HELP!

xcarrie3137x

So last night I went to the Gastric Bypass/Lapband Seminar. The doctor basically said Bypass was the best option and Lapband has a high failure rate. But Im scared of the Bypass because of more complications but then the Lapband has bad complications too..ugh help im getting very discouraged now. I wanna go through with it but im scared to death! Anyone help me by telling me how their experience was with either getting the bypass or band please!

ragslittle

I have seen both success and failure with the lapband. Often people who get the lapband end up going back for bypass or the sleeve. Have you considered the sleeve? I personally chose RNY because it was permanent and I didn't like the fact that the band can erode through your stomach and slip as well, but ultimately the decision is yours. Do your homework and do what you feel you can live with. Now that they are doing the RNY laproscopically I don't feel that there are as many complications with it, but you still take your chances with any procedure. On a personal note I am happy with my choice and would choose to do it all over again - I feel that my experience was almost fairytale like.

minkakross

The way I see it you have two or more options. 1. go to another surgeons seminar. Some doctors have an agenda to push one particular product for whatever reasons, bottom line is the doctor's recommendation should be based on your needs, lifestyle and goals not his. 2. List these complications you are scared of here and let those of us who have been through it tell you what it's really like so we can make less scary. It's not as if the doctors really know they just read about it or get the condensed version of the story from their patients which aren't as big of a random sample as you'll find here.

I personally had the RNY and have been very pleased with my results. I know women with my same surgeon who have had the sleeve and others with the band. How well they do is often a factor of how well they follow through with the lifestyle changes not which surgery they opted for. Your overall medical condition and the amount of weight you need to lose is what you should use to pick which surgery you should consider.

TheMobileMom

Xcarrie3137, I have had a really successful bypass. Even with some complications. I had surgery on 11/28/12, I lost 30 lbs before surgery and have lost another 40 since. January 3rd I had to have emergency surgery, as I lost so much weight so fast my internal stitches came undone. They were able to go in laproscopically (inI the original incisions) and repair the hernia by tightening my stitches. I chose bypass because the success rate is higher and the weight loss is greater. If you want to read more about my experience, I am blogging about it on http://www.fredericksburgparent.net/blogs/weigh-in/

Good Luck!

mandynsnuf

Do lots of research. I chose RNY because of it's permanence. I was afraid that the lap band would slip/erode. I am very satisfied with RNY. I develop a stricture in the beginning and was on liquids for about 2 months, but would do it again in a minute
Mandy

xcarrie3137x

Thanks for all the info ladies!! They just called and I have my first appointment with the doc next week on 2/14.. How was the downtime for the RNY? i'm just worried I have 3 small children and I dont wanna be laid up in bed for too long..i know hospital stay is 2 days, Yeah that was my worry with the band also the moving and if you really want it to work you will always have to have it and the longer people seem to have it the more complications

operator646

I did not have either one of those procedures, but I did have VGS 7 months ago. The surgeon urged me to have the bypass and like you I was afraid of complications. I am happy with my choice, but I do agree that the bypass would probably have been the right procedure for me. My eating habits probably called for a more extreme surgery. Everybody is different and has to feel good about the choice they make. I agree with other suggestion to take in another seiminar. Good luck to you.

minkakross

With my RNY I was in the hospital mostly sleeping and walking the halls for 3 days. For the first week of recovery my husband managed the house and kids with very little input from me. I focused on pain management and walking and just resting. The second week I started to do more around the house just remembering not to lift anything heavy. I went back to work and did everything else like normal and was even cleared to exercise after 2 weeks and I can admit it was too much too soon because it took another 2 weeks before I felt like I was back to 100% physically and mentally. If I could have done it different I would not have rushed back to exercise, that really could have waited another couple of weeks without any real harm. My kids were 2 and 5 at the time and I prepared them for me being unable to pick them up and lift things in advance as well as explaining post surgery where not to squish me when they crawled into my lap. If I didn't have my husband to manage that first week I thin I would have needed a friend or grandparent to step in because while I could have figured out how to do the basics like car seats and diapers without lifting the kid, I was stil sleeping a lot and taking medication that I would not have wanted to drive while on so I would have needed some help transporting them to school and other kid things.

annwyatt69

I had rny on 9/27/12 and it was very easy. I only stayed in the hospital overnight and was good to travel the 3 hours back home the next morning. I have no problems tolerating food, my hair is not falling out, and I have lost most of my weight in four and a half months. I am only 10 pounds away from my surgeon's goal and about 30 away from mine. I have not vomited once. My only problem is constipation, but I already had that problem before the surgery. I would do this surgery again in a heartbeat.

130down

I really suggest that you do your reasearch and that you are really confident on yourdecision. I chose RNY, and I have had no complications or issues. I am 1 1/2 years out from surgery and have hit my goal weight after loosing 30 pre op and 100 post op. I had a 2 night stay in the hospital, and 1 week at home before returning to work. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

babymine55

I chose to go with the sleeve surgery (VGS). My starting weight was much higher, 370. I had it done in October of 2009 and it's been smooth sailing ever since. My downtime...I was sitting poolside the next day, I had 3 kids at the time (I've since has one more) so down time was important. I liked that it was permanent without re routing my intestines.

The seminars are great for gaining information, as one previous poster said, sometimes the surgeons have a motivation to push one surgery over another.

But, I agree with you and previous posters...the lap band never looked appealing to me for its failure/slip rates and the constant maintenance and adjustments.

Best of luck to you!!

NeewMee

I am a lap-band patient. Because of my insurance it took me two years to get approved - that gave me A LOT of time to think. I was terrified of ANY surgery. I even up-dated my will I was so scared. But you know what scared me more? Continuing to live like I was living pre-weight loss surgery! I had a lot more weight to lose than most people who choose lap-band. But I ultimately decided that it was the better choice for me. I was ok with losing weight at a slower rate. I felt it was a healthier choice- for me. No doctor can choose for you. I started out at 331.6 lbs. Less than two months later I am down just shy of 50 lbs! That is way above average for the lap-band. My doctor told me not to get discouraged if I lost a pound or two a week or even stayed the same some weeks... So far so good. I couldn't be happier with my choice. It works for me because I work with it. I work out and eat healthier. The band has been an amazing tool for me. I think all options have risks but any way you choose if you work the plan the doctors give you then you will be successful!

imakimm

I think the best thing you can do is research. Research everything you can, ask questions, talk with the surgeon. You could also try finding a support group in your area and talk with them. www.obesityhelp.com has some good info and support too.

Onaughmae

Do lots of research. I have seen some success with the band..and some not. Same with all surgeries though. I was thinking of either the sleeve or the bypass. I eventually chose the bypass because all of my research led me to believe that was the best option for diabetics and I have been diabetic since I was a child. Over the years I developed a lot of insulin resistance on top of my bad pancreas so it was even harder to lose weight and control my sugar. Within days of surgery my insulin resistance started resolving. I havent taken metformin since before surgery and my insulin requirements have dropped from around 200 units per day to a more "normal" 35-40. It was the best decision for me.

spfldpam

As others have already said do lots of research. My program does all three, band, sleeve and RNY. They don't do much bands anymore and do alot more sleeves since insurance co's pay for it more and of course the RNY. I had sleeve done on 6/11/12. I started out at 270 and lost 47 pre op from 2/1/12 to surgery date 6/11/12 and have lost 80.40 more pounds post op in the last almost 8 months. I don't regret the sleeve surgery at all. I was torn between sleeve and RNY but was leaning towards sleeve. I asked my surgeon which one he thought was best and he had sleeve since I didn't have diabetes or high blood pressure. I really didn't want them messing with my bowel connection with the RNY. I can eat about anything but just small portions. It is just a tool and it still depends on me making good food choices. All my post op lab work at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months have come back normal also.
Good luck!

Andrewimm

Seminars can be scary. The surgeon wouldnt be doing their job if they weren't presenting all the alternatives and every complication that could occur. I would run away from any surgeon that didnt present a full picture of each of the procedures.

Everybody's experience is different and you have to make the choice thats right for you. I wasn't interested in the Lap Band because of its higher failure rate. Almost everybody I've known that had lap band has gained their weight back. . I went into seminar thinking I wanted to get the sleeve but after all the info I was presented with I chose RNY because it made sense for me. Once you have your one on one consult with the doctor, discuss your concerns and they should give you a recomendation. But you are the boss, don't go with any surgery you aren't 100% comfortable is the right choice for you. I had my surgery on 12/27/12, I was only in the hospital one night and back home the next evening. I took 2 weeks off from work but really could have gone back after just one. (My job is behind a desk) I went back to the gym after 3 weeks.

rumplesnat

I had RNY March 2012 and my husband had RNY April 2012. We have had ZERO complications. ZERO. I have lost 204 pounds and he has lost 156 pounds. BEST decision we have ever made.

melbogg

I researched and prayed for about a year before deciding on the sleeve. I had the same band fears as mentioned and I was scared of the idea of having my intestines re-routed. The sleeve feels like a happy medium. I have had no issues other then the first week of nausea, very happy

healthybabs

You have gotten alot of good info here. Do a lot of research before you see your surgeon so you will go in prepared with questions you want to ask. They should thoroughly explain each procedure to you and discuss what may be the best option for you. My insurance in my state does approve the sleeve (VSG) which I am having soon. Some states do not, but they will know all that. The reason I chose the sleeve is because you don't have malabsorption issues since your intestines remain intact. You also will not have to worry about "dumping" because that does not happen with the sleeve. You may have other health reasons why one is recommended for YOU over another. As you know this is a life long commitment, whatever you chose, be sure it is the choice for you that you can live with. Work hard on getting your mind right about it, work on changing eating habits now or as soon as you meet with your NUT , start exercising if you are not because you are going to have to after. Don't be afraid, just embrace the changes and decide if you can live with them.

Fredrigo

The research I've done indicates Lap Band and Bypass have the same success rate but only at the 3 yr mark. Gastric Bypass is much faster weight loss over the first 2 yrs but then there is usually a greater likelihood of gaining weight back before stabilizing whereas lap band generally has slower but more consistent weight loss than then tapers and plateaus.

I'll admit I haven't seen any clinical studies comparing the 2 beyond 3 years. And sleeves are so new I remember going to a seminar where they weren't even approved in the US yet.

trud72

alot of people who pay for the op themselves gooo for the cheapest! (band) BUT it really depends on how much weight you have to lose also,the more you have to lose the less likely you are to sucseed with the bad and then that leaves rny(bypass) or sleeve,which in my experience of talking to alot of people do suit bigger people!...any good surgeon should have told you this.
but even when the surgeons do bring in the heavy guns(bypass/sleeve) you are only told you will lose 50/60% EXECESS body weight....
and it is still the stricktest diet you have EVER EVER been on for the rest of your life too! with pills,calcium,protein and iorn ect!
good luck with what you choose!

marlenarouzes

Hi,
I had lapband surgery i Canada ( Slimband ) on October 11th, for me it was the best choice .. I had only 60 pounds to lose and I wanted to do it the least invasive route possible .. since then I have lost about 37 - 38 pounds so for me I am extremely happy with my choice.
But like what everyone else has been telling you .. you must do what is right for YOU! what is right for me or someone else may not be what you feel is right for you .. the only advise i can give you is .. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!
Good luck with whatever you chose and remember we are always here for you!

chocl8girl

I had the lap band put in place just over 13 months ago. I have lost 68 of my 112 pounds lost since then, which, according to my surgeon, is already almost twice what I was projected to lose since surgery. And I am not nearly finished yet.

I have no experience with gastric bypass, obviously, and I know that both methods require lifestyle changes, but I really feel that if you go for the lap band, you MUST start to make those changes NOW, before you even have the surgery. You HAVE to learn how to listen to your body, and you must absolutely make regular appointments with your surgeon, whether you need a fill or not, and learn when you need an unfill, as well (I have learned this the hard way), and not feel like a failure if you need an unfill and then gain a pound or two while you are adjusting. It can be VERY subtle, and involves a LOT of trial and error, and can get frustrating, and maybe people give up, and this is why it fails them, I don't know. I have been lucky enough that my insurance paid for my surgery and all of my follow-up visits, so I am very grateful I can make this work for me.

Also, no matter what you choose, never ever let yourself fall into the trap of eating "easy" or "slider" foods just because they go down more easily, because that is the surest way to regain. Really educate yourself on the best things to eat/ways to eat that correlate to the kind of surgery you have had. You also really should start exercising, even walking is better than nothing.

My weight loss has slowed down a lot lately, but that is to be expected. Patience is a valuable skill. LoL. I am actually only 14 pounds from my original goal of 150 pounds, and if it takes me another year to get there, I am totally fine with that, because slow progress is still progress, Quick does not always equal better, no matter which surgery you ultimately choose.

It is up to you to make the right choice for yourself. There are a lot of naysayers out there that tend to shout louder than the ones for whom these things have worked. Success stories exist.

Regardless of which you choose, or even if you choose not to have surgery at all, I wish you the best of luck! :flowerforyou:

arnfolly

i had bypass August of 2010. After careful research and consideration that was my decision. I had type 2 diabetes and was insulin dependent. I read an articule out of Berkely CA that noted bypass released an enzyme which helped cells absorb naturally produced insulin. I was in after that. I had NO COMPLICATIONS AT ALL. I was home the next day, granted, it was terrible pain, but you know what, you get over it. After 2 weeks pain was minimul and I was focused on diet. I lost 105#. If you decide on this, keep in mind, it is AN ENTIRE LIFE CHANGER. I mean it, you will never be the same! It takes dedication to prepare meals, take your vitamins EVERY DAY and drink your water.
My best friend did the lap band 2 weeks after my bypass. She has lost 72#. Granted it has taken her longer, but she is thrilled with the results! One thing that my surgeon failed to tell me though, after bypass or sleeve, taking NSAIDS is not recommended long term. So, if you have any arthritis or inflammatory isssues, let this factor into your decision.

spfldpam

I forgot to mention with any of the WLS you won't be in bed long for any of them. I was up 4 hours after my sleeve surgery and every 4 hours after that night and day in the hospital. When I got home I never laid in bed except to sleep at night. I would sit in the recliner some but not all day. They don't want you laying around all the time due to blood clot risks. You gotta sip, walk and rest some then repeat.
Good luck with your decision!

xcarrie3137x

thanks soo much ladies!!! Im not that scared anymore..its nice to have people to talk to who already went through it. So went to the dr's yesterday and im a good candidate. So i decided on bypass and they are scheduling my upper endoscopy and then once i pay the $500 fee (ouch) i will start 3 months with the dietician and like skills workshop and nutritionist..getting excited for a new me :]

annwyatt69

thanks soo much ladies!!! Im not that scared anymore..its nice to have people to talk to who already went through it. So went to the dr's yesterday and im a good candidate. So i decided on bypass and they are scheduling my upper endoscopy and then once i pay the $500 fee (ouch) i will start 3 months with the dietician and like skills workshop and nutritionist..getting excited for a new me :]

Yeah...$500 at once is an ouch. I had to pay $360 for 6 visits with my dietitian, $250 for my psychologist appointment, and $525 for the supplies they required me to have pre op and post op. Not to mention the money it took for the dozens of 3 hour out of town trips to Houston...but it was well worth it and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat! It was a struggle too, as I live on ssi--my sons were a blessing to me and still are....

salgalbp

Most of the posters have already said it best. Do your research darlin' and discuss with the surgeon which option is right for you, your goals and your long term success.

I am a 4yr post op of RNY.

My best advice I give to our patients that we see is utilize the psychologist, take ADVANTAGE of the time with them and make more appointments if necessary. The emotional affect of OBESITY is not understood fully in today's programs and it is not fully dug into by the patient or their team post op.

For me after losing the first 80lbs and I was young and naive and couldn't understand why the heck I wasn't happy???? It was because my unhappiness wasn't a result of my obesity, my obesity was a result of my unhappiness. I had to do a lot of work in my head before I was good to go in my head and able to love myself no matter what I weighed.

For those that post %'s and statitics - I would pay light attention to those simply because every BODY is very different and all surgical options will work if you work them and decide to defy the statitics.

Best of luck!
Sal

mommycline

I had gastric bypass and could not be happier. I have had no complications. Will be 1 year out on March 30th.

salgalbp

I had gastric bypass and could not be happier. I have had no complications. Will be 1 year out on March 30th.

4years out on March 30th! Hi Surgery Sister