Question:
Looking for input on types of surgeries

I have my first consultation with my surgeon tomorrow (I'm soooo very nervous), and I need some information. I know the surgeon will tell ME what kind of procedure I should have based on his far greater knowledge and experience than mine <vbg>, however, I would like some input from the patients perspective. The Adj. Lap Band looks like a fairly new preceedure, and it seems to me to be much easier on the body, less invasive, non-permanent (if for some strange reason it needed to be removed) and just a better option in general than the "traditional" stapling and re-routing of intenstines. Am I understanding this procedure correctly? Do any of you have any input on this subject? Any and all information would be VERY much appreciated. Thanks    — Kathi R. (posted on April 28, 2002)

April 28, 2002
Kathi, You didn't mention the DS but thought I would add my two cents. Please don't discount this surgery without carefully researching ALL the surgery types. Yes, it is the most complicated but.......you have a fully functioning stomach, just smaller. You have the pyloric valve which regulates food and liquids leaving the stomach. There is little or no chance of ulceration. You do not dump. (Not all RNY patients do either) The gallbladder is removed during surgery so you don't have to have it done months later from the amount of weight lost. Your eating and lifestyle are normal and you don't have to chew, chew chew and take little tiny sips. You can drink with your meals. Two calcium and one multivitamin are all that is required. The amount of weight lost is greater and longterm regain is very small unlike with the other two. Ultimately you are the only one who can decide which surgery is for you. Just please be sure you have researched every aspect of all the surgeries.
   — grammie5

April 28, 2002
I chose the RNY because I WANTED to dump on sweets. Now that I'm a few months post-op the experience and fear of the dumping syndrome is the ONLY thing that keeps me honest. I could never maintain the proper eating without the dumping reinforcement.
   — Kathy J.

April 28, 2002
I also was not sure which surgery was the right one for me. I had the Lap-Band on March 25. I have lost 22+ pounds as of my 3 weeks post-op. I too was concerned about the no dumping because I was a sweet eater and was afraid I'd cheat. I am so pleased I decided to go with the band. I have found that my whole relationship with food has changed. Now that I am not dealing with hunger and that low blood sugar feeling I used to have I don't experience cravings. If if it's time for me to eat I listen to what my body says I need. So far it's asking for protien, protien, protien. I tried a cookie (always my failing before) and found that my taste preference has changed. I actually spit out the second bite and went and got some cottage cheese! I am sure you will make the best decision for you, but please feel free to e-mail or check my profile if either would help.
   — Caddy W.

April 28, 2002
Dear Kathi: No, a doctor should NOT choose YOUR surgery. YOU should be informed and determine what is right for you. There are many many "bariatric businesses" that are selling their procedure, they are often "doing" whatever surgery is easiest and quickest for THEM to perform. Most aren't capable of doing Lap or BPD/DS surgery and until recently, most were not approved site for the Adj. Band. You better do MUCH more research before choosing that particular surgery. W/O doing into the particulars of its limitations, you won't find many LONG TERM happy patients. My hospital was a early band site and at all the support group meetings I go to, most of their band patients have already converted to other surgeries or are waiting to do so. It is NOT non-invasive and they often cannot get the band off and patients who want a DS (with a normally functioning stomach) are then usually STUCK w a RNY, as they no longer have the option. They are all sorry that they didn't do adequate research BEFORE picking a procedure and after an initial weight loss, are left with the obvious disadvantages of no continued or sustained loss and rotten quality of life. Then they are forced to convert to ANOTHER surgery type. Much better to pick what's right for you and only have ONE surgery, when the options are ALL available to you. I, personally, am glad that it took me 6 months to do my reseach and find a surgery and lifestyle that is perfect for me. I could not be happier with my lap BPD/DS, 2 1/2 yrs ago. Normal eating, no dumping, no gas, no other urban DS myths, just great weight loss, no regain and happy, happy, happy with 100% excess weight loss. Jill Laakso (previously Jill Sokol), BMI 23 from 51!
   — Jill L.