Re: To Elenor - re: KP offering lap-band option

[Guest guest]

No, but I know of several who had it and had

problems, either because they just couldn't get

the weight off, or they couldn't keep it off, or

they had problems with the band itself.

Now admittedly they are on other groups I'm on,

which makes them part of a self-filtering

population. By this I mean that they joined the

other groups because they had problems. If they

had not had problems, they probably wouldn't have joined.

If it were me looking into surgery now, and I

were presented the option of having the lap band

or RNY, I would go for the RNY. If I'm gonna do

something as drastic as having my innards

rearranged, I'm gonna maximize my chances of

success. In for a penny, in for a pound (so to speak).

My impression is that because the lap band

procedure is restrictive only, with no

malabsorbtion issues, that there is not the same

risk of nutritional deficiencies. I knew I was

having a malabsorbtive procedure, but that's what

I wanted. I was willing to work a lot harder to

compensate for the malabsorbtion by taking more

(a LOT more) supplements than most people. That's

okay with me. It's been worth it!

That's my take on the matter. Other people have

different criteria for making their decisions,

and that is their right. I just know that I made

the right decision FOR ME. Hope that helps!

>I heard the lap-band option is less risky and

>less intrusive. Do you know of anybody who has

>opted for the lap-band option and has kept the weight off for a long time?

Eleanor Oster

eleanor@... (personal address)

www.smallboxes.com/gastricbypass.htm

San , CA

Open RNY (100 cm bypassed) 07/15/2003

P. Fisher, M.D., Kaiser Richmond (CA)

~5'9 " tall

05/09/2003 319 Orientation

07/15/2003 ~290 Surgery

Current 157±2 Goal until plastics?

[Guest guest]

I have a friend who was just approved for surgery through Kaiser Fremont. I was at his house today talking to him and his wife and he was reviewing the info they sent him regarding his upcoming orientation. Just from reading the material presented, considering the procedure, the follow-ups necessary, etc., he has totally decided to NOT consider the band procedure. That was was just from reading Kaiser's presented materials on the pros and cons of both procedures. I had heard previously that Kaiser is not very pro lap band but was going to start offering it as an option because so many patients have been inquiring about it. Just from the little info I have heard/read, I'm very happy with my RNY thank you. L Sacramento 10 months post op today and 125 pounds down! P.S. One of the reasons my friend decided to request surgery is cause they knew me

before surgery and have seen the tremendous change in me. His new nickname for me is "Skinny"--though I'm far from it, I'm sure not where I used to be. It's great to have been an inspiration to someone else. Not only am I reaping the benefits, but I'm helping others in their decision because of my success. I started a part time job last week and this week the office manager saw her doctor and he suggested she should consider surgery. Because she knows I've had surgery and seen my pictures, she's been picking my brain all week and is seriously considering surgery now. Makes me kinda proud! Eleanor Oster wrote: No, but I know of several who had it and had problems, either because they just couldn't get the weight off, or they couldn't keep it

off, or they had problems with the band itself.Now admittedly they are on other groups I'm on, which makes them part of a self-filtering population. By this I mean that they joined the other groups because they had problems. If they had not had problems, they probably wouldn't have joined.If it were me looking into surgery now, and I were presented the option of having the lap band or RNY, I would go for the RNY. If I'm gonna do something as drastic as having my innards rearranged, I'm gonna maximize my chances of success. In for a penny, in for a pound (so to speak).My impression is that because the lap band procedure is restrictive only, with no malabsorbtion issues, that there is not the same risk of nutritional deficiencies. I knew I was having a malabsorbtive procedure, but that's what I wanted. I was willing to work a lot harder to compensate for the malabsorbtion by taking more

(a LOT more) supplements than most people. That's okay with me. It's been worth it!That's my take on the matter. Other people have different criteria for making their decisions, and that is their right. I just know that I made the right decision FOR ME. Hope that helps!>I heard the lap-band option is less risky and >less intrusive. Do you know of anybody who has >opted for the lap-band option and has kept the weight off for a long time?Eleanor Ostereleanor@... (personal address)www.smallboxes.com/gastricbypass.htmSan , CAOpen RNY (100 cm bypassed) 07/15/2003 P. Fisher, M.D., Kaiser Richmond (CA)~5'9" tall05/09/2003 319 Orientation07/15/2003 ~290 SurgeryCurrent 157±2 Goal until plastics?