Question:
Which doctor's advise to take?

Well my question is this; what operation should I have? My PCP says lapband however my surgeon has seen me twice and says rny. (so did the second opinion surgeon). They say that my diabetes needs to be resolved and that the rny would be best for me. I want to be healthy and look thin again. Any suggestions??    — Pilar12 (posted on November 3, 2009)

November 3, 2009
Have you considered VSG?
   — Makena

November 3, 2009
You don't give (no profile) much info. but I would follow what the surgeon thinks is best. They are the one that does the work and sees the end results and should be doing what is best for YOU. Also, check out all my options. Is the surgeon a Bariatric DR? Will surg be at a Hospital of Excellants? These are all important things to look at. Best of luck!
   — tootsie52

November 3, 2009
The first thing you want to do is research the surgeon. How long has s/he been a bariatric surgeon? Does s/he have a support system in place (nutritionists, exercise options, support groups). Do they conduct information seminars? Can you talk to some of their former patients? Are the hospitals they use geared for BARRIATRIC patients? Does s/he keep up with the latest wls info? What are his/her credentials? When you get that information, and find the best surgeon for you, then follow his/her advice.
   — jtoothman

November 3, 2009
you haven't really given a lot of information about yourself or your situation. please keep in mind, you having surgery might NOT be in your PCP's best interest. a friend and i both have the same PCP and she had to get a referral to see her surgeon (my insurance is different). he gave her a REALLY hard time about giving her the referral and gave her inaccurate information about how she wouldn't be able to get pregnant again and other nonsense. it's probably not even in your PCP's best interest for you to lose weight because the more unhealthy you are the more meds he/she has to prescribe you and the more office visits you will come to and the more money he/she will make on kickbacks from the pharm reps. i personally would do my OWN research (on all surgical options AND the surgeon you've chosen) and then make a decision based on that. i will go to my PCP for certain needs but not this.
   — greenpunchbuggie

November 3, 2009
The PCP may be worried about the malasoption issues with the surgery. It take careful follow up with vitamins, protien and water to stay healthy. The surgeons are looking at what will give you the fastest results and the best results. It is harder to lose weight with the band and with diabetes it may be hard for you to get the results you need. If they do the Sleeve it is a good way to go without the malabortion problems, but many insurances do not cover it yet since it is so new.
   — trible

November 4, 2009
SUrgeons advice is good - I had RNY in June and have lost 80 lbs. By the time I left hospital my Diabetes was gone!!! No more insulin (and I was taking shots 4 times a day) The RNY really does a better job (so I have heard) with the Diabetes control - the weight loss is just a plus! Good luck.
   — ericahamel

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