"As The World (of Obesity) Turns"....

NewSho · October 30, 2006

I often visit the Main Chat Room of ObesityHelp. The site has great information and its chat room gets a lot of traffic. Recently more and more pre-op and newbie Bandsters have mentioned that they feel like the O.H. ChatRoom is "Anti-Band."

I have no problem with a primarily-RnY Chat Room (I have more in common with someone who had RnY than I do with someone who has never had any WLS) but I admit that as more Bandsters come in, I do hear more anti-Band or ignorant-about-the-Band statements. So I spend time with chat room visitors, giving authentic band info.

Well, I've taken more flack in the last couple of weeks from the Bypassives - which is what I call the rabid fanatics who insist that any surgery other than a bypass type is worthless - who have given me heck for standing up for the LapBand.

Well get this. Our own Dr.Pleatman (whose rather ambivalent feelings about the LapBand has been well documented here :rolleyes ) was in the Chat Room earlier tonight. Basically, those in the chat room were privy to hearing a WLS surgeon who grudgingly performs some bands, to enumerate why he doesn't care for the bands. (Gee, who is it who is paying this doc to do their bands when it's obvious he has no faith in LapBanding? He seems like a very competant surgeon, frankly, but if he prefers RnY bypass, why doesn't he just perform all bypasses, like many other WLS docs only do? I never understood that. Maybe those pesky LapBands are good business, eh?)

Anyway, a Pre-Op visitor came in and asked the surgeon - "I'm torn between the LapBand and the RnY. Any suggestions on questions I should ask my doctor?"

And Pleatman said

"I favor RNY as it is more reliable than the band."

Oh, great. Just what they wanted to hear. I do respect his opinion, but talk about fuel for a fire.

Oh well, the Bypassives were so excited to hear that. It made their day. However, they didn't get to enjoy the moment long. See us poor, misinformed LapBanders :mad: were thankfully upstaged by Dr. P making a comment that doctors who only perform Open Surgeries (like Open RnY) are doing it because they aren't well trained on Laproscopic technique. WHEW! Did the sparks fly when he said that!

I just sit back and watch them argue amongst themselves on that one. :guess

See next to the "Bypass is better than band" constant refrain, another great ObesityHelp ChatRoom rivalry is the "Open Surgery is better than Lap Surgery" debate. Man, do they get fired up about that argument. :phanvan

I don't get it - why can't everyone just be happy about their surgery? I respect all Weight Loss Surgeries - and if one didn't work, I'm glad there are other choices. But there are always those who like to argue that their way is the only way. But in between bickering, there is genuine concern and positivity towards Weight Loss Surgery. Sometimes though, It's like a Soap Opera - but in real-time and via the Internet.

That's why I call it "As The World (of ObesityHelp) Turns..."

KariK · October 30, 2006

Laughing Laughing Laughing

I totally agree with you. It seems like people just 'have' to believe that whatever they do is the 'best'. There is no one 'best' thing for everyone. We are all unique. RNY, especially open surgery, would not even be an option for me. Id rather be fat at this stage in my life. But thats just MY oppinion about whats best for ME. I don't know why sometimes people are so closed minded. You really summed it all up well though lol. Good post!

CCBSTX · October 30, 2006

Newsho, I agree with you on why a surgeon would do a surgery that he doesn't "believe" in? Of course, it has everything to do with finances.

I'm sure you must have some-kind-of-patience to go in that chat room and hear the misinformation and blatant grandstanding of RNY!

I am a well-rounded bandster. I understand that we are fortunate to have choices in weight loss. I also understand that it is a battle that is hard fought. I support people in their weight loss battles. However, I have been privy to a weight loss "support" group full of RNY's that insisted that they were the only route to go....Some support.

Shawn

NewSho · October 31, 2006

Thanks, everyone.

I honestly feel as if I can bring some positive info for Bandsters who wander into the ObesityHelp chat room. And I do work to fight 'mis-information' and now when pre-Bandsters or Newbies come in, the chat room regulars often point them in my direction.

So there is some progress... but sometimes it feels like an uphill fight! :rolleyes

lisah25 · October 31, 2006

Keep up the good fight!:clap2:

I remember reading somewhere from a RNYer that she was sick and tired of all the mis-information out there about her surgery, then she turned around and said she couldn't have had a lap-band because she didn't want a port sticking out of her skin.:faint:

jcbydesign · October 31, 2006

I never go to OH Main board...most of OH is RNY oriented. Go to the OH Lap band forum. You'll like it much better and their is a lot of activity there.

KariK · November 1, 2006

You guys I went to OH twice on two differant occasions and I was hit on, by some wierd guys wanting to have cyber sex! OMG lol. I don't recommend that site! yuck yuck. Maybe I just had bad luck though.. but what are the odds???