what makes the Doctor decide which is best

can anyone tell me what makes a doctor decide which surgery is best for you. Such as lap are bypass. I was wondering what to expect from him when I go. Did anyone go for lap end up with bypass?

U mean the lap band or lap or open rny bypass? Dr Shina or Dr Geller either one aren't going to tell u that u should have lap band which is totally different from the rny gastric bypass. With the gastric bypasses u can have that Lap (laproscopically) or open where u have the bigger incision instead of several smaller ones. The lap band is something totally different I don't know much about. I wanted to lose my weight fast and the gastric bypass is faster than the band and its why I personally chose it. Several people on here have had the band and are happy with their results. I believe Dr Geller and Dr Shina both do the lap band. Now as to having Lap or open rny gastric bypass. Dr Shina let me choose. I chose open. I'm not sure why, at the time with my BMI being over 55 I felt safer with the open. But mainly I believe they do the Lap. Not sure. U can choose your self. I'm not sure which u r asking about though. R u wanting the band or the gastric bypass? With the bypass u will be able to choose either lap or open yourself. Just talk about it with which dr you choose. Are u seeing Dr Shina or Dr Geller? They're both wonderful dr's. Hugs Angela If u have any questions email [email protected]

Actually I went to the doctor to talk about the lap band and at 300 lbs he told me I would not be happy with it. I was told I had diabetes and the bypass was better to treat that longterm. I have no regrets. So I hope that my answere a question. Good luck and your imput counts. Research and have an idea what you want. Jane

Cynthia, When I went for my seminar/consult with Dr.Shina I had made up my mind to have the LAP-BAND. However, after listening to Dr. Shina I started to re-think my decision. Then when I met with him privately he said that he could and would do either surgery I wanted. He did mention that a lot of the time (not always) that men my size who have LAP-BAND only lose 70-80 pounds and then stop. He said the goal was to get the most weight off of me as quickly as possible and that a Gastric Bypass may be the better way to accomplish that. He did leave the decision up to me though. I had an open Gastric Bypass on 9/08 and do not regret my decision at all. I have lost 127 pounds and feel better than I have in years. Do all of the research you can, listen carefully to your surgeon, then make the best decision for you. Good Luck, -Steve

Cynthia, The lapband and gastric bypass procedures work very differently, so most doctors will talk to you about your primary food weakness and help you decide which operation is better for you based on that. The gastric bypass is the better procedure for you if you are a sweets eater. The procedure causes your stomach to be bypassed and everything you eat will go directly to your intestines. If you eat sweets, you will develop severe pain, diarrhea, nausea, sweats, chills, and other symptoms, which is called dumping. Once you've dumped, you aren't likely to eat those sweets again. Most people with bypass surgery learn how many sweets they can eat at a time (for instance, I have a friend who can eat 6 M&Ms but will dump if she eats 7!). If sweets are your priomary weakness, bypass is probably going to be your better procedure. The lapband is designed for people whose weakness is volume of food. If you have to eat lots of food to feel satisfied, the lapband will help you. It creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach and, once you have good restriction with the band (which might take several months after the procedure), you will be satified with about a cup of food. You can still eat some of most foods, althoguh you'll be encouraged to focus on proteins first, then veggies and fruits, and finally carbs. Eating solid proteins first will keep the pouch full for a longer time and keep you feeling full for several hours after meals. Some people would do better with the bypass but choose the band instead because it is less invasive and traumatic surgery. Your doctor ought to discuss all of this with you and advise you what he/she thinks is best for you. Good luck with your investigation. It's an exciting journey to a healthier life! Kathy