Question:
is my surgeon bias?

i have heard from several people that my doctor is particularly fond of the lap band. i havent met with her yet, and i am sure she will have a recommendation for what is right for me, but how will i know if she is pushing the band on me. i am more interested in rny or ds. mostly because i have heard about the lower success rate with the band and the fact that it has not been around very long. any one heard about the band only being guarenteed for seven years or is this a rumor?    — Keri P. (posted on July 12, 2003)

July 11, 2003
You need to see several surgeons and attend all the support grou meetings in your area, to decide whats best for you. My profile was all LAP adjustable band, but I decided on the RNY. I LOVED milkshakes and other high calorie liquids pre op and felt they would of ruined my loss. Espically after a new bander said I really wanted a burger today but had a milkshake. That would of been me:( Surgeoins sell what they do. If you can find a surgeon who does both the band and RNY, you will get a more unbiased answer. Good luck!
   — bob-haller

July 13, 2003
Hi Keri, Congrats on making the decision to begin your journey.I hope that you will find a surgeon that helps you to make the right choice for you HOWEVER be sure that YOU are making the right choice for yourself.I see that you noted the reasons that you would not be interested in the Lap Band and being 13 days post band myself I had to respond.First of all it is not true that the Band has not been around for a long time.Although it was recently approved for use in the US it has been in use in Europe for several years.The Lap Band is also just as effective as other forms of WLS studies show that at 2 years Bandsters have lost the same amount of weight as the pts who have had RNY.As far as the band only being GUARANTEED for seven years Didint know that ANY surgery came with a GUARANTEE how long are the RNY and DS GUARANTEED for?And last as far as the MILKSHAKE theory (you didnt bring this one up another poster did)I have not met a bandster yet who met his demise from consuming too many milkshakes and anyon who has the band knows that it is fairly difficult to consume huge amounts of dairy due to the mucous that it produces and also we also have a tiny tummy so it would take a hell of a long time to consume ONE shake much less sabotage the entire surgery with milkshakes.I would encourage you to continue to research all the forms of surgery before making a definite decision and also venture to sites other than obesityhelp there are plenty out there.Feel free to email me for more info regarding the band.
   — Lisa F.