So how do you decide which WLS?

I am really torn here. Going for a consult on the 17th and getting my psych eval Mon. How do you decide which procedure? The posts about the serious complications that happen after the rny frighten me, but I'm not een on going for fills all the time with the lapband either...Also how does either procedure effect IBS symtoms? Now I have put in for approval for RNY but am having second thoughts about Lapband instead, sigh...How do you decide? Or do you just wait til you see your surgeon etc? The more I think about it the more I can't decide which would be best. How did you make your decision about whcih procedure was best for you? Thank's for the input! -Sara

Hey Sara, I haven't made an official decision either. Apparently I have the "easiest" insurance to get to cover the procedure (we'll see about that), so I'm going into my first surgical consult prior to anything else. I've done tons of research and I think ultimately you and your surgeon decide what procedure is the best for you. I'm leaning toward rny because it has the most dramatic weight loss, but also because people who have rny seem to keep that weight off most effectively... make sure you look at all the possibilities then trust your instinct! :-p Lexia

Hi Sara, For me, I did about 10 years of research, but back then, RNY and Lap Band was about it out there. I had no options for LAP Rny at the time I chose to have the surgery. What I wanted - I found, was PERMANENT results. Lap band is removable. I was nervous about that, and, for the most part, my insurance didn't cover it. It is/was so new, there were not enough medical studies. Therefore, my insurance chose for me in a sense. Ultimately, I chose. It was my choice and one in which I do NOT regret. Though my journey is closing in on 2 years post op WLS, I have had my share of problems, but the glances in the mirror, the look on my face, the smile that I have, the energy I endure, the walking I can do, the jogging I can do, the amount of time I can be on my feet, the food that no longer interests me, the way people say things to me now, and most of all, "HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF".............Is worth it's weight in gold. Do your homework, research, ask questions. Tons of questions. That's how I learned about what would happen, could happen, might not happen, etc. How I found out what was best for me, was research. The internet, library, and talking to other WLS patients, like right here. I can't tell you what a ride it has been. It has its ups and downs. Pros and cons. As does everything in life. How to choose is which suits your life, lifestyle, needs, goals and what you want to accomplish. I wanted NO turning back. Permanent. Once done, it remained that way. Forever. And I would do whatever I possibly could to be successful. Getting the facts now, and learning about everything you can - will help you make the choice. I wish you much luck in choosing, and don't stop asking questions! Stacey W

I had horrible IBS before surgery (lap RNY) and now I have not had one "episode" since. That's just my experience, I don't know how it is for others. Like others, I thought I needed permanent results, so I chose RNY. Research is key. Good Luck, Brenda

Sara, I haven't had my WLS yet, either. I have finally decided on a procedure, but it was a roller coaster of a ride to get there. I wanted RNY, but then I changed my mind and wanted Lap Band. Then back to RNY. Then considered Duodenal Switch. Then back to RNY. Makes me dizzy just thinking about it. I finally chose RNY. I did tons of research along with a friend of mine who is also having WLS. We talked to everyone on here that we could. (at every given opportunity) We checked out books from the library, looked up research studies comparing the surgeries, and checked out all of the options. Then we looked at surgeons, what is their mortality rate for patients, what is their complication rate, which surgeries do they do? All of that. We went to an informational seminar. We also joined a support group. We bounced ideas off each other and discussed the possibilities, both good and bad. It is confusing at times and sometimes downright frightening. Just get all the info. you can to make the right decision for you. Give yourself lots of time to process it all. Make a chart so you can visually compare the advantages/disadvantages of each surgery as it applies to you. Most of all, take your time. This is a lifetime commitment and you don't have to hurry to meet any kind of deadline. Good luck in your decision making, Mary