Question:
How do you know which Surgery is for you?

I am considering surgery, I have an appt with Dr. Wetter at the end of this month. I have several health problems now due to my weight and I want to correct this before it gets too late. I am 283lbs now!! I am scared of doing some of the more extream procedurces. I need opnions on doing the VBG vs ABG, but the sure fire on seems to be the RNY.. Any opnions would be wonderful!! Thanks, Sherri    — Sherri M. (posted on January 7, 2003)

January 7, 2003
Do you also have the option for the DS in your area? (Duodenal Switch). I don't mean to further confuse you, just wanted to let you know of another option. Figure eveything in life is a risk, but if it means you'll live a longer and healthier life it's a risk worth taking! www.duodenalswitch.com / www.arizonabariatriccenter.com
   — Melanie N.

January 7, 2003
Ultimately it has to be a personal decision for you. I can tell you I decided on RNY rather than Lap Band because I was told that the LAP Band was really only for people who have less than 100 pounds to lose,and for people who already eat healthy just too much. Reason being that the lap band is only restrictive of foods it can hold, milkshakes are not stopped by the lap band for example. Having said that though, there are alot of AGB folks that have done wonderfully, even with over 100 lbs to lose. Just research all your options, some of the surgeries work by restriction, malabsorbtion, or both and they do it differently. Some surgerys stop acid reflux, others do not. Some are better tools for "sugar eaters", some for "fat" eaters, etc... it goes on and on. Good luck with whatever YOU decide.
   — Gina C.

January 7, 2003
I had considered the AGB, DS, and the RNY - failure rates on the VBG scared me. To get the DS, I would have had to go to Ohio or Nebraska (those were the closest places at the time) and I wasn't willing to travel that far. I tried for the AGB, but my insurance would only cover the RNY and the VBG - so..... I finally settled on the RNY. 3 weeks post-op....
   — Toni C.