I'm beginning my journey and getting mixed recommendations

[hope310 0]

I'm just starting to look into bariatric surgery. I'm the mother of 4 and I'm 39. I have gone up and down in my weight my entire life but I have been obese for at least 12 years and BMI <40 for about 2 years. I'm 5'2 and weigh 235 lbs. My goal is 135. I suffer from sleep Apnea, Depression and Plantar Fascitis which are results of my weight. I'm very scared because I'm a food addict and I'm not sure how I will deal with this process. My primary doctor and surgeon recommend gastric bypass over lap band but I don't think I want to have such an invasive surgery. At the same I want to succeed. I'm reading and talking to as many people as i can to make the best decision for me. I hope this site will help.:scared2:

[stargate713 0]

We are all food addicts to some extent or we wouldn't be here. I'm curious as to what rational the doctors gave you for suggesting By-pass over banding. It is true that the band isn't right for everyone, and they may have valid, medically sound reasons for their opinions. Perhaps you should consider a second opinion from another surgeon who has good experience with Lap-bands.

[coloradobanding 5]

The band is definitely not for everyone!

My husband has plantar fasciatis and I know how debilitating that can be. Perhaps the reason he suggested RNY over the band was due to your particular situation. I've seen plenty of people successful with both the band and RNY.

If my insurance had covered it, I likely would've picked RNY but am SO glad I didn't..I LOVE MY BAND!! It is a difficult journey but definitely worth it.

Do a LOT of research, read this forum (a lot of it) and make the best decision for you. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

[Kalipso2 25]

i'm probably one of the few who have mixed emotions about my band. i'm 2 years post-op and still struggle every day with eating. i thought i had done enough research and i thought i was ready but i'm i'm not 100% sure i would do it over again if i had the opportunity.

i've had a lot of problems since being banded. i was over-filled and was experiencing severe acid reflux. i would literally wake up choking on my own vomit. even after i got somewhat of an unfill, i still had bouts of throwing up from over-eating which caused the top of my stomach to dialate... folding over the band, which can cause the band to slip.

i think i'm FINALLY at a point where i'm not over-filled, have no more acid reflux and don't throw up after meals BUT that doesn't stop me from WANTING to keep eating.

you have to learn to listen to your band and not your brain... its like having the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other... your band will tell you when you're full but your head tells you the food tastes so good so keep eating.

after 2 years... it's still a struggle. BUT i am happy with my body. i'm no longer in a deep depression. i love shopping now. i'm not embarassed walking into a bar. i just feel good.