it will
be way more difficult with the band. with the band you are restricted with
the amount of food you consume but not what you consume. with the rny you
can't eat junk food because you will get sick. i decided i didnt have
enough will power and went with the rny. both are done laparascopiclly.
same scares. both out patient procedures. i would say do more research.
decide how much you want to loose and if you have the strength to resist
temptation if you get the band. btw i am 81/2 months out and have lost
120lbs. 25-30lbs to go. it was hard at first but now totally worth it.
— alojah82
November 4, 2009
I had the Lap-Band surgery 5 years ago. I am at my goal weight (it took
about 3 1/2 years to reach it). I chose the Lap-Band because the
medications I take are digested in the portion of the stomach that would
have been by-passed in the other surgery types. I'm glad I chose the
Lap-Band. Being able to adjust it to help me feel satisfied with 3 small
meals a days has been the part I like the best. Also, Lap-Band patients
don't have as many mal-absorption problems as by-pass patients. We don't
have to get blood tests to check our vitamin and protein levels. And we
just need to take a multiple vitamin and a calcium supplement. All WLS
types help limit your hunger and allow you to eat less. Whether you choose
to eat nutritious meals, or junk food is your decision. If you are having
the surgery to improve your health, and realize that you will be committing
to a life-long change in eating habits, you'll be successful. If you just
want to loose weight, but intend on returning to the bad habits that caused
you to become obese in the first place, you're bound to fail. This is not
a short term diet. The biggest way WLS helps, is as a tool for weight
maintenance once you've reached your goal. Not being under the control of
hunger, and limiting your ability to overeat, you'll feel a new sense of
empowerment. I feel 20 years younger, and all of my pre-surgery health
problems have been resolved. No matter which surgery you choose, I
recommend that you join, and regularly attend, a WLS Support Group. And,
if you choose the Lap-Band, be sure to see your surgeon every month (esp.
during the first 2 years) for a follow up visit and a "fill" as
needed. I wish you all of the best as you begin your journey toward good
health. God Bless.
— KimM
November 4, 2009
Don't be freaked out by this, know that the band is much less successful in
keeping the weight off. You will also loose it much more slowly. I don't
regret having RNY and friends who have had the lap band say they wish they
had chosen RNY instead.
— rkurquhart
November 4, 2009
I also had to chose between the band and the VSG. I opted for the VSG for
a number of reasons. The primary one was that it was much more effective
than the band. Do not worry too much about scarring. What was considered
a large scar initially shrunk considerably as I lost weight. It is now
barely noticeable. If you are still concerned after you have lost the
weight that you want, you can have plastic surgery to remove what is left.
Good luck. Hugh
— hubarlow
November 4, 2009
I also went between whether to have the lap band, the sleeve or the RNY.
Actually, initially it was between lap band and RNY - I had 200+ lbs to
lose, though, and knew that while it may be possible with the lap band, it
would take a lot longer plus I didn't want to have to worry about getting
fills and having a foreign object in me that may or may not cause problems
over my lifetime. However, I didn't want all the complications that can go
along with RNY even though weight loss is faster with it. When I found out
about the sleeve, it seemed as if all my answers lie in this surgery - no
fills to worry about, no rerouting of intestines and the resulting
malabsorption issues. I am 14 months out, down 150 lbs, and getting ready
for a belt lipectomy to have excess skin removed. I am very happy with my
surgery. But I must tell you that you must take advantage of that
honeymoon period where it is easiest to stick to your plan. My honeymoon
period was about 10-11 months, but then it slowed down and I started
grazing. You must change your eating habits for life! I am constantly
working at this, and reaching out for support wherever I can find it -
support groups, backontrackwithbarbara.com, NAWLS.com, and of course
obesityhelp.com. No matter which surgery you go with, it should never be
considered "easy" - it takes work. No one surgery is right for
everyone. Do your research and talk with your doctors, then make the
decision that is right for you. Wendy
— Wendy M.
November 5, 2009
Come on. The LapBand is an effective and much safer method oF WLS. Any WLS
depends not on what type of surgery it is just a tool. It is what you do
with the tool that matters more. LapBand is just as effective and less
intrusive. Either way you can't go wrong but don't bad mouth Lapband
please!
— postalmoose
November 5, 2009
I agree with Kent. No matter what procedure you choose, weight can be
regained. Weight loss surgery is just a tool. If you do not follow your
doctors orders, you regain the weight. Choose what will work for you, not
negative feedback from others.
— savoy7658
November 7, 2009
I HAD THE SAME QUESTION. DO I GET A LAP BAND OR DO THE VGS. I ENDED UP
DOING THE VGS AND I HAVE NO REGRETS. I HAVE NO FORGEIN OBJECT INSIDE,
THERE IS NOTHING TO RIP, ERODE OR CAUSE AN INFECTION. I ALSO DON'T HAVE TO
PAY EACH TIME I NEED A FILL. IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS I WILL BE A YEAR OUT AND
I HAVE LOST APPROX 90 LBS! IT IS STILL A TOOL, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO BUT
SPEAKING FOR ME, I'M VERY HAPPY WITH MY DECISION. GOOD LUCK
— Linda C.
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