Terrified

AZA · October 10, 2006

I think I've scared myself silly. I'm doing tons of research prior to getting my band on November 1 which lead me to reading the message boards at obesityhelp.com which lead me to their memorial listing.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of two young women from Toronto within the last 2 months who both died as a result of RNY surgery. I read their on-line journals and it's hearbreaking to read about their own fears similar to my own about the risks of WLS. They both seemed like such wonderful women and I can't help but question the risks of WLS.

Logically I know that the lapband carries less risk than RNY and I also know that I'm probably going to die of heart attack or something by the time I'm 40 if I keep going the way I am.

I have felt really confident about my decision to have surgery but now I'm starting to have fear. Does anyone have any words of advice?

Bella · October 10, 2006

I think I've scared myself silly. I'm doing tons of research prior to getting my band on November 1 which lead me to reading the message boards at obesityhelp.com which lead me to their memorial listing.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of two young women from Toronto within the last 2 months who both died as a result of RNY surgery. I read their on-line journals and it's hearbreaking to read about their own fears similar to my own about the risks of WLS. They both seemed like such wonderful women and I can't help but question the risks of WLS.

Logically I know that the lapband carries less risk than RNY and I also know that I'm probably going to die of heart attack or something by the time I'm 40 if I keep going the way I am.

I have felt really confident about my decision to have surgery but now I'm starting to have fear. Does anyone have any words of advice?

Ohhhh I read that EXACT Memorial listing!!

That's why I decided AGAINST RNY!!

Sorry but my research so far tells me the lapband is no where near as dangerous as the other surgeries.

My doctor has done hundreds and only lost 1. This was because the person had a very high BMI with other healths problems which in fact may have lead to a premature death anyway.

I'm booked for late Jan. 2007 and can't wait. My only fear is that I will be one of the very few that's body cannot tolerate the band - then I'm back to square 1 again.:phanvan

I say - go for it!

Yoda · October 10, 2006

Hi Aza...

the fear is normal....as for the RNY...that is the MAIN reason I didn't (& never would have) consdiered bypass surgery. It just isn't something I would ever do. I'm not judging, I just knew it wasn't a choice I could make for me.

You can't compare the RNY to the band. It is like comparing apples and orange...actually no...not even like that. It is more like comparing an apple to a guinea pig....in other words, there IS no comparison.

My advice, (though it may be too late) don't read those types of things....yes...be informed of all possibilities but don't read in detail about people's various complications, for instance. For example, I know LBT has a complications thread....I didn't go into it nor do I plan on going into unless I myself am experiencing a complication and want to research it. It was enough just being informed of what the possible complications were (ie. from my doctor).....I didn't need (or want) to know the details of individual people's troubles with the band....

I hope that helps.

But overall,you said it....you may be on the road to really bad health (if not already there).....so this is something that you have to choose to do for you....once you are informed.

Personally, it is the best thing I have ever done for me.

ragergirl · October 10, 2006

Its less riskier than having a hernia repair, I know Ive had both and my lap band was NOTHING compared to that, and Ive had TWINS god that was worse than any of it!!!! child birth vs. lap band .....I LL TAKE THE BAND PLEASE!!!!.....LOL RNY is VERY different and much more hader for your body to go through, I know I was also on the wait list for it myself at one time and researched it ALOT. NO ONE HAS DIED FROM LAP BAND

change is what the fear is ..... think about it your on a verge of a life change thats scary as hell!!! You will look back and realize what a great choice you have made to change your life , Im just over 6 months out and its changed MY LIFE ALOT!! good luck