Newbie just had consult with surgeon - ThinnerTimes

EDPACECAR · 04-16-2008, 07:39 PM

Hi, I just went for my consultation today. It was a group consult then one on one with the surgeon Lyudmila S. Pupkova at the Barix Clinic in Langhorne. She went over every point of Lap Band and Bypass. I went in thinking the Lap Band was what I wanted but she said it might not be best long run. I may not looses what I need to loose (100 LBS), plus long term studies are not in yet in the U.S. and if I have any problems in the future (over age 60) it may be hard to get a surgeon to go from Lap Band to Bypass due to age. So it seems like a one shot deal as I will be 58 late summer. I was just so afraid of the Bypass reworking the plumbing so to speak. Anyone out there change mind from Lap Band to Bypass?? She is will to do either but said I would be happier with Bypass. I’m setting up my sleep test, Cardio consult and blood test with PCP tomorrow. But still not sure which route to go. I've been searching the web like hell and it seems she may be right. Trend in Europe is now going towards Bypass over Lap Band. If I were younger I would go for Lap Band but since I'm near 60 and would have problem switching to bypass if needed to (after 60 years old) I may go with the Bypass. I just felt there would be chance of more problems with Bypass but seems close. Plus slippage, erosion, leakage I feel the extra vitamins that I would have to take would be less off a problem and worth the trade off to get Bypass. I may be rambling a little but I thought I had it all checked out and knew what I wanted till I talked to Dr. Pupkova at the Barix Clinic. Anyone else change their mind about what to have?

mistymee · 04-16-2008, 07:49 PM

After discussing my surgery with my PCP first.. then my surgeon and doing research, I changed my mind from Lap Band to RNY Gastric Bypass. My surgeon supported that decision, and though my first few weeks post-op were difficult, I am currently happy with my decision.

MiladyB · 04-17-2008, 09:58 PM

There actually are quite a few on here who went in thinking they wanted the band and then changed to RNY. I never looked into the band because at that time my insurnace wouldn't cover it. What I suggest is researching as much as possible and then making a list of pros and cons for each. Its a big decision but you have to do what is best for you.

Grammy O · 04-18-2008, 06:54 AM

Beth is right. Make that list of pros and cons and continue researching, researching, researching.

I am one of those that started out wanting the Lap Band and not GBP. I went to my first class on a talk about both surgeries. There was so much more information about the bypass but not the Lap Band since it has only been approved for use here in the States for about 3 years I think.

Anyway, what made me change my mind was the fact that it could rid me of my co-morbidities. I have Type II Diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism. high cholesterol. The Lap Band will help with these but hasn't been proven that it will rid you of them.

Just getting rid of Diabetes to me is worth it. Think of all the medical problems one faces as a diabetic!

Also, I felt that since the Lap Band was only a restrictive type of surgery, I knew that at some point in time I would learn to circumvent the band. With the band you can still eat everything you want, just in moderation. With the Bypass, there is "dumping" which means that you can get very ill if you eat sugars and/or fatty things. I understand that not everyone dumps but I for one really need something to remind me not to eat sweats/fatty foods.

Anyway, that is why I switched from Lap Band to RNY. Sorry this is so long!

Toony · 04-18-2008, 08:18 AM

I'm in that club too... Thought the Lap Band was PERFECT until I did more research... I knew I needed a stronger "kick in the butt" to get my weight off... I've been feeling pretty terrific and have no regrets!

Good luck in your decision... Love seeing another "Over 50" member here!

katie

bsweil · 04-18-2008, 11:17 AM

Hey,
I had my intro appt with my surgeon yesterday (4/17). I am having my surgery in Greenville NC, and am shooting for August/September. Went to the gym for the first time last night and walked for 20 minutes and rode a bike for 10. It was the first workout in over a year, and I felt pretty good about it. I sure want to have this surgery to feel better and hopefully be here for a long long time.

bsweil · 04-18-2008, 11:20 AM

I can't figure how to get the tickerfactory to work on my signature, any suggestions!

RevRuss · 04-18-2008, 11:23 AM

I changed at the advise of my surgeon due to my out-of-control diabeties. I am 56. Surgery Monday, 6 am.

EDPACECAR · 04-18-2008, 01:41 PM

First let me thank all of you who replied. After much consideration the BPS looks like the best option. I have found info about some of the European countries (who have been doing Lap Band for 12 years) now rethinking them and going to BPS more. Best wishes to all and may you all reach your goals.

88Shelly88 · 04-18-2008, 02:02 PM

Hi Ed:
I also was set on the lap band procedure until I went to my informational meeting. I decided that I had to much to lose to lose it at a slow rate and also the sucess being 50% average. I have 110 pounds to lose as well. They say that the sucess rate with gastric is around 80% that you keep off. That is my goal. I also did not like the idea (after seeing a band in person) of a foreign object being in my body for the rest of my life. I personally feel that there are more serious complications with Gastric, but feel that there are MORE complications that can happen with the band; slippage,rejection,filling, maintenace, etc. I wish you the best of luck on your decision. It will all work out for the best in the end. :O)