pre op - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

crzymom04 · 10-03-2007, 01:20 PM

Hello to all I am pre op, I am so conufussed I was so ready for the lap band and then I have talked to my surgeon and other doctors and they are thinking bypass may be better for me, so know I am so confussed I have heard horror stories, but then again I have heard wonderful things. I have been researching lap band for two years, so if any one else out there thought they were going to have one surgery and ended up having another. thanks for any advice.
Crystal

Toony · 10-03-2007, 01:27 PM

Hi Crystal... you've come to the right place. Sit back, relax and prepare to READ til your eyes hurt

. There is so much information here.

I started out thinking LAP BAND too, but my PCP and Surgeon thought I should look at bypass... and after a lot of reading, I think they're right. IMHO, the Lap Band is a more "gentle" approach to weight loss, but it also puts a lot of responsibility on the "owner." I'm not sure I'm responsible enough for that!

Not to say there is no "responsibility" with bypass... it just seems like a better tool for me. If it slaps me around from time to time (dumping), I probably will have it coming

Good luck with your decision... ask lots of questions... very supportive folks here, willing to help!

Katie

Teenieleenie · 10-03-2007, 01:57 PM

Crystal, I research them all too. I like you, was convinced I wanted the lapband. Then, after all my research, I became convinced that I wanted RNY. Then, I met with my surgeon and he told me to check out the VSG.

After all my research, I finally settled on the VSG. You'll know what's right for you. Do your research and find what's the best fit for you. Best of luck to you on your decision making journey.

Nyn · 10-03-2007, 04:58 PM

Hi and welcome! After talking to a dietician, who is on Kaiser's board governing Lap Band research, I started out convinced I was going to get a Lap Band and thought (without much research or info at that time) that gastric bypass was too drastic and invasive. Later, my surgeon talked me through the details on both Bands and gastric bypass, and after I left his office I was worried about a Lap Band being the right choice for me. Like Toony said, it is a lot of on-going upkeep for a Band with all the fills for the rest of your life. Plus, I have so much weight to lose, and my surgeon recommends gastric bypass for heavier patients. The weight loss window with gastric bypass allows for faster weight loss than a Band. And, personally, after thinking about it some more, the idea of the hardware of a Band inside me for years and years started to freak me out. I guess, on a "gut" level (pun intended

) when I'm thinking about it with my 12-year-old little girl, knee-jerk brain, I'd rather get my stomach "cut up" than have it "squeezed" constantly.

But honestly, and with adult reasoning, I did research both options a great deal, and in the end, my surgeon and his recommendation for the RNY procedure both fit me perfectly. At 9 days out, I have no regrets yet!!!

AriesGirl78 · 10-03-2007, 06:40 PM

Welcome!!! I too was set on having the band done until I went to a seminar. Once I learned about both, I felt the bypass was better for me. I had my surgery Sept. 17 and I feel good. Getting stronger daily. You will do what you feel is right in your heart. Good luck and happy reading!!! Lots of good info here!!