Dietitian talking me out of the lapband, should I listen?

[OllieGator 0]

It has taken me over 6 months to come to the decision that I wanted to make the life commitment of getting the lapband. I was very excited, and my family was hesitate at first but now they are on board and supportative after speaking with the doctor, which was very important to me. Everything was going right and on track, until the day of my pre-op.

We first met with the dietitian who spoke to us about our diet regimen and afterwards I spoke with her privately to get more information about the diet. However, she was so negative about the Lap Band that I started to develop doubts. She told me to call her later to speak with her privately after I spoke with the doctor.

The doctor put me back at ease and answered all the questions I had doubts with. But then I called the dietitian and she kept telling me that she has seen more patients fail then succeed with the Lap Band and as a result have had to take the band out to get gastric done.

I'm really confused right now. The last thing I want from this procedure is to have more surgeries and to do more damage to my body. I was very excited about the surgery but now I'm having major doubts. My surgery is in two weeks and I am at a crossroads. I know that the dietitian is trying to look out for me, but I'm not sure what her motives really are. I'm wondering if she has only seen the patients that don't know what else to do and go to her if their Lap Band is not working.

Any advice especially from Lap Banders who have had success or haven't. I really need some help right now. Thanks for those who respond!

[SpecialK 22]

I'm sorry but I think that is totally inappropriate for the dietician to be counseling you against lapband and raising doubts when your own doctor and your family has thoughtfully considered this as well as you yourself. I would disregard what she said as I am wondering what her motivation was.. was she trying to talk you into RNY or VSG or just talk you out of WLS all together?

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Does that dietitian work with/for your doctor? I agree its inappropriate. I say ignore her. The statistics are there for lap band; she obviously doesn't know what she's talking about. And as a dietitian she should be RELUCTANT to push GBS because of its malabsorption issues. I think she's a quack and you need to tell your surgeon she is undermining him that way.

[crzytchr 3]

:cursing:The dietitian should not have tried to talk you out of it. Her job is to counsel you on the regimen you are supposed to follow prior to and after surgery. Your dr needs to be aware of what she is doing.

Gastric bypass does allow you to lose more weight quickly, but the surgery has more risks and the weight loss is from malabsorption.

You DO have to work harder to lose weight with the band. You have to be willing to eat less, slower, chew thoroughly, and make good food choices. When you reach proper restriction you shouldn't be able to consume more than a cup of food, so you should choose your food wisely. If you understand this and don't expect the band to do the work for you, then the band is a good choice.

Only you know for sure what is best, because only YOU can decide how much work you are willing to do.

[watermelon seeds 0]

It has taken me over 6 months to come to the decision that I wanted to make the life commitment of getting the lapband. I was very excited, and my family was hesitate at first but now they are on board and supportative after speaking with the doctor, which was very important to me. Everything was going right and on track, until the day of my pre-op.

We first met with the dietitian who spoke to us about our diet regimen and afterwards I spoke with her privately to get more information about the diet. However, she was so negative about the Lap Band that I started to develop doubts. She told me to call her later to speak with her privately after I spoke with the doctor.

The doctor put me back at ease and answered all the questions I had doubts with. But then I called the dietitian and she kept telling me that she has seen more patients fail then succeed with the Lap Band and as a result have had to take the band out to get gastric done.

I'm really confused right now. The last thing I want from this procedure is to have more surgeries and to do more damage to my body. I was very excited about the surgery but now I'm having major doubts. My surgery is in two weeks and I am at a crossroads. I know that the dietitian is trying to look out for me, but I'm not sure what her motives really are. I'm wondering if she has only seen the patients that don't know what else to do and go to her if their Lap Band is not working.

Any advice especially from Lap Banders who have had success or haven't. I really need some help right now. Thanks for those who respond!

I am so sorry that the she was trying to talk you out of it especially after the Doc answered all your questions. Now from what i've heard is that if your BMI is really high that Gastric might be better for a person that size and if a person has a lot of health problems and need to get the weight off faster that gastric is the way to go. Now I was told that information from a lady at one my nutritionist meetings. I don't know how true it is but talk to your Doc and as him to be honest and tell you wich one best fits your situation. Stay strong and remember you have to live with your ultimate decision.

[Carrie_C 9]

She shouldn't be trying to talk you out of it. There are people who fail, but there are also many people who succeed. There are many examples of people here who have lost hundreds of pounds. People can fail at any WLS. I have seen many people lose weight with gastric bypass only to regain it back.

[maryrose 2]

I would put a call into the doctor and tell them you want to talk to him directly. He needs to know what the dietitian is recommending to you. If you can't get him ask for the Director/Manager.

I would be very upset about this situation also. That is not her place.

I was actually told I would be a better candidate for the bypass because I graze all the time, but it was ultimately my decision to go with the band.

I have lost 80 lbs. for far. I feel I made the right decision.

Edited September 13, 2008 by maryrose
ticker updated

[Kathy JB 0]

OllieGator...

I spoke to a dietician who had not worked with a lot of bariatric patients. She was a little negative, too, but not as much as yours. She was not sold on Lap Band because most of the patients she had seen had not followed the program closely, nor gotten exercise. She readily admitted that her perspective was a bit skewed because she just saw the "problem children." I hope to be a better example of how well lap band works.

Good luck...

[MissMom24 2]

The decision is yours and yours alone. Don't let a dietician try to talk you out of it. Only you know if this is the right choice for you!

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[OllieGator 0]

Thank you all for your advice. You put my mind at ease. I am feeling much better than I did yesterday thanks to your support . I know I can do this and I am ready to change my life. God bless!

[lovegrapes 0]

The dietician who spoke at my initial education day told me that bandidng was ineffective and that they didn't offer that service and refused to answer my question. I just ignored her since I work in the inpatient setting with my surgeon and his PA and they told me otherwise! There are three dieticians at my office and I just refuse to see this particular one.

The bottom line is that it is your choice! Any weight loss surgery is hard work. I'm only 6 weeks out and have no restriction. The band has made me incredibly mindful of what I am putting into my body. I eat to fuel my protien needs and allow fruits and vegetables and an occasional treat. I've had to modify my behavior to fit my band.

If you feel you are fully informed, know your foods, know what it may be like after the band and you are satisfied with and resolved to the fact that you will have to make behavioral changes to make this tool work giving the band a good honest go this is for you.

If you are sure of this be determined and don't let this individual get in your way. Just be fully informed and make sure you are making the best choice.

[BLUEZBANDIT 0]

There would be hundreds of people on this site who would prove your dietician wrong. Go for it!

[heartfire 4]

I agree that you need to let your surgeon know that she is undermining him and his patients. Both he and his patients at this point understand the process (I hope!) and it is up to him and his patients as to the procedure they are going to be doing. NOT her! I would be madder than hell!