Anti-band bias

anonemouse · January 14, 2007

My surgeon requires all patients to attend a support group meeting and an aftercare (basically group therapy) meeting before having surgery. I went to both last week, and I was surprised by the bias against the band. All of the people there had had RNY, not the band, but even the therapist that led the aftercare program was talking about how RNY patients had "the full surgery" and how RNY surgery was for people who were "really committed." To be honest, I was highly disappointed in both. As a pre-op lab-band, I didn't see much support for lap-band patients or much aftercare.

On the other hand, one of the people at the aftercare program said something to me that I haven't heard in years. She said, "But you're so SMALL!" And I guess I am, compared to the people that were there. But I think that is because I am short. It doesn't take a lot to raise my BMI. Right now, I am 220 pounds and have a BMI of 39. But still, comments like that make me feel like I am not as deserving of having surgery, when I think that anyone who qualifies for the surgery should be able to have it.

bwaydiva · January 15, 2007

I had the same experience!! When I spoke with my individual surgeon he was more supportive. Honestly, I think that it's a very personal choice.

The younger doctor who did my initial assessment said that if I had an addiction to food or had trouble following a diet, RNY was the best choice. Lol!! I don't know about the rest of you, but I have NEVER had ANY problems following a diet... Yup, I am morbidly obese because I only like healthy foods. Yeah right!

My surgeon, the older and more experienced surgeon, laughed and commented that surgeons are cutters...that's what they like to do!! Lap band doesn't involve a whole lot of cutting! Also financially the RNY is significantly more expensive... people like money.

For me I decided to go for the lap band (I'm waiting on insurance approval.) Ask questions. Get answers. Then follow your gut. Best of luck.

CCBSTX · January 15, 2007

I am supportive of anyone that wants to lose weight for their health.

Laurend, I had the EXACT experience during my pre-band phase. I attended the mandatory "support" group one evening. I didn't find it supportive at all....30 people there were all RNY'ers and a few even said to me that they looked into the band and suggest I switch my decision. The band, in their opinion, was UNSAFE!! I should attend again and let them take a look at me NOW!

Shawn

Paulax · January 15, 2007

I also started out with a BMI of 39 and at nearly 6 ft tall, I DO hide my weight well. I WISH I had it available to me with a lower BMI, because after 3 children and premenopause, I was heading for a much higher BMI than 39.

Better sooner than later, I say....

cheers all...

anonemouse · January 15, 2007

I should attend again and let them take a look at me NOW!

I plan to attend both the support group and aftercare meetings regularly after getting banded, just so that I can be there for people who are wanting to get the band. I don't want them to think that what the RNY people say is reality.

giveyouthemoon · January 15, 2007

I had a similar experience. One lady said to me "oh...it's too bad you didn't go for the permanent solution.

Uh...I had an object implanted into my body. That's not permanent?

Oh and....I can continue to easily, with just the stick of a needle, adjust the tension, as it were, on my rig.

With an RNY even my doctors will tell you lose all your weight in the first year because your stomach relaxes and it's tough.

So....adjustable for YEARS or one year to lose it all. Huh? Which one was permanent again?

I don't know why there is this RNY vs Band "thing" out there. It's a vehement almost religious vigor. Damn! We're all here to get help!

If you want, pipe up at the meetings. It's what I started doing. And when I lost 100lbs in a year, getting RNY type success...well, they had very little to say.....

kareyquilts · January 16, 2007

Laurend: I had a similar experienc. My surgeon said if I wanted to lose 100 lbs that I should have the RNY because statisically they lose more weight in the beginning. Within 5 years weight loss is better for banders. Then I found out that my surgeon's son had the lapband. Having a lapband and getting adjustments can be a pain, but it's a lot better than malnutrition. Do what you think is the best, that's what it always comes down to. Good luck!

GE Mom · January 16, 2007

My bariatric program had to start a separate group for lap band folks because the RNY folks were too mean to the lap banders. I do not understand this at all. But I think separate is better.