Question:
Can Anyone Help Me??

Ever since I saw the 48 Hours special on the Lap-Band, I have been debating over which procedure to go with. Since this is fairly new to the US, I was wondering if anyone has had this done, and could possibly help me out!! Especially if you're here in Indy!! I need suggestions for a doctor too!!    — Jennifer C. (posted on December 3, 2002)

December 3, 2002
Jen, go to www.spotlighthealth.com, click on morbid obesity, then support groups. They have a support group just for lapbanders and you can pose your questions there.
   — Cindy R.

December 3, 2002
I considered the lap-band. I decided to go with the RNY for a couple reasons. (1)My insurance would not cover the lap-band and (2)it's easier to regain because there is no dumping and there is no malabsorptive part that helps control fats. With the lap-band weight loss is almost entirely up to you. I know lots of people have had great success and for those that don't want all the cutting, it may be an option. Even if my insurance had covered it, I'm still not so sure I would have chosen it. It's really a personal thing.
   — Toni C.

December 6, 2002
of course everyone who has had the w.l.s. will recomend what they had,, but my surgeon explained there are risks of regaining with some lap.s, and he said he didn't like working through holes..there is a higher % rate of leaks with laps. and if you have a leak they have to open you up anyway to fix it,, he told me .004 with open r.n.y.'s. and 4% with laps,, i like the smaller number.. and a recent w.l.s. story in newsweek rated all the w.l.s.'s,, and called the open r.n.y. the "gold standard" of w.l.s.'s,, me? i had an open r.n.y. in 10 months i lost 235#'s to reach my goal in 10 months..at 180# now a year out and feel great..good luck
   — bruce M.