Why did you choose the Lap Band Vs. Gastric Bypass (Rny) surgery ? Just curious. I am trying to decide what is best for me.

I went with the band for a variety of reasons: I am a volume eater, the band is great for people like me. I was not willing to remove and/or do a major re routing of my insides. I wanted a surgery that was relatively easy on my bod and an easier recovery. I love the thought that I can adjust my band so that my WLS is totally customized to my specific needs. Can't do that with a VSG or RNY. Finally, this is meant to be permanent, and that was my attitude going in. However, should I ever need to reverse my surgery for any very good reason it can be done. I would not have that option with other surgeries.

These are just a few of my own reasons for my personal choice. Everyone is different and has different needs and goals and need to weigh all of the pros and cons of ALL WLS types and make the best choice for themselves.

I needed a tool. The band is a good one. But like with any tool it requires a qualified operator. I felt like the other surgeries were intended to be more "fixes", giving me less control which I need and need to learn to use to its fullest. Just me.

My sister had gastric bypass In 2005. Starting weight 257. Her current weight is now 110-120. She had many, many episodes for years after GB. She needs Iron transfusions and suffers from dumping a LOT. She had scar tissue that required her to need surgeries.

My cousins mother in law had lapband, rejected it and after removal, had GB. She would have rather had LB because she had medical issues from GB.

Everyone is different though. I know people who were banded and had gastric. Some successful, some with issues.

I was a low BMI patient. My doctor asked similar questions and suggested the band for me. I was leaning that way so it was an easy choice for me.

I had settled in at 230 lbs for about 8 years. I'd vacillate between 198-235 depending on winter and summer. I wasn't a binge eater, I wasn't a big sweets consumer, I just averaged eating about 500 calories too much every day. The band seemed like the logical choice for me and I'm very happy.

Today is my 2 year bandiversary btw.

tmf

Happy Bandiversary, tmf!! Congrats