mpw09

I've read all the threads about lap band versus RNY and I'm really not sure which is best for me. I know this is a decision I have to make (not asking for medical advice here). I'm still early in the process, so I have time to figure this out. But here is my issue: 1) I am addicted to sugar. I think eating sweets is my main problem. It always has been. I don't binge on sweets. But I have to have a "little" something almost every day to take the edge off (one scoop of vanilla ice cream or two Cookies or a Hershey's Kiss or two). If I savor it and eat it slowly, the craving subsides. 2) I generally do not have a problem with OVEReating. (Although I understand that I will eat significantly less with the band, which will lead to some weight loss.) I also don't have a problem making healthy food choices. Although I do feel like I any and everything I put in my mouth puts weight on me. 3) After struggling with my weight my entire life, I lost over 102 pounds from 2001-2003 by restricting myself from sweets and high-fat foods (and of course tons of exercise, which I have no problem doing). No problem actually loosing weight here, I just lack the ability to KEEP it off. Even after I lost the 102 pounds, I had 40 more to go to goal and I never made it. Most of the weight I lost has crept back on over the past 5 years. And I've lost and regained the same 40 pounds for at least the past three years, creeping up a little higher every time. From my research, I understand the difference between the two WLS. My first thought was that lapband was better for me (less invasive, less complications, my fear of RNY, etc, etc). But I keep thinking about how important that is if it's not going to work for me. NOTE: My mom had RNY five years ago. She lost a ton of weight, but she never made it to her goal (20 lbs to go). I love her, but I will admit that it is because of her terrible eating habits (overeating AND indulging in sugary foods) and complete lack of exercise. I have witnessed her "dumping syndrome" episodes, but that still does not stop her from eating WAY too many sweets. She is much worse with the sweets than I am (even she will admit that). I keep reading that if you have a "sweet tooth," then lapband is not good for you. How many of you can vouch for this? I have had much success in the past by restricting sweets. In fact, the weight loss is what encouraged me to stay away from the sweets. But I just worry that I'm making the wrong choice for the long term. With the lapband, I know I can have a treat from time to time without having the adverse reactions that I MAY experience with RNY. I just have to have the willpower restrict myself on a regular basis. What are your "opinions" on this? (as you can tell I read that thread posted by Sabertooth. LOL) Thanks in advance! :crying:

Airkuhl, You are absolutely right! I followed the South Beach Diet a few times and getting through those first two weeks was MURDER. Regarding the artificial sweetners, I never wanted to believe that, but it's true. I'm like boy, I can't win for losing!!! :biggrin: But alas, I can definitely see how that is the case. I'm looking forward to the band making it easier for me to lose weight. I know I have to do a WHOLE lot of the work myself. But just having some help will make my day. Thanks for responding!

I've done some research on the sleeve and it sounds promising. Unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover it, so it's not an option for me. :biggrin:

Thanks Nancy! I appreciate your responses. You will do just fine this time around with the RNY. I wish you all the best with much health and happiness to follow! :biggrin: Take care.

Thanks for taking the time to read my LONG post and for responding. I have gone back and forth between the two for a long time. I guess it boils down to the fact that I will HAVE TO fight the sugar cravings for the rest of my life. If it was guaranteed that I would not be able to tolerate the sweets with RNY, there would be no question about it. But I see how my mom eats and she's never had a problem keeping the sweets down. The only time she has the DS is when she has eaten a meal and then follows it with dessert. Otherwise, if she has a sweet snack between meals she fine. She can also tolerate alcoholic drinks, which she was told wouldn't. Fortunately, she's not a drinker. I'd rather go with the less invasive route first. I keep telling myself that if I could lose over 100 lbs on diet and exercise alone, then SURELY I should be able to do it with lapband. One thing's for sure, EVERYBODY is different and all of the stories prove it. Just my luck, I'd be the RNY patient who can still eat any and everything with sugar in it! :smile2:

Gina, I'm getting ready to start my 3 month "diet" and I wonder what they do if you lose too much! Will they say, "Denied b/c you proved you can do it on your own"? Or what if you lose too much and you end up going under the BMI requirements?

I agree that it's a personal decision. If you are comfortable telling people, then tell them. Everybody is different. My mom had gastric bypass and she only told immediate family and a couple of close friends. She told everybody else she lost it with diet and exercise (which is technically true). I don't think she cared whether they believed her or not. I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to do. I haven't even gone to my seminar yet, although my mind is completely made up about having the surgery. My main concern is what I'll tell the nosy people at work who ask what I'm doing to lose. They've seen my weight go up and down over the years. I'm always on a diet and saying no to the office donuts, but I'm still not sure what I'll say. They might assume I'm doing what I've always done (diet and exercise) and not ask. Right now, I've only told my mom, sisters and a close friend (who has struggled with me to lose weight over the years). My mom and sisters are supportive, but the friend was very negative. :thumbup: This is why I've decided to keep it to myself ESPECIALLY before the surgery, because I don't want to hear the negativity. Sorry to be so long-winded. But I think you should do what YOU like. If you want to share it, do exactly that.

I just made an appointment with a dietician for this Saturday. She is very familiar with the process which REALLY made my day. She also told me that the exercise part of the 3-month plan is a big gray area with the insurance company (like you said). She is going to give me some info for an exercise physiologist when I see her. She said all of her patients have been approved that way. But she recommended that I call the insurance co to see if I can get more detail about what they want. She said some of her patients have seen physical therapists too and it worked out fine. Just as long as it's documented. I would think that if you are following a diet and exercise plan under the care of your PCP, along with the nutritionist, that would be enough. Keep me posted on your progress! Can't thank you enough for replying to my post.

I went to see my PCP last week and they called me two days later to give me my appointment to attend the seminar at the bariatric center. I've heard that this is just an informational session and I will be scheduled to see a surgeon after this. My insurance is Aetna POS II, and I've read in my plan that they will require either the 6-month supervised nutrition and exercise plan OR the 3-month surgical preparatory regimen for patients with a BMI over 40 with no co-morbids. These are my questions: Does anybody familiar with Aetna know how they determine WHICH program you must complete? I called the insurance company and the rep wasn't much help. Also, since the seminar is a month out, do you think I should ask my PCP to put me on a program NOW? I'd hate to waste this time. If the insurance co is going to require it (I've read that they will), then it seems like I should get started NOW. Should my PCP be directing me on this? Or is it up the people at the bariatric center?

Thank you SOOOO much for responding to this! I'm going to get on it right now. I saw my PCP last week and we talked about the need for the WLS. He wasn't surprised since (under his care) I've tried other diet plans with no permanent results in the past. He referred me to the bariatric center and set up the appointment for the seminar. But I was wondering what I needed to do in the meantime. So I will find a nutritionist and make another appointment to see my PCP in mid August. I appreciate your help so much. Thanks again!

Hello everybody. I'm very happy to have found this forum. I'm in the initial stages of the process. My consultation is scheduled for Aug. 13. I'm very excited and ready to get things underway. I'm also very nervous about dealing with the insurance company, etc. I've read some of your stories! Anyway, I'm looking forward to it and I'm really happy to have found this forum.

I've read different things about the pre-op diet. I think it depends on the person and your insurance company. My mom had gastric bypass 5 years ago and she was required to go on a liquid diet for 10 days prior to her surgery (I think to shrink the size of her liver before surgery). Some insurance companies require that you follow a physician supervised diet and exercise plan for a period of time before you can be approved. I have Aetna and I (think) you have to do that for a minimum of three months before surgery, which stinks. But at this point, I don't care what I have to go through to get it done, I'm just tired of feeling like crap. I'm ready to feel good and not worry about what new health problem is right around the corner.