Question:
What do you wish someone would have told you before you had surgery?
I've only just begun my WLS journey, and have at least 6 months to go before I'll seen an operating room. I've been doing a lot of research here, and at other sites, about the WLS options available to me. I don't mind admitting that I am overwhelmed by the choice before me and have not made up my mind about what surgery I'll get, although I am leaning towards Lap-Band right now (I am 5'6" and 354 lbs. w/ BMI of 56). I am clear on the risks/complications of having surgery, and the wonderful benefits as well. But what I really want to know is what I don't know. What is it that doctor's or RN's haven't told me yet about the process? What are some of the things that you (those of you who have gone through WLS already ) where completely surprised by? — lulabeth (posted on April 22, 2008)
April 22, 2008
I don't reply very often to the posts, but I wanted to weigh in my opinion
on your question. I had the lap-band surgery at the end of August 2007 and
lost 70 lbs in 7 months. Some months were better than others, but the
results were wonderful. I started at 274 and got down to 203. I currently
had to stop because I am pregnant. I want to tell you that I feel the
lap-band was the ONLY option I considered after reading all the problems
that others had with gastric and RNY. I work with 3 other women who have
had the lap-band and we are all very pleased with the results. No of us
have rotted teeth, or pail skin. We are very happy and healthy!!! Good
Luck!!
— srhedger
April 22, 2008
I was suprised to hear that w/Lap-Band insurance only covers fills for a
yr/sometimes only 6 months after surgery..So each fill after that out of
pocket fee is close to a few hundred bucks. Plus I didn't have the time to
go to the doctor every 6 weeks to get a fill, or have some taken out if it
didn't feel right or keep having tests done to see if there is any
blockage.I had Gastric Bypass 3/3/8 and I control what I eat, and when I
need to go to the doctor, plus what I've heard about the bands isn't that
great.after you lose say 80-100pounds over time the band can slip up and
down your stomach rubbing and causing a slow whole to erode the side of
your stomach.Some surgeons say they are like old breast implants and don't
expect them to stay in anyone for a lifetime without complications.My
surgeon does Bypass primarily for this reason, and I don't blame her. You
spend enough having the surgery-I don't want to spend the rest of my life
in a doctors office getting poked in the stomach by a needle that is stuck
into a port that pokes out from under the skin under your skin-eeew! Just
sounds awful.I wanted one surgery one procedure to do it all for the rest
of my life, and I'm glad I chose this.Recovery was fast and no
complications.My scars are tiny and I'm only 30. I have lost over 35 pounds
in just 7 weeks.The weight loss with banding is much slower too.I had to
have fast results due to climing blood pressure at stroke level. Bypass
isn't for everyone I know, but I almost made the mistake and had it, and I
would have been miserable sitting there with a foreign object in my body if
I didn't have to have it. People have a tendency to make Bypass sound so
risky and scary and it just wasn't.They both even take the same amount of
time to perform-per my surgeon.Best wishes in deciding
— [Deactivated Member]
April 22, 2008
Hi, just had to say...no one told me what a difference RNY has made in my
life....a new ME...feel great, look great and have no regrets
whatsoever....and once u adjust urself to doing what u must do...hey it is
easy...a new lifestyle for sure when concerning Eating...I love it...and
hey not much of a grocery bill...lol....I am 2.5 yrs out...I choose RNY
because I wanted it to be permanent....and a friend of mine had to have her
lapband redone, always going in for fills...and that wasnt me at all....
but I think one has do what they know will work best for them. Best of luck
in Your Decision....I know u will know what is best...smiles....from TEXAS
— txblonde
April 22, 2008
Realistically if your BMI is that high, I think that RNY or other surgeries
are better suited to lowering the BMI to under 30. From speaking with
surgeons at support group meetings, the lab band is more designed for the
person that wants to drop 60-80 pounds over a 1-2 year time frame. Higher
weight loss desires are normally channeled to RNY, commonly covered by many
insurance companies. Some of the other surgeries of this type are
considered somewhat experimental, and may not be covered under your
insurance company. I spoke to a head nurse at my insurance office the other
day. She said that many patients had requested lap band surgery, but at the
consultation meeting with the doctor, most of the patients changed their
minds, once they realized the limitations of the lab band surgery. Ask
your prospective surgey your realistic outcomes of your surgeries. Lap band
surgeries can have problems too--band slippage, ruptured band, problems
with fills--insurance won't pay, etc. Get all the information before you
end up having a revision due to poor results.
— Dave Chambers
April 22, 2008
I am glad I investigated all the surgery options. I was origianlly going to
have the lap band. I ended up having RNY. I am so glad I did. I know quite
a few people who had lap band and lost some weight but not what they wanted
and its years out now. I know people who have gained a lot of the weight
back also/ was 274 when I had my surgery. I am now 133 and I wear a size 6
clothes. I am not saying with RNY you cant gain the weight back but if you
follow all the driections to the T you shouldnt gain weight back. I cant
eat a lot of carbs or sugar. Please think about what you want for resluts.
I lost 80LBs in 4 months. I am very pleased with the outcome of my surgery.
— Joanc
April 22, 2008
I was also considering the lap-band when I originally started the process
but after speaking with the surgeon and other staff it took me no time to
change my mind and I ended up having RNY surgery. The idea of going in for
fills and band slippage didn't appeal and as far as insurance....well you
should really check on that too. I'd suggest you speak with a bariatric
surgeon and see the pros and cons that they have seen with the different
surgeries. They, of course, are going to be the most informative. Good
luck in your decision making.
— deebunny38
April 22, 2008
You should call up your insurance company and see what surgeons in the plan
perform the surgery...( or ask if the surgeon you want is a provider.)
Then call the hospital or surgeons office and schedule of attend an
information session. That will get to most of the facts.
I first thought Lap band too but reconsidered after the info session .
Your age , BMI additude about your body and plans will have an influence
on your decision.
— [Deactivated Member]
April 22, 2008
I was surprised at the amount of depression I suffered due to the
"loss" of food. (Keep in mind I have suffered from depression for
a lifetime.) I used food as my EVERYTHING! I isolated and ate myself
stupid! I was questioning what I had done for the first year and only after
"therapy" and the correct medication combination am I happy with
the RNY that I had! I could have easily converted back to my
"old" eating habits, but I didn't. I struggled with a
"shopping" addiction after my surgery, which isn't necessarily a
"bad" thing, since I did need new clothes as I dropped the
weight. However I did spend on other things to placate my need to
"feel" good about myself. And after a "lifetime" of my
family telling me I was bipolar and my refusal to accept that, I recently
found that I AM! I am HAPPY that I have "discovered" that about
myself and now I am on the right track. (I hope) Please remember that
everyone is not "like" this and it is something I discoved about
myself, and maybe something some others have not "discovered"
which in turn they are NOT so sucessful at their life changing opportunity.
Also going into this, I guess I knew somewhere deep down I was like this,
so I chose RNY because I knew it would absolutely force me to change my
eating habits and it's the fastest method to lose the weight more quickly.
(Some how I knew if I didn't see the results fast enough I might "give
up") Anyways, I'm sorry if this sounds scary and depressing. I wish
you only the BEST in your decision. AND with this web-site's supportive
people only success will happen for you in what ever you decide. Good Luck!
— Toni Todd
April 22, 2008
First of all, great answers so far. I had RNY in Mexico with Dr. Joya in
January. He has his own site w/forum that is devided into the different
procedures. I am on the RNY part of the site and I have never seen any
posts regarding bad teeth or skin. Also, many posters on the site are
individuals who had their lap band removed in favor of a more permanent
solution as their weight los had stopped. I guess it is possible with
malabsorption syndrom but I don't think that is as common with RNY as it is
with DS. RNY is a nice balance between malabsorption and restriction
processes.
What would I say most surprised me? I expected to be very tired form the
low calorie consumption - like many of the diets that I had tried. As long
as you concentrate on what you consume including the right supplements you
feel GREAT! I have also learned a huge amount about nutrition, digestion,
exercise and lifestyle from these boards. You should spend the next 6
months reading boards because you can always change your mind without
postponing the surgery date. BTW, I started with Lap Band, then was sure I
wanted VSG and finally arrived at RNY in the end. I'm totally happy with my
choice, make sure you are totally comfortable with yours.
— jannmyers
April 22, 2008
In the begininng, i was upset that my life still seemed to be revolving
around food and there were many days that i thought to myself, "What
did you do". However, i am 4 months out now, down 71 pounds and feel
great. Food no longer is the prime focus of my life and i have to often
remind myself to eat. The beginning days were hard because i had to really
pay attention to everthing and how much and how frequently i ate. Now I am
used to what i can and cannot and what i need to eat and it is already
becoming part of my routine and the change in lifestyle that i needed to
make the weight loss happen.
— Debbie M.
April 22, 2008
Good question! Well I am ashamed to say that I sort of thought of WLS as
dieting for dummies. I wouldnt have to work at losing weight, it would
just happen and I would learn how to eat the right way during the process.
I thought I would never be hungry again and that food would no loner take
the place of love, comfort, or joy. But I found out that I was blessed
with an amazing surgeon who gave me this awesome tool that IF I use it to
its fullest advantage, I will...I can...change my life. The bottom line is
that the strength/desire to change still has to come from me. So, if you
are looking at WLS as a "magic bullet" please don't. It's the
best thing I have ever done. I am 4 months out and have lost 62 lbs. But
it has not been easy, because I am still learning how to overcome food
addiction. The tool makes that attempt possible. The rapid weight loss
gives me the sense of accomplishment. For me, it was the best decision I
have ever made! Many blessings..
— Lisa S.
April 22, 2008
I am 2 weeks out from RNY. I started out 6 months ago thinking I was going
to have the LapBand, but chenged my mind after talking to some patients in
my surgeon's office and hearing about having to come in frequently for
fills, adjustments, etc. I will be returning to work full-time, and really
don't have time to be running to the doctor's office that much. Plus, I
found out that LapBand patients typically lose about 33% of their excess
weight, and that wasn't worth it to me. I needed to lose more and my
surgeon recommended the RNY. So far, the only thing I had not expected was
to be so tired after the surgery. I guess I expected to pick up where I
left off before surgery--wrong!! But everyone tells me that the fatigue is
temporary, and will go away. I had my surgery on a Wednesday and came home
on Friday. My scar is only 6 inches long, which is smaller than I
expected. So far, I've lost 17 pounds since surgery :-) I think the
biggest thing is to make sure you're comfortable with the surgeon &
whoever you'll followup with afterwards. My surgeon is in with a doctor
and nurse practitioner that do the long-term followups. I was very
impressed with the office and staff beforehand--I like the idea of having a
"bariatric" doctor to see afterwards--since that's all she does,
she's very up to date on what to watch for, and is very knowledgeable about
the entire process. As others have said, you have to do what's right for
you, but as of this point, I have no regrets at all at having had the RNY.
Good Luck making your decision--the next 6 months will go by faster than
you think--(I had to do the 6 month thing for my insurance company)
Terri M.
— tmiller51
April 22, 2008
no one told me about the frustration and sometimes anger with not being
able to eat. I find myself getting bored with my choices sometimes
becauase I can't tolerate alot of meat. I can't tolerate certains things
that I did before surgery like milk. It's a learning experience for
sure....but would I do it again? IN A HEART BEAT. the benefits and the
way I feel certainly outweigh the frustration with eating choices....mostly
I"m frustrated that I can't eat some sweets (I dump)....BUT, that's
what got me into the obese category anyway.,,,,,so that's a plus.
— hatda
April 22, 2008
Originally I wanted the lap-band and was told my insurance did not cover
the procedure because it was so new 3.5 years ago, but they did cover RNY
(laparoscopic). I was a little hesitant at first but it's the best thing
that I could have done for myself I'm just sorry I waited so long trying
to decide if it was the right thing to do, I went from a size 24/22 280lbs
to a 2/4 141 lbs in exactly 1 year and I'm loving it. I had no
complications from the surgery, just trying to adjust to all of the changes
(no appetite, weight loss, appearance, etc) was a challenge at times &
like everything else in the beginning I had my good days & my bad days.
With the new me all my days are sunny and bright now.
— Lil' Booty
April 22, 2008
I spent three years researching what to do and what doctor to do it with.
Got to any support group meeting you can find and talk to the patients,
find out who their doctors are and who much education they got before
surgery from their hospial and surgeon. I attended more than 20 surgeon's
seminars around the US. Most we just trying to sell, but I found a few
that really cared about their patients. As to the surgery. I found from
the better doctors they would tell me the truth. LabBand will get 10% to
their goal weight and about 50% lose about 50-60% of their total weight.
RNY get more like 40% to their goal weight and around 50% lose 80% of their
total weight. I had a RNY and I would do it all over again. I learned to
eat right and healthy. I will do this the rest of my life. I don't feel
hungery and I have more engery than I every had. These surgerys are all
tools, and they all have some issues, but if you have Diabites Type II, you
can expect a cure withing a month. I did not beleive it because I had it
for 25 Years, and today I take nothing, no blood pressure medications, no
colestroal medication and its been under 5 months since surgery. I have
lost nearly 100 lbs and have about 75 to go and I will get there by
christmas. CBS 60 minutes had a peice sunday night on RNY that was great.
If you missed it, I will be glad to send you a DVD if you contact me. Best
of success to you. Let us know how you are doing regardless of what you
choose. By the way, the surgery time and cuts are about the same and Lab
Band sometimes go home the same day. RNY is at least over night. the
first 4-6 weeks are the hardest, but just get up and get to work and focus
on your diet before and after surgery. You want to lose some weight so
your liver does not have as much fat when you have the surgery as you
stomach is under the liver and it is easier for your surgeon to work on you
if you lose that fat on the liver before surgery. Also you will heal
better, and it is great to practice what youare going to be eating and find
out what you like and what you hate when you are feeling good. I live a
normal life except no fast food any longer, no soft drinks and no beer. My
choice for life. I now eat to live rather than live to eat.
— William (Bill) wmil
April 22, 2008
Hi Bethany, I researched the three main types of wls before my consultation
and had decided on the DS. When I talked to the surgeon he suggested the
DS. I LOVE IT!!! The only regret I have is that I didn't do it years ago.
I've never dumped like with the RNY. And I don't have to go every few
months for a fill, which I think is sometimes painful. I do however have
malabsorption (sp), so I have to take vitamin supplements. Which is more
than a fair trade for weighing almost 400lbs (396 at my highest).
While the DS was the right decision for me, everyone has to choose for
him/herself. So do your research thoroughly before making that decision.
— scaryreader
April 22, 2008
I had the RNY...and the recovery was kinda difficult...I was extremely
weak, but returned to work by week two...I was an office supervisor (and
could take it easy)...I have a chronic problem with anemia...I have to get
IV iron about once a year because of absorption issues...so, it does
happen...also...NOBODY told me that I would not be able to get life
insurance after the fact...I have been turned down every time I apply due
to "no long term studies" on the effects of gastric bypass...a
friend of mine had lap band...and she is NOT losing weight at all...she is
6 months out and has actually GAINED weight...I am 6 years out and CANT eat
even half of what she eats...SOOOO...I am soooo glad to have had
RNY...now...with all of that said...IT IS VERY MUCH WORTH DOING...RNY
Gastric Bypass has changed and saved my life...I have told people (and mean
it) if the surgery required me to do it every year for the rest of my
life...I am soooo pleased with it...I would do it...it has been that life
altering...I went from a sz 26 to size 10...I LOVE MY NEW LIFE and I am
sooo inspired...so, stuff happens but DO NOT let it stop you...it is ALL
worth it...MANY TIMES OVER!!!!!!!!!!!
— Samantha M.
April 22, 2008
what the word "SLOW" really means -- when they say to eat to real
slow -- but i learned what it means -- chew your food until it is the
consistancy of applesauce -- that way it won't get stuck -- good luck :)
— RCassety
April 22, 2008
Hi, first let me say Bravo to all the answers you have gotten so far, they
are right on the money. As for myself, I have had both procedures done. I
had my lapband placed on 10/05 and my BMI was around 40-41. My sister had
the RNY one year previously. She tried to talk me out of the band but I had
done my "homework" and thought that the band sounded awesome and
right for me. I am a smoker and did not want to be under anesthesia for
long, I never did well with this, always made me sick afterwards and I knew
the band was a quick procedure. When I went for my first consult I told the
doctor that I wanted the band only, he did not try to sway me towards
anything else, just asked me if I weighed all my options and I said yes. Of
course the operation was quick and simple, very sore after since they did
cut muscle tissue to place the band, a few small cuts for the lap procedure
and a 3" scar for the port. It was ok in the beginning, kind of weird
seeing the port sticking out under my skin but I was fine until I started
having my fills. The more the band was tightened the less I could eat,
which I know is how this is supposed to work but I never thought that a
teaspoon or two of food was all I could eat by the time I was tightened
completely. I threw up constantly, including the "white foamies",
I could no longer go out to dinner with my husband because after only a
bite or two I would get sick. Crushing my meds and taking them was a meal
and would fill my pouch for hours, so no room for food. This was no way to
live for me, I was miserable all the time and had lost a grand total of
about 20-25 lbs, that was it. Towards the end all I could eat was either
pasta or full liquids, no meats or veggies and nothing that was not really
soft (eating pasta keep me from losing but I was sick of yogurt by then).
No matter how much I chewed I still got sick. At 10 months I went to the
doctor and told him I had enough and wanted the band loosened and removed.
We discussed this and I asked him why he did not try to talk me into the
RNY but all he said was, i had made my decision and he was not going to
talk me into something that I did not want. He did tell me that they were
not having the success that they thought they would with the band, however
some people do have success with it, I was not one of them. He did an upper
GI on me and found that because my band was tight my esophagus was turning
into a pouch at the bottom, making my stomach bigger, this was not good and
he let the fluid out of my band and we started the insurance process again,
by the time my surgery came around I had gained most of what I had lost, it
was great to me able to eat again and not get sick. So on December 15th
2006 I had my band removed and he did the revision to the RNY at the same
time, all done laproscopically. The operation was only supposed to be an
hour to an hour and a half, it took a little over two. the problem was
there was so much scar tissue around the band and port that had to be
removed, this was something I never thought of before. After these were
removed he said it was a piece of cake operation. Of course I was sick
after but that was from the anesthesia as always. I felt better after the
RNY than I did after the band! I was up walking within one hour and
drinking in 12 hours. I was really shocked that I was not in a lot of pain,
but they did not have to cut muscle so I guess that's why, plus I knew what
to expect. I went home on full liquids, with the band I went home on clear
liquids for a few weeks, not this time. My food choices were better after
the RNY. I had no complications, neither did my sister. I have read a lot
of horror stories on these boards about RNY but for every horror story
there are probably 10X that in success stories. I reached my goal of 110
lbs in 10 months, it has been 15 months since surgery now and I feel
AMAZING. I went from a size 24 to a 10-12. I still want to lose anther 15
lbs but that will come, the last few lbs are the hardest. My sister went
from a size 24 to a 6, she also did not have any complications. The only
problem I have is occasional constipation, thats it. I can eat again, and
live a normal life again, best thing I ever did.
With your BMI of 56 I hope you will REALLY look at your options, RNY is so
safe now, ask your doctor what he thinks you should have and also ask him
how many times he has done the operation. You did not state if you had any
medical problems so I do not know. So to answer your question, the one
thing I wish they would have told me was to have the RNY bypass in the
first place. I know this will be a difficult decision for you but please
consider your other options. The other thing my doctor told me was
"STAY OFF THE BOARDS, YOU ONLY WILL READ THE BAD STUFF AND NOT THE
GOOD". There are risks with any operation but if you have a good
doctor with a lot of experience you should be fine. One final thing I want
to mention. As of jan 2007 there is a clause in most insurance policies
that states one weight loss surgery per lifetime so please take this into
account also. This is why I had my second surgery done right before xmas,
if I did not I would have fallen into this category and they would not have
paid for the second operation. Please email me with any questions and also
to let me know what you decide to to, I wish you luck and lots of weight
loss!
Big Hugs to You!!!
Diane P.
— noboat4u
April 22, 2008
I am not sure what poster #1 is talking about (Stacie). I do not have
rotted teeth or pale skin. I am almost a year out from the RNY. I have a
history of genetic kidney disease and colon cancer and a history of anemia.
Now, almost a year out, for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I am NOT anemic. So
there goes that theory. Also, I tend to agree with poster #4 (dave). From
results at my surgeons office, people with a BMI of that high will be more
pleased with the results from RNY. (I am not saying it can't be done, but
GOOD LUCK getting insurance to pay for a second surgery!) My BMI was just
shy of 40 and I went for the RNY for several reasons. 2 of the biggest
reasons were GHERLIN and LEPTIN. Do some research on those. You will NOT
have those hormone changes with the LapBand. There was a Dr on 60 minutes
or Dateline the other night talking about it. The cutting of the stomach
is what does it; takes away the hunger drive and cravings. He even did
experiments (on rats mind you) where he put the stomach back together and
the hunger/cravings RETURN. Very odd and they don't know why, but the
cutting of the stomach was one big reason I chose the RNY over the LapBand;
I needed to get rid of my sugar cravings and it HAS. Now I DID have the
mindset going in that I would NEVER have sugar again after this and I was
ready; I knew going in I could never stand on the edge of that slippery
slope again. I don't miss it. I don't think I would feel that way if I
had the Lap Band; I'd probably already be drinking Cokes and Milkshakes.
Be sure you get REAL statistics when researching the safety of RNY. I've
found a lot of posts on here are people having problems and seeking help
(and that is a wonderful thing, but it can give you the impression that
EVERYONE had complications...NOT TRUE!) I had my surg on Wednesday
afternoon, was walking around OUTside the hospital on Thurs and jumping out
of my skin to get home (and went home) Friday. I am healthier than I have
ever been in my life, I have my addiction under control due to this tool,
my teeth are not rotting out of my head. Plus I am FINISHED. All I have
to do is take my vitamins. I do not have to go for fills, worry about band
erosion, port flippage, or line degradation. (Now for teens I would
recommend the Lap Band, but I don't see any indication that you are a
teen.) I am a STRONG supporter of the RNY. I am a RN and I work at a
hosptial where I have seen patients with complications. It does happen.
It does NOT happen 99% of the time. And even working with this population
I still chose the RNY. It is your responsibility to make sure you have a
GOOD surgeon that you trust. Make sure the SURGEON will be doing your
surgery and not one of his residents! - Good Luck in your decision! We
are all rootin' for u!!!!
— MAG
April 22, 2008
Hello,
I had my wls in October, 2007. I was all for the lap band (which is a great
tool) but I weighed 319lbs and had high blood pressure and diabetes. My
doctor suggested the bypass because I had the health problems and so much
weight to lose to get healthy. Both work well if you follow but I find the
bypass is fatser weight loss.
In the six months I have lost 112lbs and I feel great.
I have had no surprises. My docotr nurses and nutritionist always answered
questions and explained everything.
I wish you the best in your journey and you will just know what surgery is
best for you after a while and based on your needs. That six months pre op
gave me a lot of time to weigh the pros and cons of each surgery.
— Lynnmon
April 22, 2008
I too was on the fence between Lap Band and RNY surgery. I'm 50 years old,
was 280 lbs and 5'8". My doctor recommended the RNY over the lap
band. He said it would be like "hitting a home run" with weight
loss. I couldn't be bothered with going back for refills because I live 30
miles from the hospital where I had my RNY. So I had the RNY and couldn't
be happier. As long as you follow directions (take your vitamins, water
and protein) you should have no problem. I will say that the weight loss
is a little slower than what I thought it would be, which is fine (I'm 8
weeks out) but everything healed nicely, and I work out 5 times a week and
am in very good spirits. It's up to you - but if you don't want to go back
for your refills (and I'm not sure what insurance covers what) and if
you're planning on following your doctor's orders, which is a good idea,
then there shouldn't be any "surprises" no matter what you do.
Good luck!
— Donna_in_PA
April 22, 2008
All of the answers above are right on target. There is a possibility of
complications and risks involved with any type of WLS... I also was
determined to have lapband but changed to RNY after a year of research.
There are a few things that I think must be STRESSED. With any type of
WLS, you must take supplements for the remainder of your life, and you must
commit to a change in lifestyle forever. If you don't, you will not be
healthy and you will gain weight back.
From your profile, it appears that you are a young adult. The rest of your
life is a lot more years than mine. (I'm 54.) Are you committed to taking
vitamins and supplements for the next 50 years? Are you committed to
exercising for the next 50 years? Are you committed to healthy eating for
the next 50 years? With lapband you don't have to take as many supplements
as with RNY or DS, but you will need some. All other requirements for
success are the same which ever type surgery you choose.
Research, ask questions, and then decide what is best for you and the
lifestyle you want to live. Best wishes. - dj
— DJ Wood
April 23, 2008
That's a very wise idea, researching your opitins. I didn't even hesitate
with my choice, I shoose WLS. I too was 350 and had a BMI of 59.6. I had
my surgery 09/24/07 and have lost 115 pounds to date; lowing my BMI to
around 44 ( or somewhere close to that).
My advise is to buy the book "WEIGHT LOSS FOR DUMMIES", one of
the best books I've read about WLS.
Good luck with your decision...........it will change your life, and you
won't be sorry. At least, I'm not
The
— CMFitzpatrick
April 23, 2008
I had the RNY in february and am having wondeful results. I feel fantastic.
I was originally going to have the Lap-band, however my surgeon informed me
of all of the complications that could arise from it. Not only right after
the surgery but years or even months down the road. She told me that they
remove more laps than they put in because the port will get infected and
need to be removed. The tube connected to the port and band can corrode and
need to be surgically removed. The stomach can also flip over on itself and
need to be surgically removed if not by removing the band completely.
Therefore, gaining weight back and probably needing the RNY or other form
anyway. That is why I opted for the RNY. I'm not trying to scare you I am
just thankful that i learned all of that before I chose the band. Someone
else replyed saying that there are so many other complications from the RNY
and that is not always true. If you do what the docs tell you and you make
good decisions as to how to eat and exercise than everything will be fine.
You are more likely to keep the weight off in the future. Also, my mom had
the Duodenal Switch in 1996 and has kept her weight off (+ or - 20 lb) ans
she has never had rotten teeth or pail skin. I'm just glad that I was
informed before I decided on something.
— Sillyguts
April 23, 2008
I haven't seen one "positive" for lap band... so heres mine! I
am 6 months out of lap band. Never would I have chosen a different
surgery. I've been very happy w/ my results. I don't mind having to go
back for rechecks/fills - this keeps my butt in line, making sure that I
stay on plan. Previous posters do have very valid points - one major one
is that for every "horror" story you hear, there are 10 stories
of success you don't hear about. I've lost almost 60 lbs since my surgery
and I look and feel great.
Do as much research as you can, even see several dr's if you need to so you
can determine which route is the right one for you.
There is good & bad in everything. I started out at 257 and weigh 198
now. I am determined to get to my goal and don't mind it taking a year.
It didn't appear over nite, and it won't dissapear overnite (the weight).
Good luck with your journey regardless which surgery you choose.
Rebecca
— Rebaboh
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