overwelmed by first semminar

I'MREADY · July 8, 2009

I attended my first semminar yesterday and I'm feeling a bit overwelmed. I have researched this for many months, lapband vs. gastric bypass and now I don't know. When you can hear a doctor talk about the pros and cons of both surgeries, I now have questions if the lapband is what I want or if bypass is. I know in the end the doctor and I will make the decision together. Did anyone else first chose the band then change to bypass? There are lot of pre op requirements that both surgeries require so I've been making calls to set up appointments.Lots to take in and to read all the info they passed out. All in all the semminar was very informative and I enjoyed it. I was also glad to see I was not the smallest there or the oldest!!

ParrotheadCathy · July 8, 2009

Deb, on the welcome page of this site, there is a link to a comparison of gastric bypass vs. lap band. My own thinking (whether medically correct or not) was that I wasn't fat enough for bypass surgery...LOL. I needed to lose 134 pounds and I felt that the rapid weight loss of bypass wasn't what I was looking for. My internist agreed with me when we talked about it. In the end, you are right ... you and your doctor should decide. But don't let anybody try to talk you out of your own decision! You are the only one who has to live with your choice. Ask the questions that will help sort out the differences (good and bad) between the two procedures. Keep researching!

Ask us any specific questions you might have and I'm betting someone here has an informed answer.

I'MREADY · July 9, 2009

Cathy, thank you so much for your support. This is a life decision, like it is for anyone considering surgery so I will really weigh all the facts before I make my decision. I know I can come here and get honest answers to my questions. thanks again.

WASaBubbleButt · July 9, 2009

I attended my first semminar yesterday and I'm feeling a bit overwelmed. I have researched this for many months, lapband vs. gastric bypass and now I don't know. When you can hear a doctor talk about the pros and cons of both surgeries, I now have questions if the lapband is what I want or if bypass is. I know in the end the doctor and I will make the decision together. Did anyone else first chose the band then change to bypass? There are lot of pre op requirements that both surgeries require so I've been making calls to set up appointments.Lots to take in and to read all the info they passed out. All in all the semminar was very informative and I enjoyed it. I was also glad to see I was not the smallest there or the oldest!!

You do have another option, a sleeve. Better weight loss and far fewer complications long term than the band and MUCH safer than bypass with no malabsorption.