Question:
not sure of what type of surgery is best for me .....help please
hello everyone ...I am in the pre op stage. I spoke to my surgeon and we both agreed that the rny was the surgery for me. the thing is I am having 2nd thoughts and am not sure if the lap band should be the one I should choose. I am considered a light weight my bmi is 39.8 am 254lbs and am 5'7 .I would like and hope to loose approx. 130lbs...please advice thanks — Jan D. (posted on October 13, 2007)
October 13, 2007
Hello back. I suggest you take some time to read through the different
surgery forums and determine what kind of issues you will deal with and if
the quality of life issues for each suit you. I had the vsg, a decision I
made on the eve of my operation. I was scheduled for the rny. My doctor
said in my position as a lightweight if I were his wife he would recommend
the vsg for the quality of life issues. Good luck in whatever decision you
make. Pat S
— catcat
October 13, 2007
Gosh, it is impossible to advise someone else, it is hard enough to make a
decision for ones self. I am 12 days pre-op. I decided to have the
Verical Gastrectomy Sleeve. I decided against the lap band because I am 60
and don't want to have to spend time with fills etc. Also what I have read
indicates the reslts of the band are not as good as the RNY. I decided
against the the RNY because the VGS is surgically a much easier operation
for the doctor, has similar success rates as the RNY, has fewer
complications, retains the same stomach system, and has no malabsorption
issues. Also there is something about the long slender tube of the VGS
holding less than the RNY pouch (some Physics thing--tube versus ball).
Also the area of the stomach that is removed in the VSG produces Ghrelin, a
harmone that causes hunger. Also the stomach tube that is left in the VSG
stretches less than the pouch, again something to do with the tube versus
ball.
I know what you are going through trying to decide. You are in my prayers.
Pat
— pjennjr
October 13, 2007
Be sure to go to www.asbs.org and read the story of obesity surgery - it
will detail all of the different forms of WLS and the pros and cons.
Another great tool to check out can be found at
http://www.dssurgery.com/generalinformation/comparison.php - it's very
nicely annotated.
Best of luck to you!
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
October 13, 2007
I was like you I had 2nd thoughts but the other way around, I was for the
lapband , But changed my mind when I was approved. I went to a seminar
heard both sides and wanted the Rny, It's successfull For diabetes, Which I
am borderline diabetic, I didn't want to go for fills or unfills if they
put too much saline in. I would say research, research ask your Dr. why he
thinks RNY would be better for you. I am a light weight as well 5'5 238 The
nurse said I can't believe your a Bypass patient" I said yeah, I am. I
had surgery 10/02 I am still healing I dont regret it cause I love my
sweets, I felt like I could cheat the band. I would check out as much info
as you can.
Sabrina
— sabrina S.
October 13, 2007
First off, I wish I was 5'7...smile...then I might not have to lose as much
weight as I need to...I'm 5'3...weigh 300 now. My surgery is this week,
Lap RNY. I was also discouraged to do the lap band. I, of course never
considered weight loss surgery until I saw so much about the lap band on
TV. I finally took the jump and went to a clinic to learn more. They told
me that the lap band is great if you're not interested in losing a lot of
weight fast, and that there are issues with insurances. Some don't pay for
all of the adjustments and there will always be adjustments. They also
told me that they really only see the lap band being in anyone for no more
than 15 years, at that point you'd either need a new one or go a different
route surgery wise. I was so surprised by these comments and I guess I
made my decision based on what they told me, because I did see three
different surgeons and they all said the same thing. I'm sure those that
have had it really swear by it, just as those that have had RNY, or DS
surgeries. I think we all want to believe the choice we made was best.
What's important though, is to do what's best for you. It's all about the
gut. Seriously, your gut will tell you what feels right for you. I feel
now that the lap RNY is what is right for me....I'm having my surgery
Wednesday, Oct. 17th. I've had others tell me to reconsider and have the
DS. That doesn't feel right...so go with your gut. You already seem well
informed....so go with what your body is telling you is right for you.
Good luck no matter what you decide!
Cheryl
— Cheryl K.
October 13, 2007
The intestinal bypass part of the RNY has a excellent track record for
fixing type 2 diabetes, its success rate over 90%. I chooose the RNY over 6
years ago because it can cause dumping and I was a big sweet eater.
Espically milkshakes:(
— bob-haller
October 13, 2007
losing 130 lbs with lapband will take a long time. at 5'7" you
probably will be too thin losing 130. check the bmi charts to see how much
you need to lose to have a normal bmi of 24.9 or less. that's how i
decided how much i wanted to lose. i was a lightweight and lost 92 lbs.
the lightweight boards are great and you can get some great advice on them
so i suggest going there. i highly recommend lap rny, it's fast and easy
and you can get your weight off in less than a year!
— Sheri A.
October 13, 2007
I sooo wish i could have had the RNY surgery when i was younger. All those
years i wasted being heavy. Dont waste anymore time. get the surgery and
start your new life.
I have had noooo complications and i had severe diabetes and am 55 yrs old
!! My advice is to get the best dr in your area and get the RNY done and
get it over with.
— shalmar
October 13, 2007
Hello. You and I are about the same weight. My surgeon and I picked the
RNY. For the results. The band may take you a very long time to lose it.
It's a personal choice. With me being the weight I am, it may take me 3-6
mths to lose 130 lbs. That's if I follow the diet right. Good luck in your
choice. ~~~danielle
— D. goza
October 13, 2007
I too originally went for the band. After researching, talking to my
doctor and his staff I switched my surgery to the RNY. I just didnt want
to take the chance of having to have another revision surgery or gaining
weight back years later. I am in my early 40s and feel as though this is
my one chance at losing the weight. I know people who have been successful
at both. I think keeping a food diary for the last 6 months showed me
truely what kind of eater i was and that it would be hard for me to be
successful with the band. I also had my thyroid removed several years ago
and with the constant struggle of maintaining a good hormone level i was
afraid the band would not work for me. It is a personal choice and there
are benefits and consequences for both. I had to sit down and make a list
of why and how each of the benefits and consequences would affect my life.
I am still awaiting approval for my surgery, but should have my surgery by
the end of October. Keep in touch and good luck.
— micheledgracia
October 14, 2007
Ever heard of the vertical sleeve gastrectomy? It has the benefits of the
Lap-band and RNY while skipping many of the side effects each has. 1.It
works on restriction only (like the band) while skipping the
malabsorbtion(like the RNY) 2. The part of the stomach removed is where the
hormones that stimulate hunger reside (like the RNY) 3. Its not a foreign
object and you don't have to go for fills(Lap-band) Do some research on
you and discuss it with your doctor. If he/she doesn't offer the choice you
want, find another doctor. Best of luck and RESEARCH!!!
— tazthewiz23
October 14, 2007
Hi Jannette, I agree with Dina and others - research is important so you
can make an informed decision and have knowledge with you when discussing
anything with your doctors.
Having said that, we also know mind set is important to anything's success,
so you need to listen to your gut.
I initially wanted the Lap-Band because of all the problems with RNY.
Personal choice - Lap-Band surgery is also serious and has its own issues.
But because of all the weight I have to lose (I'm 5'3" and started at
284 lbs) and health problems I now have I changed to the RNY, although I
was never quite comfortable with it - the more questions I asked the more
questions I thought of.
At my surgeon's visit he recommened the Lap-Band because of abdominal
scarring and adhesions I have from previous surgery that was complicated by
an abcess; I immediately felt relieved and felt that was what I want.
I know it will be a very long road, but as I go through the preop process
I'm absolutely certain this is right - for me.
Only you (and your surgeon) can know what's best for you, but remember - he
only has his opinion preop; you're the one that has to live with it for the
rest of your life.
— obeseforever
October 14, 2007
If your surgeon suggests the RNY, I would adhere to his recommendation. My
stats are similar to yours 5'8" - 286lbs - 43bmi. Almost 8 months out
around 118lbs down. Under my goal of 180lbs and have finally plateaued
around 170lbs. I am healthy, happy and ready to take on the world. If you
want to lose the weight quick - RNY is the way to go. If you want to lose,
but lose a bit slower - lap band would be the way to go. It's a personal
choice (with the recommendation of your surgeon), take your time and decide
what is best for you. RNY was the best for me and I would do it again and
again and again. It saved my life.
— jammerz
October 15, 2007
NY in the house! LOL! anyways, I was just like you, I kept flip-flopping
back & forth as to which WLS I should do, my 1st Doctor told me RNY
& then I did my research about the LAP BAND & after I with a second
Doctor - Dr. George Fielding @ NYU Medical Center - I decided to go with
the lap band. It was the best decision I have ever done. I have lost over
125 lbs & I have kept it off!! I have a cousin who had the RNY done
& he doesn't look half as good as I do! But you should definitely seek
more than just one opinion. Try a consult with a Lap Band expert & then
make ur decision. Good Luck!
— NYDeebo
November 6, 2007
I was also a "lightweight" at 5'7 and 250. I had the RNY surgery
and have not regretted it. I knew for myself that I needed something
restrictive that would totally change my bad eating habits, and it has. I
am 11 weeks out and I have lost 48 lbs. I am almost halfway there. Good
Luck!
— daisyrock3
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