New here.. any words of wisdom??

I've been considering surgery for quite a while. Gave WW another try and it didn't stick, so now I am very serious about surgery. RNY didn't appeal to me AT ALL. I've done my research on LapBand and it seems the right route for me and my lifestyle and just... me, I guess if that makes sense. I go to Port Huron on 2/17 for the seminar and then I'll be making my decision. Just curious if there's anything people wish they would have known before the surgery? Any regrets? Advice? TIA! :-)

I looked into the lap band first and decided it wasn't for me. I didn't want to have to go and have fills, didn't want a port, and had to lose a lot and lap band loses slow. A lot of ppl having lap band lately later change their band over to rny. You should check out the lap band board and see if they have any suggestions or advice for you. Hugs Linda

My suggestion is to do your research on the surgeon, the procedure, the hospital and the program -- they are all connected. Ask lots of questions and really, really do your homework! The most helpful information in my own process was through networking on this site. I read a ton of profiles and asked lots of questions which helped me interview the surgeon and facility. Best of luck,

I have one thing I wish I'd known then that I didn't know and found out later. That there are truly amazing people on this board who provide friendships, opinions, suggestions, comments, coaching, teaching, recommendations, suggestions, and more than anything, a place to find valuble resources in surgery pre op, surgeries, post op life and even find people who will take you hither and yon! I had no idea this website even existed. Welcome. to a wonderful place. Stacey W

I am almost 3 month post op now and I would not change what I did at all. I had lap RNY and it was the best thing for me.... Check out my website ("myspace") for all my journal logging since my surgery. Everyone here is wonderful and helpful... I got so much information from this board before I went to meet with my surgeon, I felt armed and ready. I also did a lot of research. You need to do what is best for you, but make sure to check out the long term and what will be best for you. I definitely is not the "easy" route to go like so many think, but it does safe your life if you use your new tool as a life saver (so I was told last week, and it is so true). Best of luck to you on your journey. Shawn M.

This is a loaded question and always stirs up a hornets nest. If you are set on the band I would look at the band forum to see what they say. You will have many more sources from that board. I would guess this board is well over 95% RNY or ds. I've seen problems with both types of surgeries but I've seen things about leaking bands. I was considering lap band when I started this process bu the prospect of a 43% excess weight loss did not appeal to me. Do a big spread sheet comparison of all types and all surgeons. kp

I didn't realize asking for advice was a loaded question! :-o Thanks for all the responses and welcomes! :-) I'm in the "doing my homework" stage, which is why I came to a local board. Whether people are RNY or Lapband I didn't think really mattered at this stage. The decision process, the research, the questions, etc - all I would think are pretty similar when you're starting out in the process. I appreciate the words and welcome!

As with any surgery, there can be complications. Be ready for them. Read profiles and know the good and the bad that can happen. If i could do anything different pre op, i would have gone through major counseling to know what life post op would really be like. You could never imagine how different life really is and how differently people treat you. people you think are your friends ditch ya. know the success rates and eating habits. I wish i had known pre op how hard it really is after 2 years to maintain and not gain. I don't think any wls is easy. You have to change your whole way of thinking about food and addictions. research every aspect. I have no regrets. Hugs Linda Linda