need help making a decision

jsewell · June 12, 2006

i am researching wls i was wondering if some of you could reccommend a wls surgeon and also if you reccommend the band i still dont know if i am going with the band or with the bypass any information you could give me would be helpful thanks:clap2:

Stitchy · June 12, 2006

I absolutely recommend the band.

I think we would need to know what area you live in to make a recommendation.

Several people have good opinions of the Mexico Doctors. I'm sure you will be getting some advice from them

jsewell · June 12, 2006

i am near the houston area can i ask you why you decided on the band over the bypass

dotofoz · June 12, 2006

Well, I think it depends on what you're exactly looking for...Personally, I'm leaning towards the band (ins pays for both, but I'm praying for band approval). I'm 35 years old (bmi 45.5) and looking to POSSIBLY have one more child. The research I've seen on line stated that there's LESS likelyhood of a problem pregnancy w/the band since it can be adjusted for the nutritional needs of the mom and fetus. Also, since the weight loss isn't as fast as w/the bypass, I'm hoping less chance of loose skin too. I also know it's less envasive and less time I have to recover. I have 3 year old that I can't keep up with now, plus being out of commission for a 4-6 weeks +, I can't really have that. :preggers:

Stitchy · June 13, 2006

My reasons for the band over bypass:

No malabsorption. My stomach is still intact and digesting properly.
No irreversible cutting, stapling or other rearranging of internal organs. The band is reversible. If necessary, it is simply removed and everything is back to normal.
Shorter recovery time. I was back at work in a week.
Mortality rate from surgery is less. A real plus, I think.
No need to take a slug of Vitamins, and other supplements for the rest of my life. I take one chewable Multivitamin a day.
No dumping syndrome. Gross!
Bypass loses weight very quickly, but in 2-3 years, the actual amount for both is generally the same. Slow losing just sounds more sane to me. I am hoping my skin will not be as droopy by going slow.
I can still eat sugars and other foods that are off limits to bypass. Maybe I shouldn't, but I could.

ralheit · June 13, 2006

All of the above reasons. Bypass has 1 in 200 mortality rate. That's just too high for me. I also think the slower weight loss is healthier. And I know many bypass patients and they are all having problems now after 1 or 2 years with keeping the weight off. They are all back on weight watchers, etc. With the band, it's there forever and is always a tool to keep your weight off.