pixierainbow

:smile2:I am proceeding with the process of having surgery and feel fairly confident choosing the lapband procedure, but I am wondering if anyone who has had the surgery regrets having it altogether or wishes they had chosen the bypass procedure? This site is a great resource for those of us who are new to the process. Thanks, in advance, for any responses.

Thank you for your input. You have expressed the fear I feel that the Lapband won't work well for me either. And I also am apprehensive about the RNY procedure because of the side effects. There is so much to consider and where I was once convinced that the Lapband was the right choice, now I am going to be more open-minded going into the meetings with the provider. My first is on Thursday/NP. I really appreciate everyone who has shared their thoughts. Thanks so much

My goodness, you sound angry. Who are these comments directed at? I think most people are passionate about this subject. We are all struggling and sometimes our words express our angst and frustration. You need to be a little more empathetic.

Wow! Congratulations on an incredible weight loss. You make a very good point about using this as a tool in the process. Very important to remember that. Thanks for the advice.

I wish you all the best, Cherri.

RestlessMonkey....Wow! In this we are alike. I simply love food/everything about it. I love to groceryshop, cook, and go out to eat. Not depressed, just have that love affair with food. LOL I am hoping that weight loss will help me focus on the DESIRE to eat healthier and to exercise, which is something I have never done in my life. I have only had short-term, limited diet success in 30 years of obesity.

I think you are correct that the quality of psychiatric care varies widely. Other patients who have had the procedure by my provider have spoken quite highly about the psychologist. I'm glad you're getting therapy that is helping you on your journey. I do recognize that it is certainly an important part of this process.

Actually, the provider I have chosen uses a psychologist who specializes in this type of disorder. We will be required to meet with him for a comprehensive interview plus 3 follow-up visits and we were told that based on his findings, we will proceed with surgery or continue with him for counselling.

When you have the required psychological exam, this will be an important topic for you to discuss. Good Luck

Nice to hear from someone close to my age. I appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks Amy. It's good to know that so many are happy with the result. Wishing you the best

Well, you have given me much to digest. Happily for me, I work as a nurse in the same medical complex as the surgeon i have chosen. She is a bariatric specialist as well as a general surgeon. The provider I work for is an Intensivist who has stated that this surgeon's patients never end up in ICU. She has a low infection rate, an important fact that I have investigated. That being said, you have reminded me that this procedure, like anything else is not without risk. The mortality rate for bypass is approx 10x that of the Lapband, so for me, that seems to be the deciding factor. I am 57 with the usual co-morbidities, so I am already at risk submitting to surgery. I only have a desire to retrieve my health and the aesthetic consequenses, while nice, are not my primary reason for choosing WLS. Thanks so much for giving me much to consider and I wish you the best.

Great news! It's wonderful actually getting the opinion of someone who has had the procedure. Thanks.

Wow! And you're still doing well with weight loss. That is wonderful news. Thanks, Jack.

what an eloquent response. thanks

Thanks so much. Good luck to you, too! How have things been since your procedure?

So glad I found this site. I have only just begun my journey and will be having my first appt with the nurse practitioner next week. My start weight is 255 and honest to God, I would be thrilled to get "out of the two's". I am not looking for rapid weight loss and at 57, I think the Lapband is the most practical solution for me. My surgeon is Dr. Cynthia Pacculli in Portsmouth, NH and although I haven't met her yet, I have heard wonderful things about her from the doctor that I work for. I wish everyone making this step in the direction of good health...all the best. My big concerns will be at about three months out from surgery, a typical amount of time that historically I fall apart on a diet. I have decided to tell only my immediate family, since I don't want to be under scrutiny during the process. I look forward to reading about your challenges and success with this. :blushing: