Hi Terria,

You are on the right track in conducting your research.  It's crucial to making a decision that is right for you.  Read...read...and read some more.  It's also essential to have this conversation with your intended surgeon for them to weigh in on which procedure would best suit your needs and desired outcomes.

I'm 4 years RNY post op.  I'm totally pleased with my decision and the outcome.  I met and exceed my goals in about 8 months, and have maintained my desired weight since.  I lost a little over 130 lbs.  I bounced back ten pounds, but that was well within my wiggle room I gave myself. At my lowest I did have that extreme bobble head look and in my face, so I'm good with the ten pounds.  I did also experience extreme hair loss for a couple of years.  Though I had another illness that may have contributed to the hair loss as well.  But as of today, my hair has grown back in and is doing well.

I have no experience with any of the other procedures, so I can only speak from others I have observed.  A close male friend of mine had RNY also and lost about 250 lbs about 6 years ago, and has regained all.  There are two ladies I work with that had the band, and neither reached anywhere near their goals.  They are about 3 and 6 years out, and both lost about 50 lbs each.  Another acquaintance had the switch and lost well over 225 lbs about 6-7 years ago, and has gained all back plus more.

So you see there are varying stories and outcomes from all procedures.  My take and belief is that none of the procedures will get you to your goal and maintain you unless you are committed totally for a lifetime!  It's not a magic save all, but it is a great tool that will certainly afford you the opportunity of a lifetime to reclaim your health!  It's up to us to make it happen and keep it working for us.

I wish you well on your journey to better health!

Keep it moving!!

JJ

This is awesome. I am new and looking forward to having my surgery. It gives me a little hope that there are people out there who are willing to help.

Good luck

@Therealme77, I find this sad that you do not want to share your experience.  If people are opinionated that is their problem not yours.  Every journey big, small, bad or good should be embraced by you because it's helping build you.

Me, I am screaming it to the rooftop that I had the surgery because it may help someone else.  Someone else's bad behavior or unwillingness to support shouldn't weigh any burden on you!

If this is what you need for you... then everyone should be happy... if they are not happy then they are not for you!  You want to live a long life and celebrate life without the stress and worry of becoming sick.  Everyday is God's blessing and we should celebrate it as such. 

Good Luck!

Thanks Hopeful!

I am to planning attend the Saturday seminars.  Most of the individuals at the support group/seminar are individuals who previously had a surgery.  From my understanding they discuss their difficulties, give advice and discuss positive things.  The only issue I have with the seminars are they are conducted by the hospital where I would have the surgery at.  I just want independent individuals to give me feedback on their experience. 

Now that I have been educated a little more, I am leaning towards the sleeve.  I am just really scared because I am planning to remove 1/2 my stomach.

I know what my plan is but I just want to be completely knowledgeable about what to expect.