Question:
Who decides what type of surgery you have? Me, the doctor, or both of us?
— Patty T. (posted on February 7, 2004)
February 7, 2004
First attend support group meetings and research the various surgeries
available. Then pick a surgeon that does the type you are interested in.
Then see what they recommend. Its really a combined effort.
— bob-haller
February 7, 2004
I think you should decide on your own what surgery you want, because the
different surgeons each have their own personal prejudices as to what
procedure is best. I knew I wanted a lap-band and knew there were things
about the RNY I didn't want to deal with, so I went to a doc who does
nothing but lap-bands. You're the one who has to live with the effects of
the surgery, so it really should be up to you what surgery you get. Good
luck. :)
— K M.
February 7, 2004
YOU and YOU ONLY.....After you've researched to understand what will be
done to your body and how it will react and what your responsibilities will
be to care for your new "workings" .... You are the one that
lives inside that body. This is YOUR choice.
I researched and chose the BPD D/S and would not have allowed anyone to
convince me otherwise....I have not one single regret..not one.
I hope your choice feels the same for you too as a post op.
It's a wonderful life.
Ala
— Pamela C.
February 7, 2004
I agree with the previous posters...YOU do the research and then decide
which type of surgery YOU want. Then go find a surgeon who does that
surgery. If you just go to any old surgeon, most don't do a variety of
WLS', and they will try to sell you on the one they do. You have to be the
proactive one, not the surgeon.
— Leslie F.
February 7, 2004
My surgeon explained the options then explained why he reccomenned the open
rny for me. He does both open and lap. but he explained that because I had
other issues like high wt of 400 lbs. and also adhesives from 3 other
operations from the passed. plus a old hernia that had been repaired. so he
felt that I should have the open. He did a wonderful job, I had no
complications and in 14 months I have loss 185 lbs. putting me at 215 lbs,
I have more to go before my goal wt of 150 lbs, but I'm a very happy camper
now. **Hugs**
— Naes Wls J.
February 7, 2004
I suggest you buy or get a book or two. Barb Thompsons is great and very
informnative on the types of surgery. Its a great starting place! Also e
mail or find some local folks in your area who have had WLS with different
surgeons. Attend some meetings, take some posters to dinner. You can learn
so much that way.<P>http://www.wlscenter.com
— bob-haller
February 8, 2004
When I started my journey the only surgery I was aware of was the RNY.
Both my sister and my cousin had it so I was going to have it, too. My
surgeon, who does several different kinds of WLS also recommended it so I
was scheduled for a RNY. I started attending local support groups as well
as joining online support groups. Since my surgery date was 3 months away
I had a bit of time to research, even though it would have probably been
better to do that before my first consultation. At the meetings and online
I heard from people who had different kids of surgery and looked into them
all and from there I decided I wanted a DS. Fortunately my surgeon didn't
have a problem changing the type of surgery without having to give me
another surgery date but he still tried to talk me out of it. I guess what
I am trying to say is that you shouldn't let anyone decide for you what
surgery is best. Of course you surgeon has the final word on what they
will perform but if they only perform one type of procedure they very well
might try to talk you into that one. Or there may be a valid medical
reason to have a certain procedure done, but overall it's in your best
interest to gather all the information you can and talk to as many
different post-ops as you can and decide what you can live with. Research
is the best tool to making an informed decision. Be totally honest with
yourself and don't settle for a procedure just because it's the easiest one
to get if you truly feel that it isn't the best for you. This is a
lifetime decision and one you might not get the opportunity to change in
the future if it doesn't work out for you. Try not to take the course of
least resistance when it comes to your body and your health.
Laura
— Ladytazz
February 8, 2004
You got some great advice here. The best thing to do is to decide for
yourself. Do all your research before you pick a surgeon. Read the
archives of support groups. Ask a million questions. Learn the pros and
cons on each procedure, then see a surgeon. I found that many surgeons
will lead you to the procedure that they feel is best for them, not for
you. Many surgeons only do the RNY, so if you are looking at DS or the
lapband, you want to find a surgeon who has a lot of experience doing these
procedures. You ultimately have to live with your decision, not them. So
it should be you who decides what is best for you.... Good luck!! Sheryl
(happy with the lapband!)
— Sheryl W.
February 18, 2004
Don't know if this has been said or not, but if you have insurance and are
going to use it, your insurance co. will let you know what type WLS they
cover. My insurance co only covered VBG and RNY. I ended up having open RNY
and thought this the best after researching thoroughly. Hope this helps!
— bufordslipstick
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